How to Install Hard Drive in Desktop PC

Learn how to install hard drive in desktop PC for a traditional HDD, 2.5-inch SATA SSD, or M.2 SSD hard drive. Use the EaseUS Disk Copy to clone before or after installing the new drive for different purposes.

Want to replace C drive with SSD or add additional storage to an existing PC for computer upgrades? Whether you are using an HDD, 2.5-inch SATA SSD, or M.2 SSD, read this article from EaseUS to learn how to install hard drive in desktop PC and make it work.

Preparations Before Adding Hard Drives to PC

Before installing a new or used hard drive to your desktop PC, ensure you have done the following preparation work properly.

1. Clone the hard drive with professional disk cloning software to transfer all the data, including the operating system, applications, and files, from your old hard drive to the new one.

2. Disconnect all external cables on your PC.

3. Shut down your computer completely.

4. Gather necessary tools, including a:

• A new hard drive (HDD or SSD)
• Anti-static wrist strap (optional but recommended)
• Philips-head screwdriver to tighten or loosen cross-headed screws
• SATA data cable (long, thin, and flat) to transfer data from the drive to the motherboard
• SATA power connector (L-shaped) to connect a computer's host bus adapter to HDD or SSD
• HDD mounting screws (provided with the case) to fasten a 3.5" hard drive to the desktop host case

5. Read the motherboard manual carefully if you have one.

How to Install Hard Drive in Desktop PC

The steps to add new or old hard disks to a computer may vary depending on the type of hard drive you use. This part generally separates the process into three groups: HDD, 2.5-inch SATA SSD, or M.2 SSD.

Part 1. Connect HDD in Desktop PC

To install a hard drive on your PC, you will need a screwdriver, SATA data cable, and SATA power connector. To do so:

Step 1. Open your computer case with a screwdriver.

Step 2. Remove the hard drive tray from the PC case.

Step 3. Align the holes of the hard drive with the mounting holes in the bay. Use screws to secure the hard drive in place.

Step 4. Slide your hard drive on the tray back into the slot.

Step 5. Connect the SATA power and data cables to the hard drive.

Step 6. Route your data cable into the case through the SATA port and plug it into the motherboard.

Step 7. Slide back the side panel of the case, use the screws you removed earlier to secure the panel and close your computer case.

Step 8. Plug your power cable and any peripherals back in. Turn it on and check if the hard drive is recognized.

Part 2. Install 2.5-Inch SATA SSD to Motherboard

Installing a 2.5-inch SATA SSD is similar to an HDD hard disk. To do so:

Step 1. Open your computer case.

Step 2. Locate the SSD drive bays and install the hard drive correctly.

Step3. Connect the SATA data cable and power connector near the hard drive's back.

Step 4. Plug the other side of the data port into the front or on the motherboard side.

Step 5. Close your computer case now.

Step 6. Reconnect all cables back in and power on your PC to check if the installed hard drive is recognized.

Part 3. Add M.2 SSD to Windows PC

Installing an M.2 drive is very different from the two methods above. M.2 SSD typically supports two interfaces: PCI-Express (PCIe) and SATA.

See how to install a M.2 NVMe driver on a Windows 10 or 11 PC.

Step 1. On the slot covered with metal heatsink, take the two Philips-head screws out.

Step 2. Insert the NVMe drive firmly at about a 30-degree angle.

Step 3. Press the drive down and rotate the clip over the back end to hold it in place.

Step 4. Take the heatsink removed from the motherboard. Make sure you remove the plastic backing to pose the thermal pad.

Step 5. Put the heatsink back on top and reinstall the two screws.

Step 6. Close your computer case now.

Step 7. Reconnect all cables back in and power on your PC to check if the installed hard drive is recognized.

Extra Tip: How to Deal with a New Hard Drive

This part introduces strategies for employing the new hard drive.

Part 1. Initialize and Format a New Hard Drive

After installing the hard drive, there is one last thing to do: initialize the installed hard drive to store data if it is a new disk.

See how to initialize a newly installed hard drive on Windows.

Step 1. Right-click on the Start Menu and select Disk Management.

Step 2. If the drive appears as Not Initialized, right-click and choose Initialize Disk.

Step 3. Select a partition style between MBR (Master Boot Record) and GPT (GUID Partition Table).

Step 4. Right-click on the unallocated space on the new drive and choose New Simple Volume....

Step 5. Follow the wizard to set the volume size, assign a drive letter, and choose the file system format (usually NTFS for Windows).

Step 6. In the wizard, select Format this volume with the following settings: a Volume label, File System, and Perform a quick format.

Step 7. Click Finish to complete the process.

Part 2. Choose What to Do with the New Drive

If you're replacing an existing drive and want to keep the operating system, applications, and files from the old drive, you should clone the old drive to the new one.

After installing the new hard drive on the desktop, use cloning software to clone the existing drive to the new one.

EaseUS Disk Copy is a robust and professional HDD and SSD cloning software.

It lets you clone ssd to M2 NVMe, copy HDD to SSD, and even migrate all data from a larger disk to a smaller disk. No OS re-installation, boot failure, or data loss.