How to properly remove a hard drive from an ASUS laptop: from preparation to removal

Removing the hard drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) from laptop ASUS is a task that every user faces sooner or later. The reasons may be different: replacing with a larger drive, transferring data, selling the device or upgrading to NVMe drive. However, doing it incorrectly can void your warranty, damage connectors, or even cause other components to fail.

In this article we will analyze the process from A to Z: from preparing tools to the nuances of extraction for specific series of laptops ASUS (For example, ZenBook, VivoBook, ROG Strix). We will pay special attention hidden mounts under the battery, which are often overlooked in standard instructions. You will also learn how to avoid common mistakes, such as damage to the cable or breakage of threaded screws.

Preparing for Extraction: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need. The minimum set of tools includes:

• ✅ Phillips screwdriver (usually PH0 or PH1) - for most screws in laptops ASUS.
• ✅ Plastic spatula or a pick - to carefully pry off the cover without scratches.
• ✅ Antistatic wrist strap (or alternatively, touch a metal object before working).
• ✅ Container for screws - a magnetic backing or a small box so as not to lose the fasteners.

Important: if your laptop ASUS is under warranty, check the conditions of the service center. In some cases, opening the case yourself will void the warranty - especially if the seals on the screws are broken. For example, models of the series ROG Zephyrus often have special tamper indicator stickers.

⚠️ Attention: Some laptops ASUS (For example, ZenBook Pro Duo) have two drives - main M.2 SSD under the keyboard and additional 2.5" HDD in a separate compartment. Check the location of the disks in the documentation for your model!

Step 1: Turn off the power and remove the battery

The first and most critical stage is completely de-energizing the device. Even if the laptop is turned off, the capacitors on the motherboard may retain charge, causing a short circuit if accidentally touched.

Disabling instructions:

1. Turn off the laptop through the menu Start → Shutdown.
2. Unplug the power supply from the outlet and the laptop.
3. Turn the device over and locate the battery latch (usually marked with a 🔋).
4. Slide the latch to the side and remove the battery (on some models, such as ASUS TUF Gaming, the battery is not removable - skip this step).

If the battery is non-removable (as in ASUS ZenBook 14), just turn off the power supply and wait 5–10 minutes for the capacitors to discharge. However, in this case the risk of damage is higher - try not to touch the metal parts of the motherboard.

Step 2: Removing the back cover of the laptop

The design of the cover depends on the laptop series. Let's consider three main options:

Laptop series	Cover fastening type	Features
ASUS VivoBook, X Series	Screws + latches	The cover is held on by 8–10 screws and plastic clips. Start prying from the corner next to the ventilation grille.
ASUS ROG Strix, TUF Gaming	Screws + metal latches	The fastenings are stiffer and may require more effort. Screws are often different lengths - remember their locations!
ASUS ZenBook, UX Series	Hidden screws under legs	First, remove the rubber feet (pry them up with your fingernail or a plastic card), there are additional screws hidden underneath them.

Algorithm for removing the cover:

1. Remove all screws (usually they are marked with arrows on the cover).
2. Insert a plastic spatula into the gap between the lid and the body and carefully move along the perimeter, snapping off the clips.
3. If the cover does not budge, check that all the screws are removed (sometimes one screw is hidden under a sticker!).

⚠️ Attention: In laptops ASUS ROG with backlit keyboard (Aura Sync) under the cover there may be an additional cable connecting the keyboard to the motherboard. Do not pull the cover sharply - first disconnect the cable!

Step 3: Localizing the hard drive in the case

The location of the drive depends on the form factor:

• 💾 2.5" HDD/SSD: usually found in a separate compartment with a metal lid (for example, in ASUS X550 or K550). Fastened with 2–4 screws and connected via SATA connector.
• 🖥️ M.2 SSD: located directly on the motherboard, secured with one screw. In laptops ASUS often covered with a black thermal pad (for example, in ROG Strix G15).

How to find the disk:

1. Inspect the motherboard - M.2 SSD looks like a narrow die (dimensions 2242, 2260 or 2280).
2. Look for a metal compartment with an inscription HDD or SSD - there will be 2.5" drive.
3. In some models (for example, ASUS ZenBook Flip) the disk can be hidden under an aluminum plate with thermal paste.

If you are not sure where the drive is located, use the official documentation or services like ASUS Support, where there are disassembly diagrams for specific models.

How to distinguish M.2 SATA from M.2 NVMe?

M.2 SSDs come in two types: SATA (maximum speed ~550 MB/s) and NVMe (speed from 1500 MB/s). Visually, their connectors differ in cutouts:

- SATA: cutout on the right only (key B or B+M).

- NVMe: cutout right and left (key M).

If the drive has two slots, it is universal, but operates in SATA or NVMe mode, depending on the slot on the motherboard.

