Adding SSD storage

[Martin11L]

My Laptop Envy 16  (2022 version) came with a 2TB M.2 SSD as boot disk drive.  This 2TB storage is almost exhausted, for application installation and cache/working space of Photoshop, Lightroom, Topaz etc.   Only around 100-200GB space currently remains available.  Therefore, I want to add storage capacity to it.

I have opened the case of the Laptop and found out that there seems to have a "spare SSD slot".  However, it does not have a SSD bracket cover and there is no screw hole next to it for mounting screw(s).

SSD slot without cover nor mounting screw hole

Whereas the slot inserted with a SSD M.2 drive is covered by a metal cover as shown in this photo below.

SSD is mounted under a metal cover

Since I don't have sufficient budget to buy a new laptop, I want to spend the least money to upgrade it and extend its life.
So, I would like to confirm whether the "empty slot" in the first photo is ready for inserting an additional M.2 SSD? 
If it is not ready to use, can I replace the original 2TB M.2 SSD by a 4TB M.2 SSD?

Kindly advise.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I've never seen anything like that before.

Usually if there is a second slot, everything is there to simply install another SSD.

As a matter of fact, the empty slot should have had all of the hardware the one in your other screenshot came with.

Yes, you can replace the 2 TB NVMe SSD with a 4 TB NVMe SSD as long as the SSD is single sided, so it fits in that enclosure.

If you provide the full model number or product number of your PC, will see if the service manual indicates the parts to fully install a SSD can be ordered, but the thing I don't understand is there should be a standoff mount where you screw down the SSD.

You can't order one of those or the hole that needs to be there.

[Martin11L]

It's HP ENVY Laptop 16-h0018TX (6F941PA) 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Below is the link to the service manual.

Maintenance and Service Guide

Chapter 1 makes no mention of support for two SSD's.

There are no parts listed to add a second SSD, but if you look at chapter 5, page 39 of the manual, it shows exactly what I had mentioned...if there is support for two SSD's then all of the parts should have been included.

The service video only shows one M.2 SSD.

Removing & Replacing Parts | HP ENVY 16-h0000 Laptop PC | HP Computer Service | HP Support

[Martin11L]

Yes, but, on Page 39 of the Maintenance and Service Guide, the diagram showed that there are two slots, and it did not mention whether all models have two "ready" slots.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I doubt that you be able to use the slot.

I would just replace the 2 TB drive with a 4 TB drive unless you can figure out a way to secure the drive in the spare slot.

You can test the slot out with the existing drive to see if it works before buying one.

In any event, I can't help you any further regarding this matter. 

[Martin11L]

Thank you for your advice. 
On the other hand, do you have idea where can I buy a SSD cover (ET3RU000500) ? 

Think it is not difficult to get two M2.0x2.5 screws.

[Martin11L]

Well, I just read another thread and let me go through it to see if it fits into my case.  
https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Add-second-SSD-to-16-h1053dx/t...

[tk_srq · Accepted solution]

@Martin11L,

This HP document says your model supports the dual storage configuration.

HP ENVY 16 inch Laptop PC 16-h0000 series specifications | HP® Support

This person reports a successful installation of a 2 TB Kingston Fury gen 4 in the 2nd slot.

Upgrade Options for "HP Envy 16-h0000" secondary m.2 ssd slo... - HP Support Community - 8544749

See this thread where the person installed a 1 TB Samsung 990 Pro in the secondary slot.

Raid 0 Configuration for HP ENVY 16-inch Laptop PC 16-h0000 ... - HP Support Community - 8665938

This vendor carries the thermal bracket. You can also do an online search by that part number for other vendors.

New Genuine HP Envy 16-H0055CL SSD Memory Cover ET3RU000500 N13393-001 – notebookparts.com

Before you order an M.2 NVMe SSd and thermal bracket, it may not be a bad idea to make certain an NVMe works in the second slot by moving the factory-installed NVMe to the second slot for a test.

[Martin11L]

tk_srq,

Thank you.  I tend to believe it is supported and, as you suggested, I shall try and swap the the slot of the first SSD before buying another one. 

However, the vendor on the link you provided and other online stores/marketplaces (eBay etc) showed that a Genuine Memory Cover ET3RU000500 N13393-001 had been out of stock.  The positions of the mounting hole on the copper memory covers do not fit for this notebook model, so far I have found on Taobao.  For plan B, I might just buy  a SSD enclosure to connect a M.2 drive to the notebook via TB4/USB3 port (though it might be slower than inserted inside).

Thank you anyway.