How to Install an M.2 SSD [Beginner's Guide⭐]

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Linda 

Updated on April 19, 2024

In the contemporary era, computers are expected to be swift and efficient. Users desire rapid data retrieval, seamless multitasking capabilities, and prompt application launches. Technology has evolved to meet these requirements, and for Windows users, one effective solution is to install a dependable SSD to boost system performance. This guide will offer a comprehensive explanation and tutorial on installing an M.2 SSD. Furthermore, we will delve into the benefits of incorporating an M.2 SSD into your setup. Therefore, please read and follow this concise guide in its entirety.

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How to Install an M.2 SSD: A Step-by-Step Guide

It's good to know that before purchasing an M.2 SSD, you should ensure that your motherboard is compatible with it. Most recent motherboards do support M.2 SSDs, but if your computer is a few years old, you might need to stick with conventional SSDs. To confirm compatibility, consult your motherboard's manual or search for your motherboard model online.

Search for an M.2 slot, which is a small raised connector that resembles a thin cable port. It's distinctive and easy to locate. Once you've confirmed that your PC or laptop has an M.2 slot, proceed to install an M.2 SSD on your Windows PC. We'll guide you through the process without reformatting your C drive in Windows 7. Here's a brief overview of what you'll need to prepare beforehand:

"Preparation for Installing an M.2 SSD"

Before starting the installation, gather the following items:

Here are the translations in English:
• Your Windows computer.
Your Windows computer.
• The screwdriver is set to unscrew.
The screwdriver is configured for unscrewing.
• The M.2 SSD that you want to install.
The M.2 SSD you wish to install.
• A smartphone or another device to access additional instructions (if needed).
A smartphone or another device to access extra instructions (if necessary).
• Partition Master is a powerful and user-friendly partitioning tool that will make the process easier.
Partition Master is a powerful yet user-friendly partition management tool that simplifies the process.

Phase 1: Install the M.2 SSD

After gathering all the necessary tools and resources, you'll need to install the SSD on your PC. In this stage, we'll guide you through the process of physically installing or inserting your M.2 SSD into your computer or laptop.

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Disconnect your PC from the power source and open the case. Unscrew the side of your case to access the motherboard.

< strong > Step 2. < /strong > Find the M.2 slot. The M.2 slot might be located behind your GPU, as it is on the Z490 Unify.

Find the M.2 SSD slot on the computer case

Step 3. Remove one if the motherboard has integrated heatsinks before installing an M.2 SSD. Unscrew it and set it aside temporarily.

Unscrew and take out the slot

Step 4. Locate your M.2 SSD slot, remove the screw, and insert the SSD diagonally.

Insert the M.2 SSD

Step 5. Screw it back in, using it to secure the M.2 SSD in place. The M.2 drive has a small semicircular hole, so you'll see exactly where the screw goes.

< strong > Step 6. < /strong> Once the physical installation is done, reassemble the hardware components.

Phase 2: Initialize the M.2 SSD

It must be initialized to ensure the proper functionality of your M.2 SSD drive. We recommend utilizing a tool like Partition Master Pro for a streamlined initialization process. This software provides a range of features that can simplify the initialization and enhance your overall SSD management experience.

Advantages of Partition Master tools:

Compared to other methods, Partition Master provides several advantages:

These phrases translated into English are:
• User-friendly interface
• Safe and risk-free
• Time-saving operation
• Comprehensive features

Let's explore how to efficiently and effectively initialize your M.2 SSD using the tool Partition Master.

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Launch tools Partition Master and go to Partition Manager.

Step 2. Right-click the target disk - HDD or SSD and select "Initialize to MBR" or "Initialize to GPT". Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to save the changes.

0:00-0:18 Initialize to MBR; 0:19-0:44 Initialize to GPT;

Features of Partition Master tools:

Here are the translations of the provided text into English:
• Resize/Move partitions without data loss.
Resize or move partitions without losing any data.
• Clone your OS and migrate to another drive or PC.
Clone your operating system and transfer it to another drive or computer.
• Format the disk to another file system like NTFS.
Format the disk to change its file system to NTFS or another format.
• Merge partitions into one.
Combine multiple partitions into a single partition.
• Wipe data on your hard drives.
Erase all data from your hard drives securely.

