How to increase memory in a laptop with SSD: all possible ways

Question about expanding memory on a laptop with SSD drive волнует многих пользователей — от студентов, которым не хватает места для проектов, до геймеров, желающих установить больше игр. Unlike the old ones HDD, where you could simply replace the disk with a more capacious one, with SSD ситуация сложнее: не все ноутбуки поддерживают апгрейд, а некоторые модели требуют полной разборки корпуса. But there is almost always a way out!

In this article we will look at all possible ways to increase memory — от замены встроенного накопителя до использования внешних решений и облачных сервисов. You will learn how to check the compatibility of your laptop, what SSD выбрать для апгрейда, и что делать, если конструкция устройства не предусматривает замену диска. And also - Let's reveal the myth about the "impossibility" of upgrading ultrabooks with soldering the drive.

1. Is it even possible to increase the SSD in a laptop?

The answer depends on designs of your laptop and type of installed drive. There are three main scenarios:

• 🔧 Removable SSD in M.2 or 2.5" SATA slot - the simplest case. Достаточно купить накопитель большего объёма и заменить его (например, с 256 ГБ на 1 ТБ).
• 🔩 Soldered SSD (BGA) - common in thin ultrabooks (for example, MacBook Air, Dell XPS 13, HP Spectre). Here physical replacement is not possible, but there are workarounds.
• 💻 Additional SSD slot - some laptops (for example, Lenovo Legion, ASUS ROG) have a second connector M.2, where you can install a second drive.

To determine which option is right for you, you need check laptop model and current SSD configuration. You can do this through:

• 🔍 Device Manager (Windows: Win + X → Device Manager → Disk Devices).
• 📋 Specialized utilities like CrystalDiskInfo or HWiNFO.
• 🌐 Manufacturer's official website — look for the “Technical Specifications” or “Service Manual” section.

⚠️ Attention: If your laptop uses Optane Memory (Intel caching technology), its presence may complicate the upgrade. Before replacing the SSD, be sure to disable Optane in the BIOS or through the utility Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

2. How to check laptop compatibility with a new SSD

Before you buy a new drive, make sure it is physically and technically compatible with your laptop. Here are the key parameters:

Parameter	What to check	Example values
Form factor	SSD connector size and type	M.2 2280, M.2 2242, 2.5" SATA
Interface	Connection protocol	SATA III, PCIe 3.0 x4, PCIe 4.0 x4
Max. volume	BIOS/UEFI limitation	Up to 2 TB, 4 TB or unlimited
Key type	Connector on motherboard	B-key, M-key, B+M-key

How to find out these parameters for your laptop?

1. Use utilities:
   • 🛠️ CrystalDiskInfo will show the current SSD model and interface.
   • 🔧 CPU-Z (tab SPD) will display the slot M.2 and its characteristics.
2. Check out the documentation:
   • 📄 On the manufacturer's website, look for "Service Manual" or "Hardware Maintenance Manual".
   • 🔎 Enter the query into the search engine: "[laptop model] SSD upgrade guide".

Example: for laptop Lenovo ThinkPad T14 The manual states that SSDs are supported M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 capacity up to 2 TB. And in MacBook Pro 2020 The drive is soldered in, but can be used external SSD via Thunderbolt.

3. Method 1: Replacing the built-in SSD with a more capacious one

This is the most obvious and effective method if your laptop supports replacement. Step by step instructions:

Back up your data (to an external drive or to the cloud)

Buy a new SSD with compatible options (see section 2)

Prepare a screwdriver (usually a Phillips or hex head)

Download a bootable USB flash drive with Windows/macOS (if you are planning a clean installation)

Unplug your laptop and remove the battery (if possible) -->

Replacement process:

1. Open the back cover:
   • 🔩 На большинстве ноутбуков она крепится винтами (иногда скрытыми под ножками).
   • 🔧 In some models (for example, MacBook) will be required pentalobe-screwdriver.
2. Remove the old SSD:
   • 💾 It is usually fixed with one screw. Gently pull the tab or use a plastic spatula.
   • ⚠️ Do not touch the drive contacts with your fingers - this may damage them.
3. Install a new SSD:
   • 🔌 Insert the drive at an angle of 30° and secure with a screw.
   • 🔄 If the slot M.2 has two connectors (for example, for SATA And PCIe), make sure the SSD key matches the slot key.

