Using an SSD and HDD together in Windows 10 can significantly enhance your PC’s performance by taking advantage of the speed of an SSD and the storage capacity of an HDD. You’ll set up the SSD for your operating system and frequently used applications, while the HDD can store your larger files and less frequently accessed data. Follow these steps to get the best of both worlds.
How to Use SSD and HDD Together in Windows 10
The following steps will guide you through setting up an SSD and HDD in tandem on your Windows 10 system. You’ll learn how to configure your system to maximize your SSD’s speed for essential tasks while utilizing your HDD for additional storage.
Step 1: Install Both Drives
First, make sure you’ve installed both the SSD and the HDD into your computer.
Open your computer case and connect your SSD and HDD using SATA cables and power connectors. Ensure they’re properly seated and secured.
Step 2: Initialize the Drives
Go to Disk Management to initialize your new drives.
Right-click on the Start menu and select Disk Management. You should see your SSD and HDD listed as unallocated. Right-click each drive and select "Initialize Disk."
Step 3: Format the Drives
Format both drives to make them usable.
Right-click on each unallocated drive in Disk Management and select "New Simple Volume." Follow the prompts to format the drives, choosing the NTFS file system.
Step 4: Install Windows 10 on the SSD
Install or transfer your Windows 10 operating system to the SSD.
If you’re starting fresh, insert a Windows 10 installation USB and follow on-screen instructions to install it on the SSD. If migrating, use cloning software to transfer your existing OS to the SSD.
Step 5: Set Up Folders and Files
Organize your files by setting default save locations.
Go to Settings > System > Storage, and change the location for saving documents, pictures, and other files to the HDD. This keeps your SSD free for system files and applications.
Step 6: Optimize Your System for Speed
Ensure your system is optimized for speed by enabling TRIM on your SSD.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type "fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify." If the result is ‘0’, TRIM is enabled.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your SSD will handle the operating system and frequently used applications, making your system speedier. Your HDD will take care of extra storage, providing ample room for your files.
Tips to Use SSD and HDD Together in Windows 10
- Regularly back up data stored on your HDD.
- Enable AHCI mode in BIOS for better SSD performance.
- Periodically clean up your SSD to maintain speed.
- Keep your most used applications on the SSD for faster access.
- Use disk defragmentation on your HDD but avoid it on your SSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install programs on both SSD and HDD?
Yes, you can. Install frequently used programs on the SSD and less used ones on the HDD to balance speed and storage.
Is it possible to move my existing Windows installation to an SSD?
Absolutely. Use cloning software to transfer your existing Windows installation from the HDD to the SSD.
How do I choose which drive to boot from?
Set your SSD as the primary boot drive in the BIOS settings.
Will using SSD and HDD together wear out my SSD faster?
Not necessarily. Using them together can actually extend the life of your SSD by offloading storage tasks to the HDD.
Can I use an external HDD with an internal SSD?
Yes, you can use an external HDD for additional storage along with an internal SSD.
Summary
- Install both drives.
- Initialize the drives.
- Format the drives.
- Install Windows 10 on the SSD.
- Set up folders and files.
- Optimize your system for speed.
Conclusion
Combining an SSD and HDD in your Windows 10 system is a smart way to get the best of both worlds. The SSD offers quick boot times and fast access to frequently used applications, while the HDD provides ample storage for your files, music, and videos.
Think of your SSD as a sports car and your HDD as a family van. The sports car (SSD) gets you places quickly, but the van (HDD) carries all your stuff. By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re not only speeding up your everyday tasks but also making sure you have enough room for everything you need.
For further reading, consider looking into software solutions for disk management or exploring advanced settings in your BIOS to maximize performance. If you haven’t yet experienced the speed of an SSD, now might be the perfect time to upgrade and enjoy a more responsive computer.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.