M.2 drives are a great way to upgrade your computer’s storage capacity and performance. They’re faster than traditional hard drives and more compact, making them ideal for laptops and other small form-factor computers. If you’ve recently added an M.2 drive to your computer and you don’t know how to activate it, don’t worry. It’s a relatively simple process that can be done in a few minutes.
The first step is to open the Disk Management utility. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “diskmgmt.msc” into the Run dialog box. Once the Disk Management utility has opened, you should see a list of all the storage devices connected to your computer, including your new M.2 drive. If the M.2 drive is not listed, it may not be properly connected. Make sure that the drive is firmly seated in its slot and that the cables are securely connected.
Verifying BIOS Settings
Once you have successfully installed your new M.2 SSD, it’s essential to verify that the BIOS is recognizing and enabling it. Follow these steps to check BIOS settings:
Accessing the BIOS
The process of accessing the BIOS may differ between different motherboards. Typically, you can access the BIOS by pressing a specific key during the boot-up process, such as “Delete,” “F2,” or “F10.” Refer to your motherboard’s user manual for specific instructions.
Finding the M.2 Settings
Once you have entered the BIOS, look for a section related to storage devices or peripheral settings. This section typically includes options for configuring M.2 slots. The exact location and labeling of these settings may vary depending on the motherboard manufacturer.
Enabling and Detecting M.2
Within the M.2 settings, you should see a list of available M.2 slots. Locate the slot where you installed your new M.2 SSD and make sure it is enabled. In some cases, you may also need to specify the type of storage device installed (e.g., NVMe, SATA).
If the M.2 SSD is not detected, check the following:
| Issue | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| M.2 slot not enabled | Enable the slot in the BIOS settings |
| Incompatible M.2 SSD | Ensure the M.2 SSD matches the slot’s specification (e.g., NVMe vs. SATA) |
| Loose connection | Reinstall the M.2 SSD and ensure it is properly seated |
After making any necessary changes, save your BIOS settings and restart your computer. Your newly installed M.2 SSD should now be recognized by the system.
Formatting and Partitioning
Once you have successfully connected your M.2 drive, you need to format and partition it before you can use it. Formatting creates a file system on the drive, which allows your operating system to recognize it and read and write data to it. Partitioning divides the drive into smaller, logical sections, which can be useful for organizing your data or creating multiple operating system installations on the same drive.
To format and partition your M.2 drive:
- Open the Disk Management utility. In Windows 10, you can do this by pressing Windows + X and selecting “Disk Management” from the menu.
- In the Disk Management utility, find your M.2 drive. It will be listed as a new, unallocated disk.
- Right-click on the M.2 drive and select “Initialize Disk.” This will create a new partition table on the drive.
- Once the drive is initialized, right-click on it again and select “New Simple Volume.” This will open the New Simple Volume Wizard.
- In the New Simple Volume Wizard, specify the size of the new partition and the drive letter you want to assign to it.
- Click “Next” and then “Finish” to create the new partition.
Your M.2 drive is now formatted and partitioned and ready to use.
| Partition Style | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Master Boot Record (MBR) |
|
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| GUID Partition Table (GPT) |
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Verifying Drive Performance
Once the M.2 drive is activated, it’s essential to verify its performance to ensure it’s functioning optimally. Here are a few steps to check the drive’s performance:
1. Check Disk Management
Open Disk Management by searching for it in the Windows search bar. Right-click on the newly added M.2 drive and select “Properties.” Navigate to the “Performance” tab to view the drive’s properties and verify that it’s running at the expected speed.
2. Use CrystalDiskMark
Download and install CrystalDiskMark, a free utility that benchmarks storage devices. Run the benchmark on the M.2 drive to measure its read and write speeds. Compare the results with the specifications provided by the drive manufacturer to ensure optimal performance.
3. Check Smart Data
Smart data provides information about the health and performance of a storage device. To access the smart data for the M.2 drive, open CrystalDiskInfo. Under the “Health Status” tab, check for any warning or caution messages. Additionally, examine the “Temperature” and “Power-On Hours” values to monitor the drive’s operating conditions.
How To Activate Newly Added M.2
Introduction:
M.2 slots are a great way to add extra storage or functionality to your computer. However, if you’ve recently added an M.2 drive, you may need to activate it before you can use it. The process for activating an M.2 drive varies depending on your computer’s motherboard, but it’s typically a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes.
Instructions:
1. Power off your computer and unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Open your computer case and locate the M.2 slot. It is usually located on the motherboard, near the PCI-Express slots.
3. Remove the screw that is holding the M.2 drive in place.
4. Carefully insert the M.2 drive into the slot, making sure that it is aligned correctly.
5. Screw in the screw to secure the M.2 drive in place.
6. Close your computer case and plug it back into the power outlet.
7. Power on your computer and enter the BIOS.
8. Navigate to the “Storage” or “Peripherals” section in the BIOS.
9. Look for the M.2 drive in the list of storage devices.
10. Select the M.2 drive and press the “Enter” key.
11. Select the “Activate” option and press the “Enter” key.
12. Save your changes and exit the BIOS.
Your M.2 drive should now be active and ready to use.
People Also Ask About How To Activate Newly Added M.2
What is an M.2 slot?
An M.2 slot is a high-speed expansion slot that is found on many modern motherboards. M.2 slots are used to connect M.2 devices, which can include storage devices, such as SSDs, and other peripherals, such as Wi-Fi cards.
How do I know if my motherboard has an M.2 slot?
To determine if your motherboard has an M.2 slot, consult your motherboard’s manual or refer to the manufacturer’s website.
Why is my M.2 drive not detected?
There are several reasons why your M.2 drive may not be detected. Ensure that the drive is properly seated in the M.2 slot, the slot is enabled in the BIOS, and the drivers for the drive are installed.
How do I format an M.2 drive?
To format an M.2 drive, use the Disk Management utility in Windows or the Disk Utility application in macOS.