After replacement:

• 🖥️ If you cloned the system, the laptop should boot automatically.
• 📥 If you are installing the system from scratch, boot from the flash drive and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Attention: In laptops with BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS) After replacing the SSD, you may need a recovery key. Make sure you have it to the procedure has started!

What to do if the laptop does not see the new SSD?

1. Проверьте, правильно ли установлен накопитель (иногда требуется сильное нажатие до щелчка).

2. Go to BIOS (Del, F2 or Esc when booting) and make sure that the slot M.2 activated

3. Обновите BIOS до последней версии — иногда старые версии не поддерживают новые SSD.

4. Если SSD не отображается в BIOS, попробуйте другой накопитель (возможно, проблема в слоте).

5. For NVMe- drives in Windows may require driver installation (download them from the motherboard manufacturer’s website).

4. Method 2: Adding a second SSD (if there is a free slot)

Many gaming and semi-professional laptops have additional slot M.2 for the second drive. This allows you to keep the old SSD with the system and add a second one for files. Examples of models with this feature:

• 🎮 ASUS ROG Strix/Zephyrus - often 2 slots M.2.
• 💼 Lenovo ThinkPad P/T series — a slot for a second SSD under the keyboard.
• 🖥️ MSI GS/GE-series — support up to 3 drives.

How to install a second SSD:

1. Find a slot:
   • 🔍 In the manual, look for the section "Storage" or "M.2 Slots".
   • 📏 Слот может быть скрыт под дополнительной крышкой или требовать полной разборки.
2. Select SSD:
   • 🔄 Make sure that the new drive is compatible with the connector (for example, PCIe 3.0 x4 will not work in the slot SATA).
   • 💿 For games and videos it is better to choose NVMe (For example, Samsung 980 Pro), enough for documents SATA SSD (For example, Crucial MX500).
3. Install and configure:
   • 🔧 После установки отформатируйте диск через "Disk management" (Windows) or "Disk Utility" (macOS).
   • 📁 Transfer folders (Documents, Downloads) to a new disk via "Properties → Location".

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ No need to reinstall the system.
• ✅ Можно использовать оба диска независимо (например, один для ОС, другой для игр).
• ✅ Operation speed increases if the second SSD is faster than the first.

5. Method 3: External SSD - if upgrade is not possible

Если ваш ноутбук не поддерживает замену или добавление SSD (например, MacBook Air M1 or Microsoft Surface Laptop), external storage will be a salvation. Modern USB-C/Thunderbolt SSD почти не уступают в скорости встроенным.

How to choose an external SSD:

Characteristics	Recommendations	Examples of models
Interface	For maximum speed - Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps).	Samsung T7 Shield, SanDisk Extreme Pro
Capacity	From 500 GB to 4 TB. For games, 1 TB+ is better.	WD Black P50 (up to 2 TB)
Speed	От 1000 МБ/с (для документов) до 2800 МБ/с (для 4K-видео).	Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD (2000 MB/s)
Protection	For travel - shockproof case (standard IP65).	ADATA SE800 (dust/moisture protection)

Как подключить и использовать:

• 🔌 Connect the SSD to the port USB-C/Thunderbolt (используйте оригинальный кабель).
• 📁 Format the disk to exFAT (для совместимости с macOS/Windows) или NTFS (Windows only).
• 🎮 For games:
  • B Steam select external drive as installation location.
  • B Xbox Game Pass or Epic Games перенесите игры через настройки.

⚠️ Attention: Some games (eg. Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone) могут тормозить при запуске с внешнего SSD через USB 3.0. For gaming, choose Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.

6. Method 4: Cloud storage and space optimization

Если физическое расширение памяти невозможно или слишком дорого, cloud services And optimization of the current SSD will help free up space.

Cloud solutions:

• ☁️ Google Drive/OneDrive/Dropbox — для документов и фото (бесплатно до 15 ГБ).
• 🎮 Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW — игры хранятся на серверах, не занимая место на диске.
• 📁 Amazon S3 or Backblaze B2 — для архивов (дешевле, чем расширение SSD).

Optimizing the current SSD:

• 🧹 System cleaning:
  • On Windows: Параметры → Система → Хранилище → Освободить место.
  • On macOS: Об этом Mac → Хранилище → Управлять.
• 🗑️ Removing unnecessary files:
  • Use CCleaner or BleachBit to clear the cache.
  • Удалите старые версии программ (C:\Users\Name\AppData\Local\Temp).
• 🔄 Transfer files:
  • Folders Documents, Images can be transferred to an external drive via "Properties → Location".
  • On macOS use "Optimize storage" to automatically transfer rarely used files to iCloud.

