How to Use M.2 SSD as External Storage [Complete Guide]

Updated by

Tracy King 

Written by

Cici 

Updated on May 10, 2024

M.2 SSDs were initially intended for internal usage in laptops and desktop computers. They offer a speedier and more dependable alternative to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). Despite their compact size, M.2 SSDs have gained popularity due to their space-saving design and swift read and write capabilities. Consequently, they have become a favored choice for external storage solutions.

Whether you need to expand your laptop's storage capacity or quickly transfer large files, utilizing an M.2 SSD as external storage can be a game-changing solution. This article will delve into how to use an M.2 SSD as external storage. We'll discuss the essential hardware and accessories, examine different connectivity options, and provide guidance on setting up your M.2 SSD for external use.

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How to Use an M.2 SSD as External Storage?

Recognizing the tremendous potential of M.2 SSDs as external storage, let's now delve into the practical process of setting up and making use of this formidable solution. This segment will guide you in seamlessly transforming an internal component into a flexible external storage device, enabling you to fully leverage the performance of your M.2 SSD. It will instruct you on how to utilize an M.2 SSD as external storage.

Stage 1: Transfer All Data from the Old M.2 SSD

When migrating all your data from an old M.2 SSD to a new one, an efficient tool can streamline the process - the Partition Master Tool. This versatile software provides a variety of disk management functions, including a robust disk cloning feature. This feature enables you to effortlessly replicate the contents of your old M.2 SSD onto the new one seamlessly.

Equipped with an intuitive interface and robust performance, Partition Master is ideally suited for this vital task. Its disk cloning feature guarantees a swift and precise data transfer, thereby minimizing the risk of data loss during the process.

Alright, let's proceed with transferring all your valuable data from the old M.2 SSD to the new one using the tool Partition Master.

Step 1. Select the source disk.

• Click "Clone" from the left menu. Select "Clone OS Disk" or "Clone Data Disk" and click "Next".
• Select 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 source", or "Edit disk layout" to customize your disk arrangement. (Select the last option if you want to allocate more space to the C drive.)

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

Notable Features of Partition Master Tools

As a comprehensive tool, Partition Master also offers numerous other notable features to assist you in managing and optimizing your SSD more effectively:

• Checks the health status of M.2 SSD and offers M.2 temperature monitoring
• Test M.2 speed and monitor any decreased performance
• Perform 4K Alignment to optimize SSD speed
• Support for upgrading SSD to M.2 without reinstallation

We highly recommend giving Partition Master a try for a seamless data transfer experience and efficient disk management. With its reliable performance and comprehensive features, this tool is invaluable when learning how to use an M.2 SSD as external storage.

Stage 2: Prepare the M.2 SSD Enclosure

Before we proceed with converting your M.2 SSD into an external storage device, let's make sure you have all the required tools and information at hand. For this process, you'll need an M.2 SSD enclosure that is compatible with your SSD's specifications.

The enclosure will function as the external casing for your M.2 SSD, enabling the SSD to be connected to your computer or other devices.

Guide 1: Check Computer Information

Step 1. First, access the Windows Search utility by pressing the "Win + S" keys simultaneously.

Step 2. After the search bar appears, type "System Information" and choose the correct result to open it.

Step 3. In the System Information window, go to "ComponentsStorage," and subsequently click on "Disks." This will show details about your disk model.

Next, make a note of your disk model, and to gather more detailed information, conduct an online search using the identified disk model. This will enable you to retrieve all the essential details about your disk, including its specifications, compatibility, and other pertinent information.

Guide 2: Remove the SSD to Check the Details

Alternatively, you can use a screwdriver to open your computer's case and access the SSD directly if you prefer an alternative method. Once you have physical access to the SSD, you can easily check its specifications, including the size and interface type.

With this information, you can buy a suitable enclosure or adapter that perfectly fits your SSD. This method guarantees a smooth and compatible setup for converting your internal SSD into a powerful external storage solution. Here's a comprehensive guide that can instruct you on how to install an M.2 SSD:

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

Read this post in depth to learn how to install an M.2 SSD on your computer and boost its performance.

