How to Initialize an SSD? Step by Step Guide

Upgrading your PC is always an exciting moment. However, depending on what you’re upgrading, the task could turn out to be really complex. For instance, you have to pay close attention to GPU and motherboard compatibility while you’re trying to upgrade your graphics card. 

Installing an SSD is a comparatively simpler process, and doesn’t require you to be a nerd. However, if you haven’t initialized a storage device before, you may find it tricky. 

In this article, we talk about how you can install and initialize an SSD on your PC. 

But before we get into that, just a word from Computer Memory Solutions (CMS). CMS sells all kinds of computer memory and storage components. If you’re looking for high-quality components that don’t break your bank, feel free to check CMS’s wide array of products. 

Installing an SSD — How to get started?

SSDs are the latest storage solutions. Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) were the norm before the inception of SSDs. However, when SSDs came into existence, they took the market by storm due to the several benefits that come with them. 

SSDs are several times faster than HDDs when it comes to read and write speeds. Furthermore, they’re small and easier to install. Plus, they have the added bonus of being completely silent — unlike HDDs which could make a disturbing noise when in use.

After you’ve got your shiny new SSD in your hands, it’s time to install it. Before purchasing an SSD, make sure your PC has an empty storage compartment and unused socket to use the SSD. Refer to your PC’s guide to figure that out. 

After you’ve confirmed the above-mentioned prerequisites, let’s get started with the installation process. 

A step-by-step guide to installing an SSD

To install your new SSD into your computer, follow the below-mentioned steps. 

1. Open your PC’s casing by following the instructions given on your quick start guide. The quick start guide comes with your PC’s packaging when you purchase it. 
2. Find the storage bay on your PC. Refer to your quick start guide if you’re finding it difficult to find it. 
3. If you want to remove an existing drive to fit in the new SSD, remove the old drive. If the old drive is a hard disk or a 3.5-inch SSD, your new SSD also needs to be 3.5-inch. However, if your new SSD is 2.5-inch, you can get a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch converter, which will help you fit in the drive perfectly. 
4. Connect the SSD to the system’s connector. Don’t try to force it in, it should plug in with relative ease. If it doesn’t, get professional help.

Now your SSD has been installed successfully and is ready for initialization. 

How to initialize your new SSD

To initialize your new SSD and start using it, follow the below-mentioned steps. 

1. Turn on your PC and log in to your Administrator user account. If you’re the owner or sole user of the PC, your default user account should already be an admin account. 
2. Press the Windows logo key on your keyboard to bring up the start menu. 
3. When you see the Start menu, start typing on your keyboard. Write “Disk management”. 
4. The search results will show the Disk Management utility, hit Enter on your keyboard to open it. 
5. A popup window will appear, letting you know you have installed a new SSD and it’s ready to be initialized. 
6. You will see two disk partition methods, GPT and MBR. Select GPT as it’s newer and has better compatibility with modern software. 
7. On the bottom-left corner, you will see new unallocated space representing your new SSD. Right click on it and select “New Simple Volume”.
8. Go along with the default partition letter and size. 
9. Follow the instructions and complete the process. 

Now your SSD has been initialized and is ready to be used. 

A final word

SSDs are the pinacle of modern storage solutions. They’re fast; they’re reliable; they’re small; they’re silent. 

However, installing and setting them up could be a tedious task if you don’t have the right pieces of info. This article gives you everything you need to know about the subject. 

If you’re still looking for a great deal on an SSD, HDD, or RAM module, feel free to check CMS’s wide range of products. We sell equipment of different sizes, speeds, and types — so you never have to go empty-handed. Plus, all of your components are high-quality, certified, and from trusted brands. 

Try our store once and see yourself coming back again and again.