Space saving example:

• 🎬 Video in 1080p (2 GB/hour) → convert to HEVC (0.5 GB/hour) after HandBrake.
• 🎵 Music in FLAC (30 MB/song) → transcode to AAC 256 kbps (3 MB/song).

7. Common mistakes when upgrading an SSD and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to data loss or laptop malfunction. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Buying an Incompatible SSD:
  • Example: purchase SATA SSD for slot PCIe NVMe (or vice versa).
  • Solution: Always check the specifications via CrystalDiskInfo or manual.
• 🔌 Incorrect connection:
  • Example: installation M.2 SSD not all the way (there is no click of the latch).
  • Solution: press the drive until you hear a characteristic sound.
• 📉 No backup:
  • Example: disk cloning was interrupted and the old SSD was erased.
  • Solution: use Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla for reliable cloning.
• 🔧 Ignoring BIOS updates:
  • Example: new PCIe 4.0 SSD does not work in the old BIOS version.
  • Solution: Update BIOS to latest version to SSD replacement.

How to avoid problems:

1. Before purchasing an SSD, check its compatibility on the laptop manufacturer's website.
2. Use antistatic wrist strap when working with internal components.
3. If the laptop does not turn on after replacement, check:
   • Correct installation of the SSD.
   • Connecting cables (sometimes they come off during disassembly).
   • BIOS settings (may need to be enabled AHCI or NVMe mode).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to increase the memory in a laptop with SSD soldering (for example, MacBook Air M1)?

It is impossible to physically replace a soldered SSD, but there are alternatives:

• 🔌 Use external SSD through Thunderbolt 3 (speed up to 2800 MB/s).
• ☁️ Transfer some files to the cloud (iCloud, Google Drive).
• 📱 Optimize your storage via "System Settings → General → Storage".

In some cases it helps motherboard replacement to a version with a larger amount of memory, but this is expensive and not always justified.

❓ Which SSD is better to choose for an upgrade: SATA or NVMe?

The choice depends on your tasks and laptop:

• 💾 SATA SSD (For example, Crucial MX500):
  • ✅ Cheaper (from 3000 ₽ for 1 TB).
  • ✅ Suitable for older laptops (before 2016).
  • ❌ Read/write speed ~550 MB/s.
• 🚀 NVMe SSD (For example, Samsung 980 Pro):
  • ✅ Speed up to 7000 MB/s (10+ times faster SATA).
  • ✅ Ideal for games, video editing, working with large files.
  • ❌ More expensive (from 8000 ₽ for 1 TB).

Check which interface your laptop supports via CrystalDiskInfo or manual.

❓ Do I need to reinstall Windows after replacing the SSD?

Not if you cloned old disk to new one. To do this:

1. Connect the new SSD via USB adapter.
2. Use Macrium Reflect Free or Clonezilla for cloning.
3. After replacement, the laptop will boot from the new disk automatically.

If cloning is not possible (for example, the new SSD is more than 2 TB, and the old one is 256 GB), you will have to install Windows again from a flash drive.

❓ Is it possible to install two SSDs in a laptop if there is only one slot?

Yes, there are two options:

• 🔧 Replace DVD drive with second SSD:
  • Buy an adapter caddy for 2.5" SATA SSD (for example, for HP Pavilion or Dell Inspiron).
  • Speed will be limited SATA III (~550 MB/s).
• 🔌 Use external SSD:
  • Connect via USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt.
  • External speed NVMe through Thunderbolt 3 almost as good as the built-in one.

❓ Why did the laptop become slower after replacing the SSD?

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🐢 AHCI mode is not enabled:
  • Go into BIOS and make sure SSD is selected AHCI, not IDE or RAID.
• 🔄 OS is not optimized:
  • On Windows, disable disk indexing: Disk Properties → Allow Indexing (uncheck the box).
  • On macOS, enable TRIM: sudo trimforce enable in Terminal.
• 📉 Low quality SSD:
  • Some cheap models (for example, without DRAM cache) slow down when full.
  • Check speed via CrystalDiskMark - if the reading is below 300 MB/s, the disk is defective.