Stage 3: Reformat the Old M.2 SSD

Before pursuing the method of using an M.2 SSD as external storage, it is crucial to reformat the drive to guarantee compatibility and a fresh start for its new role. Reformatted the SSD will erase all existing data and optimize it for external usage, enabling smooth integration with your selected enclosure or adapter.

To efficiently reformat your old M.2 SSD, we recommend utilizing Partition Master, a robust and user-friendly disk management software. Its comprehensive features streamline the formatting process and provide various additional advantages.

Here's how to proceed with reformatting your old M.2 SSD using AOMEI Partition Assistant when attempting to use it as external storage:

Step 1. Run AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the hard drive partition you plan to format and choose "Format".

Step 2. In the new window, set the Partition label, File system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and Cluster size for the partition to be formatted, then click "OK".

Step 3. You'll then see a warning window. Click "Yes" to proceed.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button to review the changes, and then click "Apply" to begin formatting the partition on your hard drive.

If you want to know more about other features of the formatting function in Partition Master, please click the following link:

Why Do I Need to Use M.2 SSD as External Storage?

M.2 SSDs have earned recognition for their outstanding read and write speeds, establishing new benchmarks for swift data access and transfer. This has made them a favored option for internal storage in laptops and desktops. However, their superior performance need not be limited to the device's enclosure alone. Understanding how to utilize an M.2 SSD as external storage unlocks numerous advantages that cater to diverse needs and situations:

• Free Up Internal Space: Similar to Alex's situation, using an M.2 SSD externally frees up valuable internal storage on your device. This is especially advantageous for laptops and ultrabooks with limited space.
• Easy Data Backup: M.2 SSDs provide a reliable and portable backup solution for your crucial files, ensuring your data stays secure and readily accessible in case of unexpected events.
• Bootable Media for Flexibility: By turning your M.2 SSD into a bootable external drive, you can carry your preferred operating system, allowing you to work on different machines effortlessly without sacrificing your preferences or configurations.

Embracing the advantages of utilizing an M.2 SSD for external storage can greatly enhance your data management, speed, and productivity. Feel free to share this information with anyone who stands to benefit from harnessing the full potential of M.2 SSDs in external storage. Together, let's disseminate this knowledge and empower others with the efficiency of seamless data management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning to use an M.2 SSD as external storage unlocks a realm of data management and performance improvement opportunities. These compact, high-speed drives, originally designed for internal use in laptops and desktops, can effortlessly be converted into robust external storage solutions. In this article, we have guided you through preparing your M.2 SSD for external use.

It encompassed everything from data transfer to disk reformatting. We have also introduced Tool Partition Master, a user-friendly and robust disk management utility that streamlines the reformatting process and offers an array of additional features for optimized disk management. As a comprehensive disk management solution, Tool Partition Master distinguishes itself with its versatile formatting options and data security functionalities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using an M.2 SSD as External Storage

As we near the end of this guide, you might still have some remaining questions about how to use an M.2 SSD as external storage. Continue reading to find the answers you're looking for on unlocking the full potential of M.2 SSDs as external storage solutions.

< strong > 1. Can I use an NVMe SSD as external storage?

Certainly! It is feasible to use an NVMe SSD as external storage. To do so, you'll need an M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure that supports the NVMe protocol specifically. This enclosure should also provide the appropriate connectivity options, such as Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.2 Gen 2, to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

< strong > 2. How to convert an internal SSD into an external drive?

Converting an internal SSD into an external drive necessitates an M.2 SSD enclosure or adapter that precisely fits the physical dimensions and interface type of your SSD. Upon acquiring the suitable enclosure or adapter, you can safely install the SSD, thereby creating a convenient portable external storage device.

3. Can I use M.2 for storage?

Yes, M.2 SSDs are indeed designed for storage purposes, catered both for internal use in laptops and desktops as well as external usage with the assistance of enclosures or adapters. They provide high-speed and dependable storage solutions, making them an ideal choice for various data storage requirements.