How To Install Windows On Pcie Ssd? 10 Steps!

Installing Windows on a PCIe SSD (Solid State Drive) can significantly boost your computer’s performance and reduce boot times. PCIe SSDs are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives, making them an excellent choice for your operating system.

We will walk you through the process of installing Windows on a PCIe SSD. With the right preparation and careful execution, you can enjoy the benefits of lightning-fast system responsiveness and quicker application loading times.

Table of Contents

Installing Windows on PCIe SSD: Step-by-Step

Requirements

Before you start, ensure you have the following:

A PCIe SSD installed in your computer.
A Windows installation USB or DVD.

Your computer’s motherboard supports booting from a PCIe SSD.

Step 1: Backup Data

It’s essential to back up your data on an external drive to avoid data loss during the installation.

Step 2: Prepare Windows Installation Media

Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.

Use the tool to create a bootable USB drive or burn a Windows installation DVD.

Step 3: Insert Installation Media

Insert the bootable USB drive or DVD into your computer.

Step 4: Boot from Installation Media

Restart your computer.

Enter the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the designated key (often Del, F2, or F12) during startup.
Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive or DVD drive.
Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.

Step 5: Start Windows Installation

Your computer will now boot from the installation media.
Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the Windows installation.
Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences.

Step 6: Install Windows on PCIe SSD

Click “Install Now.”
Enter your Windows product key when prompted.
Read and accept the license terms.

Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”

Step 7: Select the PCIe SSD

You’ll see a list of drives. Select your PCIe SSD.
Click “Next” to start the installation.

Step 8: Complete Windows Setup

Follow the setup prompts, including creating a user account and setting your preferences.
Once setup is complete, Windows will boot from your PCIe SSD.

Step 9: Install Drivers and Updates

After Windows is up and running, install the necessary drivers for your hardware.

Download and install Windows updates to ensure your system is secure and up-to-date.

Step 10: Restore Data

Transfer your backed-up data from your external drive back to your new Windows installation.

Remember to back up any important data before proceeding with the Windows installation. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful installation of Windows on your PCIe SSD.

Preparing Your Pcie Ssd

Learn how to easily install Windows on your PCIe SSD with these simple steps. Get your SSD prepared and optimized for a smooth and efficient installation process.

Choose The Right Pcie Ssd

Consider the SSD form factor: Choose an SSD form factor compatible with your motherboard and storage needs, such as M.2, U.2, or add-in cards (AIC).
Check the interface and speed: Ensure your motherboard supports the same PCIe generation as your chosen SSD and assess its speed in GB/s for faster data transfer.

Evaluate the storage capacity: Select an SSD capacity that comfortably accommodates your operating system, applications, and files.

Set Up The Pcie Ssd Properly

Open your computer case: Turn off your computer, unplug the power cable, and remove the side panel to access your motherboard.
Locate the PCIe slot: Refer to your motherboard manual to identify the appropriate PCIe slot for your SSD.

Insert the SSD into the slot: Gently place your PCIe SSD into the chosen slot, ensuring proper alignment, and secure it with mounting screws.
Connect the power and data cables: Attach the necessary power and data cables to your SSD and motherboard.

Update Firmware If Necessary

Check for firmware updates: Visit the SSD manufacturer’s website to see if any firmware updates are available.

Follow the firmware update instructions: Carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for updating the firmware, typically involving a provided firmware update tool.
Backup your data: It’s essential to back up your data before proceeding with any firmware update to avoid data loss.

By following these steps and consulting your motherboard and SSD manuals for specific instructions, you’ll be well-prepared to install Windows on your newly installed PCIe SSD, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience.

Creating A Bootable USB Drive

Learn how to create a bootable USB drive to install Windows on a PCIe SSD effortlessly. This step-by-step guide provides a simple and effective solution to help you smoothly complete the installation process.

Download Windows Iso File:

To install Windows on a PCIe SSD, the first step is to download the Windows ISO file from the official Microsoft website.

Follow these instructions to download the ISO file:

Visit the Microsoft website and navigate to the Windows download page.
Select the desired version of Windows (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11) and click on the download link.
Choose the language and edition that you want to install.

After selecting the options, click on the “Download” button to initiate the download process.
Save the downloaded ISO file to a location on your computer for later use.

Format Usb Drive:

Before creating a bootable USB drive, it is crucial to format the USB drive correctly.

Here’s how to format the USB drive:

Connect the USB drive to your computer’s USB port.
Open the File Explorer (Windows Explorer) and locate the USB drive.

Right-click on the USB drive and select the “Format” option from the context menu.
In the format dialog box, choose the appropriate file system (typically FAT32 or NTFS) and set the allocation unit size.
Ensure that the “Quick Format” option is selected to expedite the formatting process.

Click on the “Start” button to begin formatting the USB drive.
Wait for the formatting process to complete successfully.

Create Bootable USB Using Windows Media Creation Tool:

Once you have downloaded the Windows ISO file and formatted the USB drive, you can proceed to create a bootable USB drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool.

Follow these guidelines:

Download and install the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
Open the Windows Media Creation Tool and accept the license terms.

Select the “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC” option and click on the “Next” button.
Choose the preferred language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) for your Windows installation.
Select the “USB flash drive” option and click on the “Next” button.

