How can I upgrade the storage?

[HELLOxFRIENDS]

Hello guys I would greatly appreciate some feedback, I need to upgrade the storage of this pc with a larger ssd. What would be my easiest option without having to mess with my windows install. I really have no idea what I'm looking for. Thank yoy

[old_geekster]

@HELLOxFRIENDS , welcome to the Community.

You didn't mention which capacity of M.2 you want to buy.  Here is a 1 TB M.2 made by Samsung: https://www.newegg.com/samsung-970-pro-1tb/p/N82E16820147694

The easiest way to transfer your OS and data from the current M.2 to the new M.2 is using Samsung's Data Migration software and a USB M.2 adapter: https://www.newegg.com/riitop-nvmeta-bd9210/p/0VN-006F-00053?Description=m.2%20usb%20adapter&cm_re=m...

You install the new M.2 into the adapter, connect it to the computer and install the Data Migration software on the current M.2.  You would run the software.  When it asks for the Target drive you would select the new M.2 connected to the USB port.  Once the drive has been cloned, you will uninstall the current M.2 and install the new M.2.  Then, go into the BIOS/UEFI and set the boot order to the new M.2. and reboot.  The computer should boot to the new M.2.

Now, you are most likely saying, "What can I do with the current M.2"?.  You install it into the M.2 adapter and use it for storage or as an emergency drive if you have problems.  It is ready to boot with the OS and all of your data on it.

If you don't want to buy either of the items in my links, they will be good examples of what you need to buy.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[HELLOxFRIENDS]

Would I be able to upgrade with an internal sata drive? I'm interested in a 2.5 2 tb Samsung drive

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

@HELLOxFRIENDS

The M.2 socket on your computer is key M: One M.2 socket 3, Key M, (2280/2242).

This means that it normally will support a SATA or NVMe M.2 drive.  Here is an article that explains the key and sockets: https://www.atpinc.com/blog/what-is-m.2-M-B-BM-key-socket-3

Frankly, none of the information provided by HP talks about SATA, only NVMe.  Here is the existing M.2 on HP PartSurfer: https://partsurfer.hp.com/Search.aspx?searchText=L85364-005

As you will see, it is PCIe, NVMe.  If you already have a SATA drive you can try to install it, but I can't guaranty that it will work.

Just for the record, the NVMe, M.2 will be much faster than a SATA, M.2 and not cost that much more, if any.

I hope this helps!