Download this all-inclusive tool to enhance your disk management efficiency:

Bonus Tip: How to Partition a New M.2 SSD? Here's a brief guide on how to partition a new M.2 SSD in Windows: 1. **Connect the SSD**: Insert the M.2 SSD into your computer's M.2 slot, ensuring it fits securely. 2. **Boot into Windows**: Start your computer and log in to Windows. 3. **Open Disk Management**: Right-click on the Windows Start button and select "Disk Management" from the context menu. 4. **Initialize the Disk**: In Disk Management, you'll see the new SSD as "Unallocated" space. Right-click on it and choose "Initialize Disk." Select the appropriate partition style (MBR or GPT) based on your system requirements and click "OK." 5. **Create a Partition**: Right-click on the "Unallocated" space and select "New Simple Volume." Follow the prompts in the New Simple Volume Wizard, allocating the desired size for the partition. Leave the default settings unless you have specific requirements. 6. **Format the Partition**: In the wizard, choose the file system (usually NTFS for Windows), assign a drive letter if needed, and set the allocation unit size (default is usually fine). Click "Next" and then "Finish" to format the partition. 7. **Verify and Use the SSD**: After formatting, the SSD should be ready to use. Check that the new drive appears in File Explorer, and you can start transferring files or installing programs. Remember that partitioning an SSD may vary slightly depending on your system and software. Always make sure to back up important data before making changes to your storage devices.

Initializing the SSD ensures that your system acknowledges it, whereas partitioning enables you to create distinct storage compartments for various purposes, enhancing organization and data management.

For this purpose, you can also use the tool Partition Master. It excels in SSD initialization and provides a user-friendly way to create, resize, and manage partitions on your new M.2 SSD.

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, go to Partition Manager and click “Partition this disk” on the pop-up New Disk Wizard window.

Step 2. Specify the number of partitions you want to create and set the partition style for your disk - MBR or GPT.

Alternatively, you can accept the default settings proposed by Partition Master. When ready, click “Proceed”.

Step 3. Click “Execute 1 Task” and “Apply” to complete the partitioning of your new HDD/SSD or external drive.

If you encounter any startup issues with your computer after installing the M.2 SSD, you can refer to the following tutorial for troubleshooting:

How to Fix PC Not Booting After Installing M2 SSD

This article explains why your PC fails to boot after installing an M.2 SSD and offers several effective solutions to resolve the problem.

Benefits of Installing an M.2 SSD

Installing an M.2 SSD is an appealing and suitable choice for many users, owing to the reliability of the M.2 SSD performance. This is because they provide various advantages, such as substantial storage capacity and faster speeds compared to conventional hard drives.

Let's examine the significant advantages of an M.2 SSD:

Larger Storage: It offers ample storage capacity, enabling the storage of large amounts of data, hefty multimedia files, and applications.

Enhanced Performance: It offers faster read and write speeds, so your applications load quickly, and your PC or laptop operates swiftly.

Faster Speed: M.2 SSDs offer lightning-fast data transfer rates, minimizing software load times, improving boot-up speed, and enhancing your overall computing experience.

Competitive Price: Despite their outstanding performance, M.2 SSDs are offered at competitive prices and are affordable.

These advantages make M.2 SSDs appealing to those looking to boost their system's capabilities.

Conclusion

Adopting an M.2 SSD upgrade is a wise choice for elevating your computing performance to new heights. You'll reap the incredible benefits of increased speed, improved efficiency, and vast storage capacity. To facilitate this process, we strongly suggest utilizing Partition Master software. This tool streamlines the installation and enables efficient SSD management, making it even more user-friendly.

Therefore, don't hesitate to embark on this transformative journey. Enhance your laptop/computer with an M.2 SSD and witness the remarkable enhancements in your computing performance. With Partition Master at your disposal, this transition has never been more accessible or rewarding. Elevate your computing potential starting today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing an M.2 SSD

If you have more queries about how to install an M.2 SSD, find your desired answer in the FAQs below.

< strong >1. Why doesn't the BIOS recognize my M.2 SSD?< / strong >

There are several reasons why your BIOS might not recognize your M.2 SSD:

• The M.2 SSD is incompatible with your motherboard
Translation: The M.2 SSD is not compatible with your motherboard
• The M.2 SSD is not installed correctly
Translation: The M.2 SSD has not been installed properly
• The BIOS is not configured correctly
Translation: The BIOS is not correctly configured

< strong >2. How to fix an M.2 SSD not showing up?< /strong >

If your M.2 SSD is not appearing in your BIOS, here are a few solutions to attempt:

Make sure the M.2 SSD is installed properly. Enable M.2 support in the BIOS. Update your BIOS. Verify the compatibility of your M.2 SSD with your motherboard.

Click the following article to learn more details about the instructions: Please note that the provided text is already in English. If you need translation for another language, please specify the target language.

3. How do I enable an M.2 SSD in the BIOS?

To enable M.2 support in your BIOS, follow these steps:

Step 1. Restart your PC/laptop and enter the BIOS.

Step 2. Use the BIOS navigation keys to locate the "SATA Configuration" or "Storage" menu.

Step 3. Find the setting for M.2 support and enable it.

Step 4. Save your changes and exit the BIOS.