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HP OMEN SSD Upgrade Guide: Laptop and Desktop Installation
Ant Koksal
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August 5, 2025
If you believe it’s time to boost system performance or need more space for games, upgrading to an SSD may be the smartest investment you can make. Modern games can require a substantial amount of storage space. For example, the Call of Duty series requires around 120-150 GB of space to install, and with updates this can increase to up to 200 GB.
An SSD upgrade will not only help you increase your storage space, but also noticeably improve your system performance. Moreover, HP OMEN owners can do this themselves: if you are a DIY PC enthusiast, this is an upgrade you can complete without much difficulty. For UK gamers looking to maximize their system’s potential, this guide provides everything you need to know. In this guide, you will find the following information:
- General information about HP OMEN laptop SSD upgrade process
- How to install SSD in HP OMEN desktop - step by step
- How to install SSD in HP OMEN laptop - step by step
- Possible problems and solutions
Can I Upgrade the SSD on My OMEN? Compatibility Basics
The HP OMEN Gaming series was created with the expectations and needs of gamers in mind, and upgradability is a common feature of PCs and laptops in this series. In other words, yes, you can upgrade your SSD on your OMEN. However, the upgrade options will vary depending on the specifications of the model you are using. Therefore, it is best to start by identifying your specific OMEN model.
To do this, you will need the serial number, product number, or product name of your HP OMEN. You can find this information on the product label: the label can be on the bottom, side, top, or back of the product. Once you find the required information, enter it in the “identify your product for manuals” search box on the official HP Support website. This will take you to the official support page for your product. Here you can find out what kind of storage solution the product uses and what its form factor is.
Another option is to use the Device Manager feature of Windows. Right-click on the Start button on the Taskbar and click on ‘Device Manager’. Under the ‘Disk Drives’ list, you can see the type and in most cases the capacity of the storage devices on your system.
Choosing the Right SSD for Your HP OMEN
SSDs have undergone many changes over time in terms of form factor, performance, and capacity. SATA SSDs are the first and oldest: they mostly use the SATA III standard and the same connection as traditional HDDs. M.2 is the modern and fastest form factor used in high-end PCs and laptops.
Generally speaking, if you have multiple SSD upgrade options compatible with your system, we recommend going with the most modern and fastest one. So, if your system supports it, you should consider upgrading to M.2 SSDs. To choose the capacity, think about your needs: for example, how much space do the games you install usually require? A minimum capacity of 1 TB will be enough for most users, but if you want to plan for future needs, feel free to upgrade to 2 TB or even more.
When selecting an SSD for your HP OMEN, consider the following specifications:
- Interface: M.2 NVMe for maximum performance, or 2.5-inch SATA for additional storage
- Capacity: 1 TB minimum, 2 TB or more for extensive game libraries
- Speed: Look for read speeds of at least 3,000 MB/s for M.2 NVMe drives
- Endurance: Higher TBW (Terabytes Written) ratings ensure longer lifespan
Essential Tools and Preparation for HP OMEN SSD Upgrade
For HP OMEN laptop SSD upgrade, you need the following tools:
- New SSD compatible with your system
- A precision tool kit
- (Optional) Your laptop’s user guide to refer to when you need it
For HP OMEN desktop SSD upgrade you need the following tools:
- New SSD compatible with your system
- Screwdriver
- A SATA data cable if using a SATA SSD
- (Optional) Your desktop PC’s user guide for reference when you need it
Before you start, it is always good practice to back up your important files. Clean your workspace and always unplug your device before opening it. Do not plug in your device until you are finished. Additionally, ground yourself by touching a metal object to discharge any static electricity that could damage sensitive components.
How to Install SSD in HP OMEN Laptop: Step-by-Step Guide
- Turn off and unplug your HP OMEN laptop.
- Locate the back panel of your HP OMEN laptop, then open the panel by removing the screws.
- Unplug the battery cable inside your laptop.
- Carefully remove the existing SSD. Pay attention to the location of the cables and/or slots.
- Insert the new SSD in the same slot.
- Reattach the battery cable, replace and screw in the back laptop panel.
- Turn on your laptop and make sure your system detects the new SSD on the BIOS/UEFI screen.
- Install your operating system.
Important Note: Different OMEN laptop models may have slightly different internal layouts. Always consult your specific model’s service manual for exact screw locations and component placement. Most HP OMEN laptops feature tool-less or minimal-tool designs for easier upgrades.
How to Install SSD in HP OMEN Desktop: Complete Instructions
In this example, we will use the HP OMEN 40L and 25L models. The HP OMEN 40L SSD upgrade is identical to the 25L and you can use the same steps.
- Turn off and unplug your computer. Remove all cables from the back.
- Open the side panel by unscrewing the screws on the back.
