How to Upgrade eMMC to SSD | Complete Guide

eMMC (Embedded MultiMediaCard) storage is commonly found in budget laptops, tablets, and Chromebooks due to its affordability and low power consumption. However, many users find eMMC storage insufficient for their needs and wonder if they can upgrade it. Unlike traditional SSDs or HDDs, eMMC is soldered directly onto the motherboard, making direct upgrades nearly impossible. This article will explore whether an eMMC upgrade is feasible and provide the best alternative solutions to expand storage and enhance performance.

Can You Upgrade eMMC Storage?

If you're looking to upgrade eMMC storage to SSD or SD card, the process depends on your device's hardware. Below, we’ll explore two possible scenarios.

Scenario 1: eMMC Can Be Replaced

Some laptops or tablets with eMMC storage may also have an M.2 slot or a SATA connector, allowing users to install an SSD. If your device supports SSD installation, you can replace eMMC with SSD by cloning your system and migrating data to the new drive.

How to Upgrade eMMC to SSD (If Supported)

1. Check if Your Device Supports SSD Expansion

• Refer to the manufacturer’s website or user manual.
• Use system tools like Speccy or HWInfo to check for available expansion slots.

2. Choose the Right SSD

• M.2 NVMe SSD: If your device has an M.2 slot.
• SATA 2.5-inch SSD: If your device has a SATA connector.

After selecting a suitable SSD, please initialize the SSD through Disk Management.

3. Clone eMMC to SSD

With specialized cloning tools, such as AOMEI Backupper, you can migrate data from the source eMMC storage without compression and keep the original layout in the SSD.

Follow the steps to use disk cloning software like AOMEI Backupper to transfer your system and files to the new SSD.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Backupper on your Windows 11/10 PC.

Step 2. Click Disk Clone on the Clone interface.

Step 3. Choose the eMMC as the source disk and the new SSD as the target disk.

Step 4. You can edit the partition or select SSD Alignment during the cloning process to improve performance.

Step 5. After the cloning process, connect the SSD using a USB-to-SATA adapter if necessary.

Step 6. Change the boot order and boot from the SSD and configure it as the primary storage.

Scenario 2: eMMC Cannot Be Replaced

In most cases, eMMC storage is permanently soldered onto the motherboard, meaning it cannot be physically upgraded. This limitation prevents users from directly replacing eMMC with an SSD.

Why can’t eMMC be upgraded?

• eMMC is an embedded storage chip, not a removable drive like SSDs or HDDs.
• Removing eMMC requires advanced soldering skills and is not practical for most users.
• Most manufacturers design these devices to be non-upgradable to reduce costs and size.

But don’t worry! If your device does not support SSD installation, there are still alternative ways to expand storage and improve performance. Continue reading to discover the best solutions for upgrading eMMC storage.

How to Expand Storage If You Can’t Upgrade eMMC

If replacing eMMC with an SSD isn’t possible, you can use external storage solutions or optimize your existing eMMC storage to improve performance.

1. Upgrade eMMC Storage with an SD Card

Many eMMC-based laptops and tablets include a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand storage without modifying internal hardware.

How to Use an SD Card for Storage Expansion

1. Choose a Fast microSD Card

• Use a UHS-I or UHS-II microSD card for better performance.
• Recommended brands: SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO Plus.

2. Format and Set Up the SD Card as Internal Storage (Windows/Linux)

• Windows: Move personal files, downloads, and media storage to the SD card.
• Linux: Use the SD card for extended storage in Linux-based systems.

3. Use Software to Optimize Storage Usage

• Redirect app installations and cache files to the SD card.

2. Use an External SSD or USB Drive

If your device has USB 3.0 or USB-C, you can connect an external SSD for improved storage and speed.

How to Use an External SSD as Primary Storage

1. Connect a USB SSD

• Use a high-speed SSD like Samsung T7, SanDisk Extreme SSD.

2. Set It as the Default Storage Location

• In Windows, go to Settings > Storage and change the default save locations.
• Some software allows installation on external drives.

3. Optimize eMMC Performance Without Hardware Upgrades

If replacing or expanding storage isn’t an option, optimizing your current eMMC can help:

• Free Up Storage: Use disk cleanup tools to remove unnecessary files.
• Disable Background Programs: Prevent unnecessary applications from using system resources.
• Use Cloud Storage: Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox can help free up local storage.

Conclusion

Upgrading eMMC to an SSD is only possible if your device has an available slot for an M.2 or SATA SSD. If your eMMC is not replaceable, you can expand storage using a microSD card, an external SSD, or cloud storage. Additionally, optimizing your eMMC’s performance can help improve your device’s speed and usability.

FAQs About eMMC Upgrade

1. Is eMMC or SSD better?

SSD is significantly better than eMMC in terms of speed, durability, and upgradeability. eMMC (Embedded MultiMediaCard)is a budget-friendly storage solution commonly found in low-cost laptops and tablets, but it has limited speed and lifespan. SSD (Solid-State Drive), on the other hand, offers much faster read/write speeds, larger storage capacities, and is typically replaceable. If your device supports an SSD upgrade, switching from eMMC to an SSD will greatly improve performance.

2. Can I remove my 32GB eMMC and replace it with a 64GB SSD?

It depends on your device. Most eMMC storage is soldered onto the motherboard, making it non-removable and non-upgradable. However, if your laptop or tablet has an M.2 or SATA slot, you can install a 64GB (or larger) SSD instead. If your eMMC is not replaceable, you may need to consider alternative solutions, such as using a microSD card, an external SSD, or cloud storage to expand capacity.

3. Can eMMC storage be expanded?

Yes, but not by replacing the eMMC itself. Since eMMC storage is usually soldered onto the motherboard, it cannot be physically upgraded. However, you can expand storage using:

• A microSD card(if your device has a slot)
• An external SSD or USB drive
• Cloud storage services Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox

These alternatives can help increase storage space without modifying the internal hardware of your device.