Replacement or removal SSD drive from a laptop is a task that every user faces sooner or later. Whether you want to install a larger disk, transfer data to a new PC, or simply sell an old laptop, you cannot do without careful dismantling. However, many are afraid of damaging fragile contacts or accidentally violating the warranty, especially when it comes to models with a soldered drive (BGA SSD).

In this article we will look at universal SSD removal algorithm for 90% of laptops (from budget Acer up to bonus MacBook Pro), we will list the necessary tools and warn about typical errors that lead to connector failure or data loss. And if your drive “does not want to come out”, you will find a solution for this case too.

What tools will you need?

Before you start disassembling, prepare a minimum set of tools. Without them, you risk damaging the case, stripping the screws, or even breaking it yourself. SSD module.

  • 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (usually PH0 or PH1 - depends on the laptop model). For MacBook will be required Pentalobe P5.
  • 📏 Plastic spatula or a pick - for carefully prying off the lid (metal tools scratch the body!).
  • 🧲 Magnetic mat or a container for screws - so as not to lose small parts.
  • 🔌 Antistatic wrist strap (optional, but recommended for static protection).
  • 📸 Smartphone — to photograph the location of screws and connectors (useful during reassembly).

If your laptop is a ultrabooks (For example, Dell XPS 13 or HP Spectre), may be required special suction cup to remove the bottom cover - it is glued with double-sided tape. In such cases it will also be useful isopropyl alcohol to clean up glue residue.

📊 What type of SSD is installed in your laptop?
  • M.2 (bar)
  • 2.5" SATA (box)
  • BGA (soldered)
  • I don't know

Preparing your laptop: 5 steps before removing it

Improper preparation is the #1 cause of failures when replacing SSDs. Follow this checklist to avoid short circuit or data loss:

Turn off the laptop and disconnect the charger

Remove the battery (if it is removable)

Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds (discharging capacitors)

Create a backup copy of your data (if the SSD is working)

Work on a non-carpeted desk (avoid static electricity) -->

Pay special attention battery. Most modern laptops (Lenovo ThinkPad, Asus ROG) the battery is built-in, and disconnecting it requires disassembly. If you are not sure that you can handle it - remove the SSD with the battery connected but the power off. The risk of damage is minimal, but it is best not to touch the metal parts of the drive with bare hands.

⚠️ Attention: If you remove the SSD from a laptop with BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS), after installation on another PC, the data will be blocked! Unlock the drive in advance or save the recovery key.

Where is the SSD located in a laptop: types of placement

The location of the drive depends on the form factor and model of the device. Here are the main options:

SSD type Where to look Examples of laptops Difficulty of extraction
M.2 (NVMe) Under a separate cover on the bottom panel or under the main cover Lenovo Legion, MSI GF63, HP Pavilion ⭐⭐ (easy)
2.5" SATA In the hard drive bay (usually under a large cover) Acer Aspire, Dell Inspiron (old models) ⭐ (very easy)
BGA (soldered) On the motherboard, soldered to it Apple MacBook (2015–2020), Some Huawei MateBook ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (requires soldering iron)
M.2 + 2.5" Two slots: M.2 under the cover, 2.5" in the compartment Asus TUF Gaming, MSI GP66 ⭐⭐ (average)

To accurately determine the type of SSD in your laptop, use the following utilities:

  • 🪟 For Windows: Win + R → msinfo32 (section “Components → Storage devices”).
  • 🍎 For macOS: About This Mac → System Report → Hardware → NVMe.
  • 🐧 For Linux: command 
    lsblk -o NAME,SIZE,TYPE,MOUNTPOINT
What M.2 and 2.5" SATA SSDs look like in a laptop

📸 M.2: Narrow strip 42–80 mm long with an angled connector (can be fixed with a screw).

📸 2.5" SATA: A rectangular box the size of a palm, connected via a cable or directly to a connector.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove an SSD from a laptop

Let's consider a universal algorithm for most models. If your laptop has a unique design (eg. Microsoft Surface or Razer Blade), look for a separate manual for it.

Step 1: Removing the Bottom Cover

1. Turn the laptop over and place it on a soft surface (such as a towel).

2. Remove all screws on the bottom panel. Please note:

- Screws can be of different lengths! Remember where each one stood.

- On some models (HP Omen) additional screws are hidden under the rubber feet.

3. Carefully pry off the lid with a plastic spatula, starting at the corner. If the cover does not budge, check that all screws have been removed.

Step 2: SSD Localization

Inspect the inside of the laptop. SSD can be:

  • 🔌 Connected to the connector M.2 (usually near the battery or processor).
  • 📦 Installed in a sled 2.5" (often in a separate compartment with a metal frame).
  • 🔧 Covered with thermal padding (in gaming laptops, for example, Asus ROG Strix).

Step 3: Removing the SSD

For M.2:

  1. Unscrew the fixing screw (usually marked M2 or SSD).
  2. Pull the drive upward at an angle of ~30° (do not pull it strictly vertically!).
  3. If the SSD is stuck, do not force it - check to see if it is caught on the Wi-Fi antennas.

For 2.5" SATA:

  1. Disconnect the power and data cable (pull the plastic tab, not the wires!).
  2. Unscrew the screws securing the drive to the slide.
  3. Remove the SSD along with the frame (if there is one).
💡

If the SSD is stuck to the connector, do not try to remove it by force. Water your contacts isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and gently rock the drive left and right.