- Find the M.2 SSD slot on the motherboard. Some models have two M.2 SSD slots, and one of them may be empty. You can insert the new SSD into the empty slot or replace the existing one.
- Unscrew the screw that connects the SSD to the slot and allow it to lift up slightly. Carefully pull it out of the slot.
- Insert the new SSD into the same slot and screw it in.
- Close the side panel and reconnect all the cables you removed.
- Turn on the PC and make sure your system detects the new SSD on the BIOS/UEFI screen.
- Install your operating system and restore your system using the clone you created.
On the HP OMEN 40L and 25L models, you can also use 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. You can use the larger capacity (and cheaper) SATA SSDs for data storage and (slightly more expensive) M.2 SSDs for your operating system and games. In both models, the SATA SSD can be installed in the existing 2.5-inch disk bay. In this case, you will need to use a SATA data cable: pay attention to cable management and make sure they do not obstruct airflow.
Setting Up Your New SSD: Software and Configuration
To start using your new SSD, you need to format it so that Windows recognises it and reinstall your operating system. To do this, after installing the new SSD:
- Turn on your PC or laptop and enter the “Boot Menu” screen by holding down the F9 key
- Select Windows media (a USB stick or DVD) to be first in the boot order and reboot the system.
- Windows installation will start. Choose ‘Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)’ and set your new SSD as the drive where the operating system will be installed. Windows will automatically format the SSD and complete the OS installation.
- When your computer reboots, restore your game library and other files by restoring the clone file you have created previously. You can find more information about cloning and clone restoration in this article.
Optimising Your New SSD for Best Performance
After installation, consider these optimisation steps:
- Enable TRIM: Ensure TRIM is enabled in Windows to maintain SSD performance over time
- Update firmware: Check the SSD manufacturer’s website for firmware updates
- Disable defragmentation: Windows should automatically disable defragmentation for SSDs, but verify this in the optimisation settings
- Adjust power settings: Configure power plans to prevent the SSD from sleeping too frequently
Troubleshooting Common HP OMEN SSD Upgrade Issues
Q: New SSD is not recognised in BIOS, what can I do?
A: Check that you have installed the SSD in the correct slot and that the cables, if any, are correctly installed. Even a loose or dislodged cable can cause this problem.
Q: My system does not boot after installing a new SSD, what can I do?
A: Check if your SSD is properly set as the primary boot device in BIOS. You may need to install an OS if it is not available on the SSD. Start a new Windows installation and select the ‘Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)’ option.
Q: I’m not getting the performance I expected with my new SSD, what could be the reason?
A: There can be many reasons for this. First, try updating your BIOS and check if there is new firmware for the SSD. Also, make sure that AHCI mode is enabled in the BIOS.
Q: My newly installed SSD is getting very hot; will it cause a problem?
A: It is normal and within limits for SSDs to heat up to around 70°C - 80°C (158°F - 176°F). If it gets hotter than this, consider using a cooling pad.
Q: Will my warranty expire if I install a new SSD myself?
A: Upgrading the SSD yourself does not void the warranty as long as you do not damage any other internal parts of your device during the upgrade.
Q: Can I use an SSD from another manufacturer in my HP OMEN?
A: Yes, HP OMEN systems support SSDs from various manufacturers. Ensure the SSD meets the form factor and interface requirements (M.2 NVMe or 2.5-inch SATA) of your specific model.
Maximising Your HP OMEN Experience
Upgrading to a new SSD has advantages in terms of both storage space and system performance, you can store and access more games or files faster. Moreover, this upgrade is straightforward, so it can be done by almost anyone. To maintain the performance boost you get, check regularly for new firmware releases for your new SSD. Also, consider using a cooling pad if its temperature during operation exceeds 70°C - 80°C (158°F - 176°F).
If you want even more performance, consider upgrading to models like the OMEN 25L and 45L gaming desktops. Regardless of which OMEN model you’re using, you can enjoy a smoother, faster experience with an HP storage solutions upgrade.
Additional Benefits of SSD Upgrades for UK Gamers
Beyond the immediate performance improvements, upgrading your HP OMEN’s SSD offers several long-term advantages:
- Energy efficiency: SSDs consume less power than traditional HDDs, potentially reducing your electricity costs and environmental impact
- Quieter operation: With no moving parts, SSDs operate silently, creating a more pleasant gaming environment
- Improved reliability: SSDs are more resistant to physical shock and have no mechanical parts to fail
- Faster game updates: Modern games frequently receive large updates; faster storage means less time waiting and more time playing
- Better multitasking: Run multiple applications simultaneously without performance degradation
Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or content creation, an SSD upgrade transforms your HP OMEN into a more capable and responsive machine. The investment pays dividends in improved productivity and gaming enjoyment for years to come.
