How to install M.2 SSD without removing old HDD to use the HDD as secondary storage in Laptop

[firestorm228]

Hello everyone! 

I Have a HP Pavillion ec101ax Gaming Laptop. I want to upgrade the storage to SSD. 

The laptop currently has 1TB HDD storage. 

I have M.2 250gb SSD stick with me. I want to use the ssd for OS/primary storage device and keep the hdd as secondary storage. 

I need your help to suggest a way I can do a clean install of windows on the new SSD 'without' needing to remove the HDD from the laptop. 

I would certainly like to have a clean install on the SSD and format the HDD and experience the fast boot up time of the SSD. I don't want to clone the OS to the SSD. 

• Tldr: Clean OS install on SSD without removing the HDD and formatting the HDD to use as secondary storage device. 

Thanks in advance! 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

You can use the Media creation tool from the link below to create installation media to install Windows on the M.2 SSD.

Download Windows 10 (microsoft.com)

You may have to temporarily disconnect the hard drive after you install Windows on the NVMe SSD if the notebook does not automatically boot from the SSD first.

That is because the Windows boot manager controls what drive the notebook boots from.

See this related discussion...

Solved: Re: BIOS does not detect new ssd after hdd upgrade. - HP Support Community - 8396469

[firestorm228]

Is there a way wherein removal of HDD is not needed? 

If not, then how can I do so? 

And what are the precautionary steps I need to take? 

Thanks again. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

You can try leaving the HDD connected and see what happens.

I would leave the notebook's bottom cover loosely reassembled in case you have to remove it to disconnect the HDD.

Here is the link to the service manual where you can find the removal and replacement procedures.

Maintenance and Service Guide HP Pavilion Gaming 15 Laptop PC