How to Install a Hard Drive to a Laptop
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Laptop hard drives can easily be changed or upgraded. You might need a bigger space for your files or games or you may simply want to replace an old hard drive with a new one. Replacing the hard drive of your laptop or increasing the space for your files can make the laptop run better than before.
Materials Needed:- Laptop
- Laptop Hard drive
- Screwdriver
- Container for screws
- Laptop manual (optional)
- Operating System installation disk
- Portable hard drive (optional)
Step 1
Before installing a hard drive or replacing a hard drive, make sure to back up all the important files on your computer. Store them on a portable hard drive for the meantime.
Step 2
Select a laptop hard drive that is suitable to your needs. Choose one with enough space to accommodate your needs.
Step 3
Make sure that your laptop is turned off. Unplug the laptop from the power source and turn it on its backside. It is best to work on a flat surface, such as a table. Wait for the laptop to cool for a few minutes.
Step 4
Check the user’s manual for your laptop if you do not know where the location of the hard drive is. Use the screwdriver to open the outer casing of the laptop. Put the screws inside a container to avoid losing them.
Step 5
Once you have located the slot for the hard drive, remove the old hard drive from the slot. Insert your new hard drive in the slot and make sure that it is securely in place. Be careful in handling the hard drive as it can easily be damaged. Replace the cover of your laptop by using the screws.
Step 6
Plug your laptop to a power source and turn on your laptop.
Step 7
Open the disk drive and insert the installation CD for your Operating System. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the installation.
Step 8
Once the Operating System has been completely installed, check if you have successfully installed the hard drive. Click on the 'My Computer' icon on the desktop. A new window will appear. Inside the window, you will see the icon for your hard drive.
Step 9
Connect your portable hard drive to your laptop and transfer all the backed-up files that you need on your laptop.