In this article, we’ll dive into the possibility and steps to perform Huawei MateBook SSD upgrade without reinstalling Windows. Scroll down to learn more.
The answer is "It depends". Not all Huawei MateBooks allow SSD upgrades, and even among those that do, compatibility varies widely. Let's cut through the confusion and break down exactly which models support upgrades, what you'll need, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Key Takeaways:
|
Upgradeable Models |
Non-Upgradeable Models |
|
MateBook D14/D15 (2020–2022) |
MateBook X Pro (2022–2023) |
|
MateBook 13/14/16 (2019–2021) |
MateBook E Series (2-in-1) |
|
MateBook X Pro (2018–2021) |
MateBook X (2023) |
Even if your MateBook is technically upgradeable, success may vary due to the following factors:
|
Factor |
Requirement |
|
SSD form factor |
M.2 2280 (most common) or M.2 2242 (slim models) |
|
Interface |
PCIe NVMe (Gen3/Gen4) or SATA |
|
Capacity limit |
Typically 1TB–2TB (check BIOS support) |
|
Physical space |
Single-sided SSDs for ultra-thin designs |
|
BIOS/UEFI support |
Some models block non-OEM SSDs |
Usually, if your SSD is not soldered, it’s upgradeable. If not, then it is not upgradeable.
Step 1. Identify your model
Type msinfo32 in the Windows search box and press Enter. You can also check the bottom label, e.g., HUAWEI MateBook 14 2021 KLVL-WXX9.
Step 2. Consult official specs
Visit the Huawei Support page and search for your model. Then, select Manual, and it will display some related user guides. You can click to find terms like "SSD replacement" or "M.2 slot". If you don't find it, just click on the Live Chat icon to get help.
Step 3. Physical inspection
Unscrew the bottom panel and check for an M.2 slot, at or near the center of the motherboard. If the SSD is secured with screws, it’s non-soldered and upgradeable.
✅Here's a chart containing some upgradeable SSDs and requirements:
|
Models |
SSD Type |
Notes |
|
MateBookD14/D15 (2020–2022) |
M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe Gen3) |
- User-accessible SSD slot - Support up to 2TB SSDs - Avoid double-sided SSDs |
|
MateBook 13/1413/14 (2019–2021) |
M.2 2280 NVMe/SATA |
- Check BIOS for Gen3/Gen4 support - 2021 models may have soldered RAM |
|
MateBook X Pro(2018–2021) |
M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe Gen3) |
-Pre-2022 models have replaceable SSDs - 2022+ models solder the SSD |
|
MateBook 16(2021) |
M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe Gen3) |
- Requires single-sided SSDs for clearance - Supports up to 2TB |
If your Huawei MateBook model is upgradeable, you can refer to the following steps to upgrade SSD in Huawei MateBook.
- Prepare a compatible SSD. Please note that thicker drives (e.g., Samsung 970 EVO) may not fit slim models like the MateBook X Pro.
- Prepare an M.2 or SATA adapter for connection (laptop with only one slot).
- Get a JIS #0 screwdriver for accessing bottom panel and SSD as Huawei uses non-standard screws.
- Upgrade BIOS before cloning. Older BIOS versions may not recognize newer SSDs. You need to upgrade BIOS through Huawei PC Manager first.
- Check for thermal pad. High-performance SSDs (e.g., WD Black SN850) may throttle without a thermal pad. So double-check it in the Huawei MateBook to avoid overheating Issues.
- Free download cloning software. The easiest method to migrate operating system is to clone the entire disk or system with a reliable cloning software like AOMEI Cloner.
Cloning SSD to larger SSD will make it easier and faster to improve computer performance. You don't need to reinstall Windows and programs from scratch, which is time-consuming and cumbersome.
AOMEI Cloner, a reliable and worry-free cloning software, comes here to help you clone SSD to larger SSD. It will include the operating system, installed programs, system files and settings, personal data, etc., on the original SSD, whether it’s using Windows 7, 8, 10, 11. You can also choose to transfer OS to new SSD.
Here's how to perform Huawei MateBook SSD upgrade:
Step 1. Connect the new SSD drive to your computer using M.2 or SATA adapter. Then, open AOMEI Cloner, click Clone > Disk Clone subsequently.
Step 2. In the Source Disk window, select the drive you want to clone and click Next.
Step 3. In the Destination Disk window, select the new SSD drive (with equal or larger capacity) and click Next. Click OK to continue when getting a warning message.
Step 4. Be sure to check the SSD Alignment feature to align HDD and SSD for better performance. Try the Edit Partitions feature in the following two situations. They both help a lot to avoid different cloning issues, such as SSD low performance, unallocated space left, boot issues, etc., after cloning.
Step 5. Be sure your settings and click Start Clone to clone SSD to new SSD. By default, this software will enable the intelligent clone feature to clone only the used sectors of a drive. It can avoid the cloned SSD won't boot issue to the greatest extent possible (if it's smaller).
Try it if you want a fast way to clone SSD to SSD (all SSD brands are supported)!
Step 1. Shut down the Huawei MateBook completely
Press the power button to turn off the laptop and wait a few seconds until it is completely off. Unplug the power source and disconnect the battery as well.
Step 2. Access the SSD slots
Step 3. Swap the two SSD drives
Step 4. Reassemble your Huawei MateBook
Yes, you can perform Huawei MateBook SSD upgrade in certain models, such as MateBookD14/D15, X Pro (2018–2021), etc., with the success rates varying depending on different factors. Newer ultrabooks (2022+) are often locked down, which is not suggested to upgrade internal SSD but add an external one.
In addition, a reliable cloning software is crucial to upgrade SSD in Huawei MateBook. You could consider using AOMEI Cloner, which can clone SSD from one to another with secure boot, even in different sizes. It handles the cloning process well and is compatible with all brands of SSD disks.