This article explains how to replace the primary hard drive of a computer running the Windows 10 operating system. It also explains how to choose the correct hard drive type based on the structure of the computer and how to take care of the device safely during the repair.
Steps
Step 1. Back up the data on the current hard drive
If the memory drive you want to replace is still functional and you want to keep the data it contains, you can back it up completely before removing it from your computer. If you don't have a USB external hard drive to back up, you can use one of the web clouding services like Google Drive or OneDrive.
- If you want to replace your current hard drive with a solid state drive (SSD), the new hard drive may have software to make an identical, complete copy of all data on the one currently installed on your computer. In this case you can use this software to "clone" the current hard drive (ie copy exactly all the data it contains, including the operating system) to the new SSD. If this type of program is not included in the package of the new SSD, check the manufacturer's website to see if it is available for download from the internet. Some of the most popular and used programs of this type include Symantec Ghost, Clonezilla (one of the few free options), Acronis, and Macrium.
- Read this article to find out how to back up a Windows computer using a second hard drive.
- If you have installed any kind of paid program on your computer that comes with a license or activation code, make a note of it or backup this information as well so that you can reinstall the software on the new disk without any problems.
Step 2. Get a bootable operating system installation disc
If you are replacing your computer's main drive without using a data "cloning" program, you will need to reinstall the operating system on the new storage drive after the replacement is complete. You can purchase the operating system installation DVD or you can download its ISO image to a USB stick. Alternatively, you can create a rescue disk.
If you are using a computer with Windows 10, read this article to find out how to create a USB recovery drive with which you can reinstall Windows 10 on your computer
Step 3. Choose whether to buy a classic hard drive or opt for an SSD ("Solid State Drive")
Solid state memory drives are significantly faster than classic hard drives in retrieving data, as well as having a longer life cycle since they have no moving mechanical parts inside them. Since SSDs offer these advantages, they are more expensive and have less storage capacity than normal hard drives. If your budget doesn't allow it and limited storage space is an issue, choose to buy a classic hard drive. However, once you have discovered the benefits of a system equipped with SSD memory drives, you will have a hard time going back to using a computer with a classic hard drive.
Step 4. Buy the correct memory drive according to your computer
Laptop systems typically use 2.5-inch memory drives, while desktop computers come equipped with 3.5-inch drives. There are adapters on the market that allow you to install 2.5-inch drives even on desktop computers. Most SSD storage drives are 2.5-inch, so many desktop computer manufacturers include bays of this size in more modern cases as well. If you've chosen to install a 2.5-inch SSD in your desktop computer, but your desktop computer lacks such a bay, you can solve the problem by purchasing an adapter.
- Classic hard drives and SSDs usually use a SATA cable to connect to the computer motherboard. Older hard drives still use the IDE interface, but this is an extremely rare scenario these days. SATA cables generally come in three versions (SATA, SATA II, and SATA III), so make sure your computer motherboard is compatible with the hard drive you have chosen to purchase.
- Make sure the new memory drive has enough capacity to accommodate all the data that is on the computer's current hard drive.
Step 5. Turn off your computer and disconnect it from the mains
Even if you are using a laptop you will need to shut it down completely and unplug it from the power cord (remove the battery if possible) before continuing.
Step 6. Discharge any remaining static electricity in your body before opening the computer case
The delicate electronic components of computers do not react well to static electricity discharges and could be severely damaged. You can solve the problem by wearing a special antistatic wristband and placing an antistatic mat under your feet.
If you are not used to taking these safety measures against static electricity, read this article for more information
Step 7. Remove the case panel
The procedure for performing this step varies depending on the type of computer: laptop or desktop. If you need to replace the hard drive on a desktop system, chances are you will need to unscrew the screws holding the side panels of the case in place and then slide them out (or tilt them out). Normally the fixing screws are placed on the back side of the case, along the edges.
- Some laptops are equipped with a special panel, located on the underside of the case, which allows easy access to the hard drive housing without having to disassemble the entire computer. In other cases you will have to remove the battery and disassemble several internal components of the device before you can physically get to the memory unit. To find out which is the correct procedure to adopt in your specific case, refer to the user manual of the computer.
- Some desktop computer cases do not use screws to secure the side panels in place. In this case you will need to locate the lever or button to release the panels and then be able to remove them without problems.
Step 8. Locate your computer's current hard drive
Most desktop computers have a special section of the chassis onto which the sled that holds the hard drive is screwed. Locate the power and data cables and disconnect them from the memory drive.
Step 9. Unscrew all necessary screws and remove the hard drive
The hard drive is most likely secured in place with metal screws on both sides. Carefully unscrew them while supporting the hard drive with one hand if it is installed in a sled model that does not support it on its own. After unscrewing the fixing screws, you can take the hard drive out of the housing.
Step 10. Configure the jumpers correctly if it is an IDE hard drive
If you have purchased a SATA drive, you can skip this step. After uninstalling the old hard drive from the computer, observe the placement of the configuration jumpers. If you can't find them, most IDE hard drives have the configuration diagram directly on the adhesive label located on either side of the device. The jumper is used to configure the hard drive to work in "Master", "Slave" or "Cable Select" mode. You should configure the jumper of the new hard drive in the same position as the original one.
Step 11. Install the new hard drive inside the computer
You should use the same physical location as the drive you extracted earlier. Carefully retighten the retaining screws and reconnect the power and data cables.
Keep your old hard drive in a safe place in case you still need it in the future
Step 12. Boot your computer using the recovery disc
If you have chosen to "clone" your old hard drive using special software, you can skip this step. If the recovery disc is a DVD, you may need to turn on your computer to be able to insert it into the optical drive. If you have chosen to use a USB stick, plug it into one of the free ports on your computer before turning it on. If the system is configured to boot via the USB drive or DVD player, the Windows installation procedure will run automatically.
- If the computer does not boot using the recovery disc, you will need to change the BIOS setup. The key to press to enter the BIOS varies from computer to computer, but normally you have to restart the system and repeatedly press one of the following keys: F12, F10 or Del. The key you will need to press in your case is shown at the bottom of the screen in where the computer or BIOS manufacturer logo appears. If you did not press the indicated key with the correct timing, you will have to restart your computer and try again.
- When the BIOS user interface appears, look for the section or menu Boot or Boot Order, then set the USB drive or DVD player as the first boot device according to your needs. Save the new changes and exit the BIOS, then restart your computer.
Step 13. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the Windows operating system
When the computer is active again and connected to the internet it will automatically perform the Windows registration (before this happens you may need to perform some intermediate configurations). After completing the computer and operating system setup you can restore your personal data using the backup file.