Step 4: Removing 2.5" HDD/SSD

The process of removing a traditional hard drive or 2.5" SSD the simplest:

1. Unscrew the screws securing the metal compartment cover (usually 2-4 pieces).
2. Gently pull the tab (if equipped) or pry the edges of the drive and pull it out of the slot SATA.
3. If the drive is secured in the slide, unscrew the screws on the sides and remove it from the plastic frame.

Important: on some laptops ASUS (For example, X555) connector SATA may be fragile. Do not pull on the cable - only grab the drive body!

If the disc cannot be ejected:

• 🔧 Check if all the screws are unscrewed (sometimes one screw is hidden under a sticker with the serial number).
• 🔌 Make sure that the cable does not cling to other components (for example, Wi-Fi module).

Step 5: Removing the M.2 SSD

SSD format M.2 require more care. Algorithm of actions:

1. Locate the drive on the motherboard (usually next to the battery or under the thermal pad).
2. Unscrew the fixing screw (sometimes it is hidden under a black rubber plug).
3. Gently pull the disk at an angle of ~30° - it should come out of the connector without effort.

Features for different series:

• 🔥 ASUS ROG Strix/Zephyrus: The SSD may be pressed by the heatsink. First unscrew the radiator, then remove the disk.
• ⚡ ASUS ZenBook: The mounting screw sometimes has a non-standard thread - do not use excessive force!
• 🛠️ ASUS TUF Gaming: Some models have two slots M.2 - the top one may be empty.

⚠️ Attention: If after extraction M.2 SSD If you plan to reuse it, do not touch the connector pins with your fingers. Static electricity or skin oils may damage the controller!

Step 6: Reassembly and Testing

After removing the disk, reassemble the laptop in reverse order:

1. Place the cover in place, starting with the latches (they usually click when locked correctly).
2. Tighten the screws criss-crossto avoid distortion of the cover.
3. Connect the battery (if it is removable) and the power supply.
4. Turn on the laptop and check if the new disk is detected in BIOS (key F2 or Del when loading).

If the laptop does not turn on after assembly:

• 🔌 Check if the keyboard cable is connected (relevant for ASUS ROG).
• 🔧 Make sure all screws are tightened - an unsecured motherboard may short out the contacts.
• 💡 Try resetting BIOS (take out the battery CMOS for 10 seconds).

If you replaced the disk with a new one, do not forget to install the operating system. To do this you will need a bootable USB flash drive with Windows or Linux. B BIOS laptops ASUS may need to be disabled Secure Boot and turn on the mode AHCI for correct operation SSD.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when ejecting a disk. Let's look at the most common ones:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Using a metal screwdriver to pry off the cover	Scratches on the case, chipped plastic, damage to cables	Use only a plastic spatula or pick
Yanking M.2 SSD vertically up	Damage to connector pins on the motherboard	Remove the disc at an angle of ~30° without any effort
Screws mixed up during assembly	The case does not close, the motherboard is warped	Sort screws by length and label their locations
Touching motherboard components without grounding	Static electricity can damage RAM or chipset	Use an antistatic wrist strap or touch the metal casing regularly

Another typical problem is disk not detected in BIOS after installation. The reasons may be as follows:

• 🔌 Incorrectly connected SATA cable (relevant for 2.5" HDD).
• 🔧 Incompatible format M.2 SSD (For example, SATA- drive in slot NVMe).
• 💻 B BIOS controller disabled SATA or NVMe.

If the drive is not visible, check your settings BIOS (section Advanced → SATA Configuration) and make sure the mode is set to AHCI, not in RAID or IDE.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to replace the HDD with an SSD in an ASUS laptop without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, but to do this you need to transfer the system from the old disk to the new one using programs like Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla. Connect new SSD through USB adapter and do sector-by-sector cloning. After replacing the disks, the system will boot in its previous state.

Which SSD is better to choose for upgrading an ASUS laptop?

Suitable for most models NVMe SSD format M.2 2280 (For example, Samsung 980 Pro or WD Black SN850X). For budget laptops (ASUS X515) enough SATA M.2 (For example, Crucial MX500). Check the supported protocols in the documentation for your model!

What should I do if the laptop does not turn on after replacing the disk?

First check:

1. Are the battery and power supply connected?
2. Are there any extra screws or tools left inside?
3. Are the cables damaged (especially keyboards in ASUS ROG).

If the problem persists, reset BIOS (take out the battery CMOS for 10–15 seconds) or contact the service center.

Is it possible to install two drives in an ASUS laptop?

Yes, if your model has two slots: for example, 2.5" HDD + M.2 SSD (as in ASUS TUF Dash F15) or two M.2 (as in ROG Strix Scar 17). Check the model specifications on the website ASUS or disassemble the laptop - loose connectors are usually noticeable.

Do I need to update the BIOS before replacing the drive?

Update BIOS recommended if:

• You install NVMe SSD into an old laptop (for example, ASUS K550 2015), where initially there was support only SATA.
• The manufacturer has released a patch to support large disks (for example, >2 TB).

Download the firmware only from ASUS official website!