Innovative Solutions to Expand Laptop Storage Hassle-Free

If your laptop is running low on storage, don’t worry. You can expand it without replacing the internal drive. While upgrading the internal storage is an option, it can be difficult or impossible on some laptops.

The best approach is to buy a laptop with enough storage from the start. But if you didn’t, there are ways to increase your laptop’s storage. Here are some options.

SD and microSD Cards: Cheap and Easy

If your laptop has an SD card slot, this is the simplest upgrade. SD cards are affordable and easy to install. Just insert one into the slot. However, they are slower than other storage options.

Most laptops support UHS-I SD cards with speeds up to 104 MB/s. Some support UHS-II, which can reach 312 MB/s. Your laptop’s SD card reader determines the maximum speed.

For better performance, choose a card rated A2 or V30. A good option is the 512GB Samsung Pro Plus microSD card, which costs under $50. If you want the most storage, an A1-rated card like the 1.5TB SanDisk Ultra microSD card for under $110 is a great choice.

MicroSD cards are more popular than SD cards. They are smaller, sit flush in the slot, and can be left in permanently. In contrast, SD cards are bulkier and can stick out when plugged in.

Tip: If SD and microSD card specs seem confusing, check out a guide to understanding them.

USB Flash Drives: Simple and Compatible

USB flash drives are a quick and easy way to expand storage. They are usually faster than SD cards but not as seamless if left plugged in permanently.

Most laptops support USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 625 MB/s) or Gen 2 (up to 1,250 MB/s). In real-world use, speeds range from 300 to 500 MB/s. Laptops with Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports can handle speeds up to 2,800 MB/s, but this is mainly for external SSDs.

For a near-permanent storage solution, a low-profile drive like the 512GB SanDisk Ultra Fit USB drive is a good option. It barely sticks out and can stay plugged in all the time. Unfortunately, low-profile USB-C drives are rare due to size constraints.

External Drives: High Performance

External drives offer the most storage and best performance. They are ideal if you don’t need extra storage 24/7 or if you mainly use your laptop at a desk.

Portable SSDs come in different speeds, depending on the connection:

• USB 3.0/3.2 Gen 1: Up to 500 MB/s
• USB 3.2 Gen 2: Up to 1,000 MB/s
• Thunderbolt 4: Up to 2,800 MB/s (real-world speed)

For the best external drives, check recommendations from PCWorld and other tech sources. Some good options include:

• Adata SE920 for fast USB4 performance
• Teamgroup T-Force M200 for budget-friendly 20Gbps speed
• Crucial X9 Pro for reliable 10Gbps performance

A USB dock can help streamline your setup. It allows you to keep your external drive, keyboard, and other peripherals connected, making it easy to plug everything into your laptop at once.

NAS Devices: Wireless Storage

A Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device connects to your home network and acts like an external drive. Any device on the network, including laptops, can access it.

A NAS device like the 2TB Buffalo LinkStation 210 lets you store and access files over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. It’s convenient, but speeds depend on your network connection.

For high-performance NAS options, consider:

• Ugreen NASync DXP2800 – Two bays, up to 64TB storage, 2.5Gbps Ethernet
• Ugreen NASync DXP4800 Plus – Four bays, up to 112TB storage

Cloud Storage: A Backup Option

Cloud storage is another option. Services like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox let you store files online and access them when needed. However, cloud storage depends on an internet connection.

OneDrive, integrated into Windows, lets you download files on demand. Free plans offer only 5GB, but paid options provide more:

• Microsoft 365 Basic – 100GB for $19.99/year
• Microsoft 365 Personal – 1TB for $99.99/year

If you prefer alternatives, Mega, Sync, and Dropbox also offer cloud storage.

Internal Storage Upgrade: Best Performance

Upgrading your laptop’s internal storage is the best way to get the fastest speeds. Most modern laptops use NVMe M.2 SSDs, which offer:

• PCIe 3.0 SSDs: Up to 3,500 MB/s
• PCIe 4.0 SSDs: Up to 7,000 MB/s

For comparison:

• USB 3.0 external drives: Up to 500 MB/s
• USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 SSDs: Up to 2,800 MB/s
• SD cards and USB flash drives: Below 200 MB/s

If you work with large files, game, or edit videos, upgrading to a high-capacity SSD is worth it. However, not all laptops allow easy upgrades. Ultrabooks are often difficult to upgrade, while gaming and business laptops tend to be more accessible.

How to Check If Your Laptop Supports an Upgrade

To see if your laptop’s SSD is upgradeable:

• Check the manufacturer’s website for specifications or service manuals.
• Look for details on whether the drive is replaceable or soldered.
• Search online for “[laptop model] SSD upgrade” to find teardown videos or forums discussing upgrades.

If your laptop supports an upgrade, you’ll need to clone your existing drive or reinstall Windows. If unsure about storage needs, refer to guides on choosing the right SSD size.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to expand your laptop’s storage. The right option depends on your needs. SD cards and USB flash drives are easy, but slow. External drives and NAS devices provide more space. Cloud storage works but relies on the internet. If possible, upgrading the internal drive is the best long-term solution.

Ready to upgrade your storage? Check out our recommended SSDs to find the best option for your laptop. Enjoy faster speeds, better performance, and more space for your files and applications.