How to Upgrade eMMC to M.2 [Step-by-Step Guide]

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Sherly 

Updated on April 22, 2024

Overview of how to upgrade from eMMC to an M.2 SSD:

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Can eMMC be replaced by M.2? Which one is better? Tools has noticed that many users are asking this question. There is a real scenario discussed on Quora:

Of course, you can. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions to assist you in converting eMMC to M.2.

eMMC is restricted to consumer digital services and ultra-mobile applications. It lacks multiple flash chips, fast interfaces, firmware, and high-end hardware.

Thus, for faster transfer speeds and greater capacity, M.2 is the better option. This ensures a smooth gaming experience and ample storage for users. It's also ideal for booting the operating system and handling extremely large files. Now, let's delve into how to replace eMMC with an M.2 module.

Step 1. Connect the M.2 to Your PC

Physically install the M.2 drive by placing it into a case or connecting it to a USB-to-SATA adapter. Then, use a USB cable to connect the M.2 SSD to your PC or laptop.

Step 2: Clone eMMC to M.2

To upgrade from eMMC to M.2, the most efficient method is to utilize a tool like tools Partition Master. With its "Clone" feature, you can seamlessly upgrade from eMMC to M.2 without any data loss. This tool allows you to migrate the entire operating system along with other data from the old eMMC to a new M.2 SSD. Its user-friendly interface makes it straightforward to use, even for those without extensive computer knowledge. Download the software on your computer and give it a try.

Before we begin, please read the notice below:

Let's learn how to use Partition Master to clone eMMC to M.2:

Step 1. Select the source disk.

Click "Clone" from the left menu. Select either "Clone OS Disk" or "Clone Data Disk" and click "Next". Choose the source disk and click "Next".

Step 2. Select the target disk.

• Select the desired HDD/SSD as your destination and click "Next" to proceed.
• Read the warning message and confirm by clicking the "Yes" button.

Step 3. View the disk layout and edit the target disk partition size.

Then click “Continue” when the program warns that it will erase all data on the target disk. (If you have valuable data on the target disk, back it up beforehand.)

You can choose "Autofit the disk," "Clone as the source," or "Edit disk layout" to customize your disk arrangement. (Select the last option if you wish to allocate more space to the C drive.)

Step 4. Click "Start" to begin the disk cloning process.

Next, Partition Master tool migrated all the data to the M.2. Now, let's explore more features of this tool:

• Upgrade HDD to SSD
• Upgrade Steam Deck SSD
• Add storage to Steam Deck/PS5
• Clone SSD to a larger one
• Initialize a hard drive or an SSD

Download this tool to facilitate your hard drive or SSD upgrade, ensuring that no data is lost in the process.

Stage 3: Replace eMMC with M.2

After migrating the data, you can proceed to replace the old eMMC with an M.2. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Shut down the computer or laptop and remove the rear panel.

Turn off the laptop, unplug the power adapter, and disconnect any other cables connected to it, including the M.2 drive you just mentioned. Next, unscrew the back panel and remove it to gain access to your eMMC drive.

Step 2. Remove the eMMC from your PC. Instead, install the SSD and mount it on the rear panel.

Stage 4. Boot from M.2

As mentioned earlier, you need to modify the boot order in BIOS to ensure that Windows (if it was originally installed on the old eMMC and cloned to the M.2) boots from the M.2 SSD. To change the boot device order, please follow these steps:

Step 1. To access the BIOS, restart your computer and press F2, F8, or Del.

Step 2. In the Boot Priority section of the Boot menu, set the M.2 as the boot drive.

Step 3. To finish, save your changes and exit.

Following these four steps, you have successfully upgraded from eMMC to an M.2 drive. In the next section, we will discuss the reasons for replacing eMMC with M.2. Keep reading.

Why Upgrade from eMMC to M.2?

Though eMMC is inexpensive, compact, power-efficient, quiet, and robust, it is commonly employed in smartphones, tablets, and some budget notebook computers. However, when compared to M.2, eMMC lacks advantages in terms of transfer speed and capacity options.

Without firmware, multiple flash chips, high-quality hardware, and fast interfaces, eMMC is limited to ultra-portable and consumer digital devices.

In any case, M.2 offers a relatively larger capacity and faster transfer speed. Compared to eMMC, it is the optimal choice for full-featured laptops and desktops, whether it's for booting the operating system, gaming, processing large files, or storing large amounts of data, as it can provide a superior user experience. To learn more about the differences between eMMC and M.2 SSD, please click on the link below.

eMMC vs. SSD: What's The Difference and How to Replace eMMC with SSD

We compared eMMC vs. SSD in key areas including storage components, capacity, cost, speed, usage, and performance.

With the guide above, you should be able to smoothly replace your eMMC with an M.2 drive. If this article was helpful, please share it to assist more users.

Conclusion

Users might wish to switch from eMMC to M.2 for increased storage capacity and faster performance. So, is it possible to upgrade eMMC to SSD without much hassle? Absolutely, it's feasible, and not overly complicated. All that's required is a reliable cloning tool, a qualified M.2 SSD, and other necessary installation equipment. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide. By following the tutorial, you can effortlessly perform the eMMC upgrade. Following the replacement, you can still utilize tools like Partition Master to manage your new M.2 SSD, for tasks such as:

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Upgrade eMMC to M.2 FAQs

Translating the text into English: Upgrading from eMMC to an M.2 NVMe SSD can be a straightforward process with our guide, but we've also included some additional common issues to assist you. Please read the following content:

< strong > 1. Can eMMC be upgraded?

Certainly, with a reliable disk cloning tool, you can also upgrade the eMMC to an SSD. An SSD typically offers more options in terms of storage capacity and delivers faster read/write speeds.

**2. How do I transfer my Windows OS from eMMC to an SSD?**

You might require a dependable disk cloning utility, such as Partition Master. This tool can clone the operating system from eMMC to an SSD. Here's how it's done:

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant and navigate to the Disk Clone section.

Step 2. Select the "Migrate OS" option and click "Next."

Step 3. Choose the destination where you want to migrate the OS to.

Step 4. Click "Next" and then "Yes" to proceed with the migration.

< strong > 3. Is M.2 NVMe faster than eMMC?

Yes, eMMC stands for Embedded Multi Media Card, which is similar to an SD card but is soldered directly onto the PCB (Printed Circuit Board). Consequently, eMMCs are more affordable, slower, and have less capacity compared to SSDs. They also cannot be easily replaced without specialized soldering tools. On the other hand, NVMe is a type of SSD (Solid State Drive) that utilizes PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface instead of SATA, enabling much higher data transfer speeds.