The internal memory of the laptop is full, and the system slows down with each new file? This problem is familiar to many: photos, videos, programs and cache take up gigabytes, leaving the user with a choice - delete valuable data or put up with the slow operation of the device. Fortunately, increase memory on laptop you can do it in several ways - from upgrading your hard drive to optimizing existing space.

In this article we will look at all available methods - from the simplest (cleaning up garbage) to the radical (replacing the drive with a more capacious one). You will find out which option is right for your laptop model, how much it will cost and how to avoid common mistakes. And if you are not ready to disassemble the device, we will show you how manage memory efficiently without physical intervention.

1. Disk Cleanup: remove unnecessary files and programs

Before spending money on a new drive, check how much space they take up temporary files, cache and forgotten programs. You can often free up 20-50 GB in 10 minutes without resorting to drastic measures.

Start with the built-in utility Disk Cleanup (on Windows):

  • 🔍 Open Start → System Tools → Disk Cleanup or enter cleanmgr in the search bar.
  • 📁 Select a drive (usually C:) and wait for analysis.
  • 🗑️ Check the boxes: Temporary files, Cart, Update log files.
  • 🚮 Click OK and confirm the deletion.

For deep cleaning, use third-party programs like CCleaner or Wise Disk Cleaner. They will find duplicate photos, remnants of uninstalled programs and browser caches. Pay special attention to the folder C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Temp — gigabytes of garbage can accumulate here.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete files from the folder Windows\System32 or Program Files by hand! This may cause the system to crash. Use only proven utilities.
📊 How often do you clean your disk of debris?
  • Once a week
  • Once a month
  • Only when space runs out
  • Never

2. Storage optimization: what can be transferred to external storage

If cleaning doesn't help, try transfer heavy files to an external hard drive or flash drive. This is true for photos, videos, archives and rarely used programs.

Here's what you can safely move:

  • 📸 Photos and videos: transfer to the cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Disk) or to an external drive.
  • 🎮 Games: in Steam or Epic Games you can specify a different installation folder (click Settings → Downloads → Library folders).
  • 📂 Documents and projects: use OneDrive or Dropbox for synchronization.
  • 🎵 Music and films: Store on an SD card (if your laptop supports it) or in online services (Spotify, Apple Music).

To automatically transfer files in Windows, use the function Settings → System → Storage → Change where new content is saved. Here you can specify that new documents and applications are saved to a different drive by default.

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If you have a laptop with hybrid storage (SSD + HDD), move the user folders (Documents, Downloads) on HDD. To do this, right-click on the folder → Properties → Location → Move.

3. Replacing the HDD with an SSD or a more capacious drive

If the laptop is older than 5 years, most likely it contains HDD (hard drive) with a capacity of 500 GB–1 TB. Replacing it with SSD will not only increase memory, but also will speed up the system by 3-5 times. Modern SSD drives (for example, Samsung 870 EVO or Crucial MX500) offer volumes up to 4 TB.

How to select a new drive:

Parameter HDD SSD (SATA) NVMe SSD
Read/write speed 80–160 MB/s 500–550 MB/s 3000–7000 MB/s
Capacity up to 10 TB up to 4 TB up to 8 TB
Price for 1 TB ~3000 rub. ~5000 rub. ~7000 rub.
Compatibility All laptops Laptops with SATA connector Laptops with M.2 slot (check model!)

Before purchasing, check what type of drive your laptop supports:

  1. Download the utility CrystalDiskInfo or HWiNFO.
  2. Look at the current drive model and interface (SATA, M.2, PCIe).
  3. For laptops Lenovo, HP or Dell Check the service manual on the manufacturer's website.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the disk be sure to back up your data! Use Macrium Reflect or built-in Windows utility File history. You can migrate your system to a new drive using Clonezilla or AOMEI Backupper.

Make a backup of important data|Check the compatibility of the new disk|Purchase an adapter (if needed)|Prepare a screwdriver and an antistatic wrist strap|Download a bootable USB flash drive with Windows (in case of a clean installation)-->

4. Adding a second drive: if the laptop has a free slot

Many laptops (especially gaming or business class) have free slot for a second drive. It could be:

  • 🔧 M.2 slot (for NVMe SSD) - found in models ASUS ROG, MSI, Acer Predator.
  • 💾 SATA connector for the second HDD/SSD - typical for Dell Latitude or HP EliteBook.
  • 📱 microSD slot (rarely, but happens in ultrabooks like Microsoft Surface).

How to check availability of a free slot:

  1. Remove the back cover of the laptop (turn off and disconnect the battery first!).
  2. Look for connectors with inscriptions M.2, SATA or empty drive bays.
  3. Check the model documentation - for example, on the website NotebookCheck There are disassemblies of popular laptops.

If there is a slot, buy a suitable disk (for example, WD Blue SN570 for M.2 or Seagate Barracuda for SATA) and install it. On Windows, the new drive will appear in Disk management — it needs to be initialized and formatted.