Choose the USB drive that you previously formatted and click on the “Next” button.
Wait for the Windows Media Creation Tool to download the necessary files and create the bootable USB drive.
Once the process is complete, you will have a bootable USB drive ready for installing Windows on your PCIe SSD.

By following these instructions, you can easily create a bootable USB drive for installing Windows on your PCIe SSD. Remember to double-check all steps to ensure a smooth installation process.

Configuring Windows

Learn how to effortlessly install Windows on a PCIe SSD with these step-by-step instructions. Upgrade your system’s performance and enjoy faster boot times and file transfers with this simple configuration process.

Complete Windows Installation Process:

To fully utilize your newly installed PCIe SSD, it is crucial to go through the necessary steps of setting up Windows correctly.

Here’s a concise breakdown of the complete Windows installation process:

Insert the Windows installation media (CD/DVD or USB) into your computer.
Follow the on-screen instructions to boot from the installation media.

Select your preferred language, time, and currency format.
Click “Install Now” to begin the installation process.
Accept the license terms and click “Next.”

Update Drivers And Software:

After completing the Windows installation, it’s essential to update your drivers and software for optimal functionality.

Here are the steps you should follow:

Open the Device Manager and look for any devices marked with an exclamation mark or showing errors.

Right-click on the device and select “Update driver” to download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
Similarly, update any software applications or utilities related to your PCIe SSD to ensure compatibility and performance.

Optimize Windows Settings For Pcie Ssd:

To maximize the potential of your PCIe SSD, it’s crucial to optimize the Windows settings specifically for this type of storage.

Here are some key settings you should consider adjusting:

Enable TRIM: TRIM helps maintain the performance and longevity of your PCIe SSD. To enable TRIM, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type in the command “fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0,” then press Enter.

Disable Superfetch: Superfetch prefetches data from your hard drive, which may not be necessary with a fast PCIe SSD. To disable Superfetch, open the Services application, locate “Superfetch,” right-click on it, choose “Properties,” set the startup type to “Disabled,” and click “OK.”

Adjust power plan: By configuring the power plan settings, you can ensure that your PCIe SSD operates optimally. Access the Power Options in the Control Panel and select the “High performance” power plan.

Disable hibernation: If you don’t frequently use hibernation, disabling it can free up precious SSD space. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type in the command “powercfg /hibernate off,” then press Enter.

By following these steps, you can configure Windows to make the most out of your PCIe SSD, enhancing both speed and reliability.

Is It Necessary to Follow All 10 Steps to Install Windows on a PCIe SSD?

Installing PCIe SSD on PC can greatly enhance your system’s performance. While following all 10 steps to install Windows on a PCIe SSD is recommended, it may not be necessary for everyone. Depending on your technical expertise and requirements, you may choose to skip certain steps. However, following the complete installation process ensures optimal results and a seamless experience with your new SSD.

Transferring Data To Pcie Ssd

Learn how to effortlessly transfer data to a PCIe SSD and install Windows on it for faster and more efficient computing. Experience lightning-fast speeds and enhanced performance with this simple step-by-step guide.

Migrate User Data And Files From Previous Storage Device:

Begin by backing up all the important data and files from your current storage device to ensure no data loss during the transfer process.

Connect the PCIe SSD to your computer using the appropriate slot or adapter.
Open the File Explorer and locate your previous storage device.
Copy all the necessary user data and files from the previous storage device and paste them into a temporary folder on your computer.

Once the copying process is complete, disconnect the previous storage device.

Install Necessary Applications And Software:

Before proceeding, make sure to download the drivers for the PCIe SSD from the manufacturer’s website and keep them ready for installation.
Restart your computer to prepare for the installation process.

Access the BIOS settings by pressing the designated key during the computer’s startup process.
In the BIOS, navigate to the boot order and select the PCIe SSD as the primary boot device.
Save the changes made in the BIOS and exit.

Installing Windows On The Pcie Ssd:

Insert the Windows installation media (USB or DVD) into your computer and restart it.
Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the Windows installation process.
When prompted to select the installation location, choose the PCIe SSD.

Proceed with the installation, following the prompts for language, time zone, and other preferences.
After the installation is complete, restart your computer and remove the installation media.

Finalizing The Installation:

Once your computer restarts, go to the manufacturer’s website and download any necessary drivers and software for the PCIe SSD.

Install the downloaded drivers and software according to the provided instructions.
Verify that the PCIe SSD is recognized by your computer and functioning properly.
Transfer the user data and files from the temporary folder on your computer to the appropriate directories on the PCIe SSD.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows on your PCIe SSD and migrated your data.

Remember to personalize your Windows settings, install additional applications, and ensure that your computer is up to date with the latest updates and security patches.

As part of any data migration or installation process, it is always recommended to have a backup of your important files and data to avoid any potential loss.

Conclusion

Installing Windows on a PCIe SSD can greatly enhance the performance and speed of your computer. It provides faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and improved overall system responsiveness.

By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly install Windows on your PCIe SSD and leverage its full potential. Remember to start by backing up your data and ensuring that your SSD is compatible with your system.

Then, make sure to properly format and partition the SSD before proceeding with the installation. After that, you can use the Windows installation media to install the operating system on the SSD. Finally, don’t forget to configure the BIOS settings to prioritize the SSD as the boot drive.

How to Install Windows on Pcie Ssd? 10 Steps!