Adding second SSD to desktop as first SSD is full

Get a larger SSD then clone the one in the computer to the new larger SSD and then change drives,

Amazon has 1TB for $100. 500GB for $90

Hi.

My current SSD is almost full on my desktop. The SSD is installed on the motherboard.  I have purchased and installed a second SSD but a 2.5" as the motherboard does not have space for a second SSD. How do I now work with this setup when the first SSD becomes full? Running Windows 10 Pro on a Dell Precision 3620. SSD on Motherboard is 256GB, 2.5" SSD is also 256GB. This is a temporary fix for running out of room until I can afford to buy new computers. Thanks in advance for any help!

A $12-15 sata to usb cable would be a quick, cheap solution.

A $20 - 30 external drive housing would be a step up.

Either would be a workable solution IF you can live with the usb3.0 transfer rates ... you did say it was a temporary solution for data storage.

BC

No, it will not spill over into the second SSD automatically. That's why I carefully wrote out all of the ways to use the second SSD optimally so that you balance the space used on both drives.

You would not install Windows to the second drive or you'd have another Windows to manage which you dont' need. Just use the second drive to offload files first as per the instructions I wrote out in first post, then when needed install new Apps to the second SSD via Storage settings.

But having the User folders on the second SSD should cover it since everything you put in Documents, Downloads, Pictures, etc is going to go to the new SSD without any effort. Just keep your files in their User folders.

I would not move Desktop folder off of the first SSD as it can cause problems. But all other User folders at C:\Users\Your User Name can be moved there per the tutorial I gave.

Let me know how this goes and if you have any other questions.

Hi Greg,

Thank you SO much for the quick reply. I just want to confirm.

If I take the first option

- What I'd do first is sort you files into their User folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Downloads, etc) then move them to the new drive. See how here:

**http://www.dummies.com/computers/operating-syst...**

Then that would free up some space on SSD one and put some stuff on SSD two, correct?

If that is correct then I DON'T have to install the operating system/drivers/etc., onto SSD two?

HI Morgan. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

What I'd do first is sort you files into their User folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Downloads, etc) then move them to the new drive. See how here:

http://www.dummies.com/computers/operating-syst...

Then since it's an SSD you can even change the default install location for Apps in Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved as shown here:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/23790-chang...

This will only change the location for new apps, so if you want to move any presently installed see how here:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/move-windows-10-...

In addition there are other strategies for freeing up space on your Windows drive here:

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/maximize-stora...

https://www.pcworld.com/article/3040404/windows...

These should all add up to your having as much free space as you want with the data and apps distributed between your two drives as you please, using the recognized methods I gave here.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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