[Fixed] How to Replace M.2 SSD in PC in 2025

In 2025, storage is not limited to space, but it's about speed and keeping up with the ever-evolving digital world. Since software and game applications continue to demand higher data, using outdated SSDs can impact overall productivity. Hence, switching to a new M.2 SSD can improve boot times, reduce application loading delays, and ensure much smoother operations.

Additionally, modern SSDs offer better reliability and energy efficiency while providing long-term benefits for casual and professionals alike. After learning this, you might be wondering how to replace M.2 SSD in PC without turning it into a DIY disaster. The following article is a complete guide for replacing them while uncovering a bonus tool for recovering important files during the upgrade.

Part 1. What Are the Reasons Behind Replacing M.2 SSD in PC?

In case your current drive is reaching its limit or affecting performance, it might be time to replace M.2 SSD. However, upgrading your PC's storage isn't just about adding more space; there could be the following reasons associated with it:

1. Preventing Wear and Tear Issues: Once your SSD reaches its limit, the performance may degrade, and the risks of data corruption might increase. Thus, replacing an outdated M.2 SSD ensures long-term reliability and prevents potential failures.
2. Better Efficiency and Heat Management: The new SSDs are designed with improved power efficiency, which helps reduce overall power consumption. This is important for laptops, as more proficient SSDs can lead to longer battery life and better thermal performance.
3. System Upgrade or Future-Proofing: For those planning to upgrade their PCs with a motherboard or GPU, replacing the M.2 SSD can ensure compatibility. Future-proofing your system with a high-speed and exceptional capacity SSD can keep it running optimally for years to come.
4. Delays in Loading Times: Over the years, an older M.2 SSD may struggle to keep up with increasing system demands. While encountering slower boot times or delays in file transfers, upgrading to a newer M.2 SSD can gradually improve speed and responsiveness.

Part 2. Important Things to Prepare Before Replacing M.2 SSD in PC

If you’re confident about your decision to upgrade M.2 SSD, the next step is to prepare for its replacement. Walk through the key points discussed below to ensure a proper upgrade of your SSD:

1. Back Up Your Data: When replacing the SSD, it is possible that you may lose access to your files, which leads to the importance of backing up data. For this purpose, you can use an external hard drive or cloud storage for ensuring there is no data loss during transfer.
2. Select a Reliable M.2 SSD: Not all SSDs are the same and the performance of your chosen drive depends on your motherboard’s capability. Thus, before making a purchase, check the supported interface because installing an incompatible SSD could lead to performance bottlenecks.
3. Prepare a Bootable USB Drive: It’s necessary to prepare a bootable USB drive for performing a fresh installation of Windows or another operating system. Apart from this, it allows you to reinstall the OS after replacing your SSD without needing a physical installation disc.
4. Encounter Firmware and Driver Updates: Before heading to install the new SSD, visit the manufacturer's website to check for firmware updates and compatibility notes. Without updated firmware, you may experience stability issues or even compatibility problems with your systems.
5. Disconnect your PC: Ensure you disconnect your computer and press the power button to discharge any electricity before handling any internal component. In addition, this precaution is vital to protect your hardware and ensure a safe SSD replacement process in the future.

Part 3. Guide to Change M.2 SSD in PC: Step-by-Step

A slow SSD can prevent your computer from reaching its full potential, affecting boot times and application performance. Therefore, referring to upgrade M.2 SSD is a smart move, and here’s a detailed guide to get yourself started:

Step 1. First shut down your computer and disconnect the power cables, for a smooth and safe operation.

Step 2. Afterward, open the case of your desktop with the help of a screwdriver. Now, discover the motherboard and then locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard.

Step 3. Once you have discovered the slot, gently remove the old M.2 SSD from it. Later, attach any heatsinks or thermal pads to avoid heat dissipation while inserting the upgraded SSD. Now, with light pressure, insert the new SSD and adjust its angle.

Step 4. Move ahead and close the back case of your computer and reconnect all the cables to restart it. When restarting, press the F2/F8/Del Key to enter the BIOS settings and navigate to the Boot settings later. Now, ensure that the new M.2 SSD is recognized as a bootable device. Once done, save the changes and exit the BIOS settings to start booting for the new M.2 SSD.

Bonus Tip. Recover Important Files Lost During Upgrading M.2 SSD: Wondershare Recoverit

Excitement can turn into a nightmare if you discover that you may have lost some important files while upgrading M.2 on PC. Using a trustworthy tool, like Wondershare Recoverit, works as a lifesaver here because it recovers 1000+ file types from 2000+ storage devices. These file types include all game formats and accidentally deleted Excel files from SD cards.

With this recovery tool, you can restore lost data from Windows or deleted files from Mac devices. Not only this, but it also supports a wide range of storage media recovery, such as memory card recovery. Furthermore, the platform allows users to preview files during the process of recovery to ensure they are recoverable. The tool’s number of patented technologies confirms a success rate in retrieving valuable lost files with minimal hassle.

Key Features

1. USB Data Recovery: It assists users with 4 flash drive recovery methods and USB data recovery software to retrieve lost USB files.
2. Windows System Recovery: This tool's data recovery software allows users to restore all files from a crashed computer regardless of booting issues.
3. Hard Drive Recovery: With its advanced scanning algorithms, individuals can recover data from Windows, Mac, and Linux internal drives in a few clicks.

Detailed Guide to Recover Lost Files During Upgrading M.2 SSD

Whether you forgot to back up your data or encountered an unexpected issue during the upgrade, this recovery tool helps you retrieve what's missing. By going through the simple steps provided, you can quickly get your files back.

Step 1. Choose the Location for Lost Data

For recovering data on the computer, first, choose the location where you have lost data. Afterward, launch the software, and from the default interface, access the “Hard Drive and Location.” Now, select a hard disk under the “Hard Disk Drives” tab or choose Desktop under the “Quick Access” tab.

Step 2. Scan the Selected Location and View the Recovered Data

The tool will start an all-around scan, and you can see the scanning results in real time on the interface. During the process, pinpoint files or stop the scanning at your convenience.

Step 3. Preview and Recover Files After Scanning

Before proceeding to the recovery step, the platform allows users to preview the recovery files. Once satisfied, select the targeted files and press the “Recover” button to retrieve them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using an updated M.2 SSD is the most effective way to enhance your PC's speed or overall performance. Having a compatible SSD and following a proper installation process, you can replace the M.2 SSD without complications. However, during upgradation, you may encounter loss of some important files. To address this, we suggest using Recoverit, which has a high success rate in retrieving files with its numerous repairing technologies.