How to transfer the system to a new disk without reinstalling?

1. Connect the new drive via a USB adapter.

2. Use Macrium Reflect Free to clone the current disk.

3. Select the source drive (for example, Disk 0) and target (new SSD).

4. Start cloning and wait for it to complete (may take 1-3 hours).

5. Replace the old disk with a new one and boot from it.

5. Using cloud storage and network drives

If a physical upgrade is not enough or is not possible (for example, in thin ultrabooks), cloud services will be a good alternative. They allow you to store files remotely and access them from any device.

Comparison of popular cloud storages:

Service Free volume Max. volume (paid) Features
Google Drive 15 GB 30 TB Integration with Gmail and Google Docs
Yandex Disk 10 GB 10 TB Fast loading for users from Russia
OneDrive 5 GB 6 TB Deep integration with Windows 10/11
Dropbox 2 GB 3 TB Better synchronization between devices

How to set up automatic synchronization:

  • 📁 Install a cloud storage client (for example, Google Backup and Sync).
  • 🔄 Select folders to sync (for example, Documents or Desk).
  • ☁️ The files will be available offline, but the main copy is stored in the cloud.

Suitable for business users NAS drive (For example, Synology DS220+). This is a mini-server that connects to the router and works as a personal cloud. Pros: full control over data, no subscription fee.

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Cloud storage is suitable for backup, but will not replace a physical disk - the speed of accessing files depends on the Internet connection.

6. Optimize Windows to save space

The system itself takes up tens of gigabytes, but some of this space can be freed up. Here are the key settings:

Disabling hibernation:

File hiberfil.sys takes up to 80% of RAM (e.g. 8 GB for 16 GB RAM). If you don't use hibernation mode, disable it:

powercfg /h off

Enter this command in Command Prompt (Administrator).

Clearing restore points:

Windows creates system backups that can weigh 10–20 GB. To reduce them:

  1. Open Control Panel → System → System Protection.
  2. Select drive C: and press Customize.
  3. Set the slider to 1–3 GB or disable protection completely.

NTFS disk compression:

Function CompactOS compresses system files without loss of performance. Run on the command line:

compact /compactOS:always
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Windows 11 has a feature Memory controlled storage (Settings → System → Storage). Turn it on and the system will automatically delete temporary files and cache once a month.

7. Alternative solutions: external SSDs and USB drives

If the upgrade is not possible (for example, in MacBook Air or ultrabooks with sealed memory), use external drives:

  • 🚀 Portable SSD (For example, Samsung T7 Shield) - speed up to 1000 MB/s, capacity up to 2 TB.
  • 💽 External HDD (For example, WD My Passport) - cheaper, but slower (120–150 MB/s).
  • 🔌 USB flash drive with ReadyBoost — speeds up the system through caching (suitable for Windows 7–10).

To permanently use an external drive as an internal one:

  1. Connect the SSD via USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt.
  2. B Disk Management format it to NTFS.
  3. Transfer the user's folders to it or install programs indicating a new path.

For MacBook adapter will do OWC Envoy Pro - it allows you to connect an SSD via USB-C with speeds up to 1000 MB/s.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about increasing laptop memory

Is it possible to increase memory on a laptop without replacing the drive?

Yes! Methods without physical intervention:

  • Cleaning the disk from debris (see. section 1).
  • Transfer files to the cloud or external drive.
  • Optimizing Windows (disabling hibernation, compressing system files).

These methods will free up 20-100 GB without purchasing new hardware.

Which drive is better to choose for replacement: SSD or HDD?

Depends on the tasks:

  • SSD - if needed express laptop (system boots in 10 seconds, programs run quickly). Minus: more expensive for 1 TB.
  • HDD - if priority volume (e.g. 2–4 TB for video storage). Disadvantage: 5–10 times slower.

The best option is hybrid approach: SSD for the system + external HDD for files.

How much does it cost to replace a disk at a service center?

Prices in 2026:

  • Replacing HDD with SSD: 1500–3000 rub. (excluding disc cost).
  • Installing a second drive in a free slot: 2000–4000 rub..
  • Transferring the system to a new disk: 1000–2000 rub. additionally.

If you are confident in your abilities, you can do it yourself - there are video instructions for most models on the Internet.

What to do if your laptop does not have a free slot for a second drive?

Options:

  1. Replace DVD drive to the second disk (adapter required caddy for 500–1000 rubles).
  2. Use external SSD via USB 3.2/Thunderbolt.
  3. Connect microSD card (if there is a slot) and format it as an internal drive.

For MacBook the only option is external drives, since the memory is sealed.

How to transfer Windows to a new drive without losing data?

Step by step instructions:

  1. Download Macrium Reflect Free or AOMEI Backupper.
  2. Connect the new drive via USB-SATA adapter.
  3. In the program, select Clone this disk and specify the target drive.
  4. After cloning, replace the old disk with a new one and boot from it.

If the laptop does not boot, check the boot order in BIOS (F2 or Del when turned on).