How to Replace a Dell Laptop Hard Drive: Step-by-Step Guide

Before you begin:

If you need to diagnose a suspected hard drive problem rather than replace the drive, see the Dell Fix Hard Drive and SSD Issues library page.

Summary

This article explains how to replace the hard drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) in a Dell laptop. It covers, in order:

• What to prepare before starting,
• How to physically remove the old drive and install the new one.
• How to install the operating system on the new drive.
• How to install drivers.
• How to install applications

Overview

A hard drive is typically replaced for one of two reasons: to upgrade it (for example, greater storage capacity or faster speed), or because the existing drive has failed.

This article assumes the reader already has a replacement hard drive in hand and walks through:

1. What to do and gather before starting.
2. Removing the old hard drive and installing the replacement.
3. Installing the operating system on the replacement drive.
4. Installing drivers, in the recommended order.
5. Reinstalling commonly preloaded applications.

Before Removing and Installing a Hard Drive.

Checklist before installing the new hard drive:

1. Back up data. Confirm there is a backup of anything needed from the original hard drive. If data needs to be recovered from the original drive, do this before replacing the drive, not after. For more information see the Dell Back Up Your Files and Keep Your Data Safe library page.
2. Gather reinstallation software. Depending on the system, this may include:
• Download and install the Dell OS Recovery Tool to create a USB recovery drive. For more information see the Dell Reinstall Microsoft Windows library page.
• Any software or documentation for the internet service connection
• Installation disks for any applications to be reinstalled
• Installation disks for external devices (for example, a printer) or internal devices added to the computer after purchase
3. Gather tools. The replacement hard drive itself, and typically a small Phillips head screwdriver (PH.1 size) is needed.

Removing and Installing the Hard Drive

To view the specific steps for your computer, see the instructions in your computer's service manual. For information on how to obtain the service manual for your computer see Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product.

Installing the Operating System

Steps:

1. Disconnect all nonessential devices from the computer (keep only the monitor, keyboard, and mouse connected). Disconnect items such as:
• Scanner
• Printer
• Modem or network cables
• Mobile phone
• USB flash drive or other external hard drives
• Docking station
2. With the computer turned off, insert the Windows installation USB drive into a USB port.
3. Turn the computer on.
4. Press F12 key once a second when the Dell logo appears.
5. Select the USB drive you inserted into the computer.
6. Select Start Reset.
7. Follow the on-screen prompts to personalize and customize the Windows installation.
8. Installation is complete when the desktop or Start screen appears.

Installing the Drivers

• Consider using the SupportAssist application for automatic detection and driver updates SupportAssist for Home PCs.
• Use the automated tool on the Drivers & Downloads site:
  1. Browse to Drivers & Downloads
  2. You are given several options to identify your computer.
     1. Enter the Service Tag, Dell EMC Product ID, or Model, and then touch or click the Search button, and select your computer from the list.
        NOTE: For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article, How to Find the Product Model Number of Your Dell Computer
     2. Select Browse all products: Then select the type of device that you have, the brand name, and then the product model.

     Once on the Drivers & Downloads for your computer, click Check for Updates, and follow the prompts.

• Install the drivers manually in the order shown in Table 1.
1. Browse to Drivers & Downloads
2. You are given several options to identify your computer.
   1. Enter the Service Tag, Dell EMC Product ID, or Model, and then touch or click the Search button, and select your computer from the list.
      NOTE: For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article, How to Find the Product Model Number of Your Dell Computer
   2. Select Browse all products: Then select the type of device that you have, the brand name, and then the product model.

   Using the drop-down menus change the Operating System listing to the version installed on your computer. Using the drop-down menus change the Category as outlined in Table 1.

Recommended installation order: (Dell recommends this specific sequence for best results):

Table 1: Recommended Driver Installation Order

Installing Applications

Once the Operating System and drivers are installed, reinstall programs, devices, and apps as needed.