Can You Perform Huawei MateBook SSD Upgrade? (Yes or No)
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.
Can You Perform HuaWei MateBook SSD Upgrade?
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.
#1. Upgradeable vs. Non-Upgradeable Models
Key Takeaways:
- - The older D-series and pre-2022 X Pro/13/14 models have accessible M.2 SSD slots.
- - Newer ultra-slim models (2022+) often solder the SSD directly to the motherboard. Thus, it’s not recommended to upgrade SSD as it may cause system crashes or data loss.
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) |
#2. Key Factors Affecting Upgradeability
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 |
#3. How to Check If Your Model Is Upgradable
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 |
Steps to Perform Huawei MateBook SSD Upgrade
If your Huawei MateBook model is upgradeable, you can refer to the following steps to upgrade SSD in Huawei MateBook.
Part 1: Prepare for Huawei MateBook SSD Upgrade
-
- 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.
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- 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.
Part 2: Migrate Operating System to SSD by Cloning (Worry-free)
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.
❤❤❤ Why Choose AOMEI Cloner?
- 👑 Bootable clone: Clone HDDs/SSDs or MBR/GPT system disks without boot issues.
- Intelligent clone (default) - only clone the used sectors of a drive, making it easier to clone large HDD to smaller SSD. It also saves you a lot of time.
- Edit Partitions - very useful when cloning hard drive to larger drive, especially those with different disk partition styles(one MBR, one GPT). It can be automatic.
- SSD Alignment - help align SSD with 4k technology and improve the lifespan.
- Disk brands compatible - compatible with Samsung, WD, SanDisk, Crucial, etc., whether they are using NVMe, PCIe, M.2, SATA, or mSATA interface. Learn More »
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.
- The target SSD drive is larger. Select “Add unused space to all partitions or “Manually adjust partition size. The former is recommended as it is adjusted automatically without human intervention and minimizes errors.
- Both drives have different partition styles (one MBR, one GPT). Check the option “Convert the destination disk from MBR to GPT or vice versa to make them identical.
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)!
Part 3: Swap and Boot from New SSD
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
- Put your Huawei MateBook on a soft, static-free surface with its back facing up.
- Remove the screws secure your Huawei MateBook using a screwdriver. You can put them together for easy access.
- Then, carefully remove the bottom enclosure to access the SSD slots.
Step 3. Swap the two SSD drives
- Locate the SSD slot, usually at or near the center of the motherboard, and remove the screws using screwdriver.
- Gently pull out the original SSD. Then, slide the new SSD into the bay at a 30°or 45°angle and secure it with the screws.
Step 4. Reassemble your Huawei MateBook
- Reinstall the back panel and secure it with the screws.If the batter is disconnect, reconnect it.
- Connect the power source as well in order to boot your computer.
Final Verdict
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.