This article explains how to determine which hard drive is the primary and which is the secondary inside a Windows computer that has two separate memory drives. In order to configure a hard drive as a "Master" or "Slave", the computer motherboard must support the installation of multiple internal hard drives and the second hard drive must already be installed inside the computer. Normally, hard disks configured as "Master" are responsible for installing the operating system and programs, while disks configured as "Slave" are used as backup units or to store data.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure the secondary hard drive is installed in the computer
Before you can determine which hard drive is configured as "Master" and which as "Slave", both drives must be installed inside the PC. Normally, the "Master" hard drive is the one already present inside the computer at the time of purchase, while the secondary hard drive must be installed manually.
If you haven't yet installed the second hard drive inside your PC, do so now by following these instructions before continuing
Step 2. Access the "Start" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Step 3. Click on the "Stop" icon
It is located at the bottom left of the "Start" menu.
Step 4. Click on Reboot System option
It is one of the items listed in the menu that appeared. The computer will restart immediately.
Step 5. Press the key quickly and repeatedly to enter the BIOS
The key that allows you to access the BIOS varies from computer to computer, but normally it is one of the function keys (for example the F2 key), the Delete key or the Esc key. You will have to press the key in question before the loading screen of the operating system appears.
- In some cases, there is a legend at the bottom of the computer boot screen that indicates which key to press in order to enter the BIOS. Normally, you should find a message similar to the following "Press [key_name] to enter setup".
- If you have not been able to enter the BIOS, you will need to restart your computer and repeat the procedure.
- Consult your computer's instruction manual or online documentation from the manufacturer to find out which key you need to press in order to access the BIOS of the machine model you are using.
Step 6. Enter the security password if prompted
When the BIOS interface pops up, you may need to enter the login password if it was previously set. You will need to type in the password under consideration and press the Enter key.
If you can't remember your BIOS login password, read these instructions to reset the BIOS to factory defaults
Step 7. Find the list of hard drives installed on your computer
At the top of the BIOS user interface is the menu bar. You can scroll through all the menus listed in the bar using the directional arrows on the keyboard. Go through each menu until you find the one that lists the hard drives installed in your PC.
Step 8. Select your computer's primary hard drive
This is the one already present in the PC at the time of purchase and is usually also the first item on the list. You can confirm this by referring to the name of the memory unit.
Step 9. Change the status of the affected hard drive to "Master"
After selecting the hard drive in question, press the key associated with the "Configure" or "Change" option (normally the Enter key) listed in the BIOS key legend visible at the bottom of the screen or along either side. "Master" should appear next to the selected hard drive name.
- In some cases, you will need to select the voice It is not located on the right of the hard disk selected before being able to press the key associated with the "Configure" option.
- Alternatively, you can configure the hard drive with the "Auto" option to allow the operating system to select the "Master" hard drive itself.
Step 10. Select the secondary hard drive
Use the directional arrows on your keyboard to locate and select your computer's secondary hard drive.
Step 11. Change the status of the affected hard drive to "Slave"
After selecting the hard disk in question, press the key associated with the "Configure" or "Change" option. When "Slave" appears next to the selected hard drive name you can continue.
If you have selected the "Auto" option for the primary hard drive of your computer, you will need to choose the same option for the secondary hard drive as well
Step 12. Save the new changes and exit the BIOS
Locate the key associated with the "Save" or "Save and Exit" option within the BIOS legend. Press the indicated key to save the new configuration of the "Master" and "Slave" hard disks and close the BIOS user interface.
In some cases, you will need to confirm that you want to save the new configuration and exit the BIOS by pressing a second key
Advice
The hard drive of the computer that you have configured as "Slave" is perfect to be used as a data backup drive of the disc configured as "Master"
Warnings
- When working inside a computer, always make sure to discharge any static electricity in your body to the ground before touching any electronic components, such as connectors or circuit boards.
- The BIOS user interface varies from computer to computer, depending on the make and model. For this reason, you may need to consult your computer's user manual to determine where in the BIOS there is the option to configure a hard drive as "Master" or "Slave".