Step 4: Check and Storage

After extraction:

  • 🔍 Inspect the contacts for dirt or oxidation (clean with alcohol if necessary).
  • 📦 Store the SSD in an antistatic bag or wrapped in foil (if you plan to use it later).
  • 🔄 If you are installing a new drive, do not touch the contacts with your hands.
⚠️ Attention: In laptops Apple (2018 and newer) SSD is tied to the motherboard via a chip T2. After replacement, the disk may not be detected without a special programmer!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make annoying mistakes. Here are the most common:

  • 🔩 Lost screws: B Lenovo Yoga or HP Envy bottom cover screws of different lengths. If you mix them up during assembly, you can damage the motherboard.
  • 🔥 Static electricity: Touching the SSD contacts with bare hands can damage it (especially true for Samsung 980 Pro and other high-speed models).
  • 🔌 Undisconnected battery: B Dell XPS And MSI Prestige The battery may remain charged even after the laptop is turned off.
  • 🔧 Force extraction: If SSD M.2 If it doesn't come out, don't pull it with pliers! First, check if the thermal pad or Wi-Fi antenna is interfering.

Another common problem is M.2 connector damage. This happens if:

  • Do not install the SSD completely (the contacts remain exposed).
  • Use an incompatible drive length (for example, 2280 instead of 2242).
  • Use force when installing at an incorrect angle.
💡

If after removing the SSD the laptop does not turn on, check whether you forgot to connect the power cable to the 2.5" drive or whether the M.2 contacts were damaged.

What to do if the SSD cannot be removed

Sometimes the drive gets stuck in the connector. Here is an algorithm of actions for different situations:

Problem Possible reason Solution
SSD M.2 does not come out of the connector Caught on thermal pad or Wi-Fi antenna Carefully bend away the interfering elements with a plastic spatula
The SSD fixing screw turns The thread is stripped or the screw is the wrong size Use pliers to carefully unscrew it
2.5" SSD stuck to the slide Contact oxidation or frame deformation Spray the contacts with alcohol and shake the disc left and right
The laptop does not see the new SSD after installation Incompatible form factor or protocol (SATA vs NVMe) Check SSD support in model specifications

If the SSD still won't respond, try the following methods:

  1. Heat the laptop case with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 60°C) - this will help expand the plastic and free up the drive.
  2. Use plastic ties as a lever: slide them under the SSD and gently pull up.
  3. As a last resort, contact a service center - do not risk breaking the connector!

How to transfer data from old SSD to new one

Removed the SSD but need to save your data? Here are 3 proven methods:

  • 🖥️ Via adapter: Connect the SSD to another PC via USB-SATA adapter or M.2-USB box (cost ~500–1500 RUR). Copy the files manually.
  • 🔄 Disk cloning: Use programs Macrium Reflect, Clonezilla or Acronis True Image for a complete system transfer.
  • ☁️ Cloud backup: Download important files to Google Drive, Yandex Disk or iCloud (suitable for documents, but not for OS).

If you are cloning a disk, consider:

  • The new SSD must be equal or greater volume.
  • For NVMe use an adapter PCIe → USB 3.1 Gen2 (regular USB 2.0 will be too slow).
  • After cloning, check booting from the new drive in the BIOS (F2/Del/Esc when turned on).
💡

When cloning with HDD on SSD use the “Partition Alignment” option in the program - this will speed up the operation of the new drive.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove an SSD from a laptop without removing the bottom cover?

In some models (for example, Lenovo ThinkPad T-series or Dell Latitude) The SSD is located under a separate small cover. Check the manual for your laptop - if there is such a hatch, just unscrew 1-2 screws.

What to do if the laptop does not turn on after removing the SSD?

Probable reasons:

  1. The power cable or touchpad is disconnected (check all connectors).
  2. The protection against incorrect assembly has triggered (for example, in MacBook).
  3. The motherboard is damaged (if force was used during disassembly).

Solution: Redisassemble the laptop and check all connections. If the problem persists, contact service.

Which SSD is better to buy as a replacement?

The choice depends on the connector and tasks:

  • 🚀 For speed: Samsung 990 Pro (PCIe 4.0), WD Black SN850X.
  • 💰 Budget option: Crucial P3, Kingston NV2.
  • 🎮 For gaming laptops: Seagate FireCuda 530 (with radiator).

Please check the supported protocol before purchasing (PCIe 3.0/4.0) and length (2242/2280) in your laptop specifications.

Is it possible to use an SSD from a laptop in a PC?

Yes, but you will need an adapter:

  • For M.2 SATA — adapter M.2 → 2.5" SATA.
  • For M.2 NVMe — PCIe x4 slot on motherboard or M.2 → USB box.

Please note: Not all PC motherboards support NVMe boot (relevant for older systems on Intel 100/200-series).

How to check that the new SSD is detected in the system?

After installation:

  1. Go to BIOS (F2/Del/Esc when loading).
  2. Check section Boot or Storage - the new disk should appear there.
  3. If the SSD is not visible, update the BIOS or check compatibility.

On Windows, open Disk management (Win + X → Disk Management) and initialize the drive if it is marked as "Not allocated".