How to Install a 2.5' SATA SSD in a Laptop – Kingston Technology

It’s easy to install a 2.5" SATA SSD into a laptop computer. We’ll show you how.

Before you make your purchase, be sure to confirm if you will need a cloning software. Kingston makes two versions of most SSDs: With Installation Kit and Drive Only. The Installation Kit includes a download code for the Acronis True Image disk cloning software, a USB 3.0 enclosure (to connect either the SSD or old drive for cloning), along with four more items which are only used for desktop PCs installation: a mounting bracket, screws, SATA cable, and power cable. You need the Installation Kit if you are upgrading an old laptop from an old drive to a new SSD since you need to use the USB enclosure and cloning software. You might go with the Drive Only option if you already have a SATA to USB cable/USB enclosure, a cloning software, or if you are simply upgrading the drive of a brand-new laptop with a fresh OS to the new SSD. Note, the MacOS includes the Disk Utilities app for cloning so Acronis True Image will only be needed if you are running Windows and require cloning. If you don’t need the Installation Kit version, you might decide to go with the less expensive Drive Only version.

1. Remember to always refer to your laptop’s manual before disassembling it or replacing any hardware.

2. As a precaution, prior to handling the SSD, touch an unpainted and grounded metal object or use an anti-static wrist strap to work in a static-safe environment.

3. Unplug the power and remove the battery from your laptop.

4. Please refer to your notebook manufacturer’s user manual on how to properly remove the battery. Some notebooks require you to take off the case cover before removing the battery.

5. Hold down the power button for about 10 seconds to drain any residual power from the laptop.

6. Remove the case cover and locate the storage device on the motherboard.

7. Carefully, remove the screws securing the drive.

8. Gently remove the drive out and disconnect the SATA connector from the notebook. If your notebook uses a bracket or screws to hold in the drive remove those as well. The hard drive will easily separate from the bracket.

9. Place the SSD into the bracket by lining up the connectors and the screw holes and tighten the screws.

10. Attach the SATA connector to the SSD and slide it back into the bay. If the SSD uses a bracket, make sure to tighten the screws to secure the SSD.

11. Place the case cover back onto the notebook.

12. Re-connect the battery, connect the power, and boot up your system.

[kolbyf]

"and remove your battery"
people with internal batteries: 🥴

[westsidegamer]

thank you sir. Made it very easy for me

[crdsalam]

I purchased a A400 SATA SSD for my laptop but it came without skrews and the laptop had no SATA disk so it didn't contain any skrew . I would like to ask what type of skrews I will need to buy in order to mount the skrew to the bracket.

[scottanderson]

Always release the residue power b4 goin’ deep into your notebook!

[asdasdasdsadasd]

is there a way to install it without removing the HDD?

[rizqisubekti]

Does the video use lenovo thinkpad t460? Thankyou

[iivv_nn]

laptops hard drive has a caddy and the plastic sheet on the caddy came off? Is it okay to use without that?

[radonrubbish]

I have a 7200rpm SATA drive. I want to replace it with a SATA SSD. Is it even possible?

[icjay]

my laptop have m.2 ssd stock i have sata slot can I add additional storage SSD sata Kingston on it?

[SAMURAIch]

The problem is that my Kingston A400 SSD is thinner than my HDD in notebook, and it seems to be just hangin' on SATA connector. I had no bracket for it. Is it ok if it'll just hang there?

[naura]

AFTER UPGRADE, MY SCREEN TURNS BLACK. IT IS ON BUT NOTHING APPER ON SCREEN. HELP

[Allinone-]

can we install m. 2 nvme in notebook?

[knightning]

dude stop calling it a notebook, its clearly a laptop. just cause some other idiot calls it a notebook, doesnt mean you gotta do the same.