The hard disk is an integral part of any modern computer, including Windows 10 operating system running. However, sometimes there is not enough space on the PC and you need to connect an additional drive. We will tell about it further in this article.
Adding HDD in Windows 10
We will be skipped the topic of connecting and formatting a new hard disk in the absence of an old and working system as a whole. If you are interested in, it can familiarize yourself with the instructions on reinstalling Windows 10. All options will further focus on adding a drive with an existing system.Read more: How to install Windows 10 on PC
Option 1: New hard drive
Connecting a new HDD can be divided into two stages. However, even considering this, the second step is not mandatory and in some individual cases can be missed. In this case, the disc function directly depends on its state and compliance with the rules when connecting to the PC.
Step 1: Connection
- As stated earlier, the drive is first required to connect to a computer. Most modern disks, including for laptops, has an SATA interface. But there are also other varieties, for example, IDE.
- Taking into account the interface, the disk connects to the motherboard using a cable, the options for which were presented in the image above.
Note: regardless of the connection interface, the procedure must be made when the power is turned off.
- It is important to clearly fix the device in one unchanged position in a special compartment of the case. Otherwise, the vibration caused by the work of the disk may adversely affect the future performance.
- On laptops, a smaller hard disk is used and for its installation it often does not require disassembling of the case. It is installed in the compartment allotted for this and fixed with a metal frame.
Step 2: Initialization
In most cases, after connecting the disk and start a computer, Windows 10 will automatically configure it and make it available for use. However, sometimes, for example, due to lack of marking, it is necessary to make additional configuration. This topic was usually disclosed in a separate article on the site.
Read more: How to initialize hard drive
After initializing the new HDD, you will need to create a new volume and on this procedure can be considered complete. However, additionally should be diagnosed to avoid possible problems. In particular, if any malfunction is selected when using the device.
READ ALSO: Diagnostics of a hard disk in Windows 10
If, after reading the described manual, the disk works incorrectly or at all remains unidentified for the system, read the instructions for eliminating problems.
Read more: Hard disk does not work in Windows 10
Option 2: Virtual Drive
In addition to installing a new disk and adding a local volume of Windows 10 allows you to create virtual drives in the form of separate files that can be used in certain programs to store various files and even operating systems. The most detailed creation and addition of such a disk are considered in a separate instruction.
Read more:
How to add and configure virtual hard drive
Installing Windows 10 on top of the old
Turning off the virtual hard disk
The described connection of the physical drive is fully applicable not only to HDD, but also solid-state disks (SSD). The only difference in this is reduced to the fasteners used and is not associated with the version of the operating system.
