How to Install an M.2 SSD

Step 2: Installing Your M.2 SSD

1. Shut down your computer completely.
2. Remove the power cable and battery. Only remove the battery if you’re installing a M.2 SSD into a laptop/notebook. Refer to your owner’s manual to see how to safely remove the battery.
3. Discharge your battery. You’ll want to discharge potential static electricity that might be built up in your laptop battery. Remove the battery and hold the power button on your laptop/notebook for five seconds to discharge any residual electricity.
4. Open the computer case. Each case is designed differently so refer to your owner’s manual to see how to properly open your case.
5. Ground yourself as a precautionary step. Touch a metal surface that’s clear of any paint or coating to discharge any electricity that’s present in your body.
6. Find the M.2 PCIe slot which should be easy to spot in a desktop computer. For laptops/notebooks, the M.2 PCIe slot is usually under the bottom panel or under the keyboard. Check your owner’s manual for further assistance.
7. Insert your Kingston M.2 SSD carefully by holding the SSD by the sides. Make sure to avoid touching the gold connector pins. Align the connectors on the SSD with those on the PCIe slot and insert the M.2 SSD at a 30-degree angle. It should connect easily without having to force the connection.
   It might be necessary to screw the M.2 SSD to the mount on the PCIe slot to secure it in place. Be careful not to overtighten the screw or you can risk damaging the SSD. It’s a good idea to refer to your owner’s manual for this step.
8. Reassemble your computer. After installing the M.2 SSD, put your desktop computer back together. If you’re working with a laptop or notebook, remember to put your battery back in if you removed it.
9. Turn on your computer. Your computer should be booting up from your old storage drive unless you removed it before installing your new SSD. Now it’s time to clone the data from your old storage drive to your new M.2 SSD.

Step 4: Download the SSD Manager

Kingston® SSD Manager is an application that provides users with the ability to monitor and manage various aspects of their Kingston SSD. You’ll be able to monitor the drive health, status and disk usage.
Download the Kingston SSD Manager and follow the installation process here.

1. After download, launch the SSD Manager.
   This software allows you to monitor the device information and health status. You can improve the performance of your new SSD by using the system resources.
2. Run the SSD Manager software and follow the installation process. When launching for the first time, the SSD Manager will scan your computer for disk drives.
3. You have now completed installing the Kingston SSD Manager. It may require you to restart your computer after completing the installation.