The most common laptop upgrades are storage and memory. Most laptops let you replace or add an SSD, and some let you add RAM if the memory isn’t soldered to the motherboard. The processor (CPU) and graphics card (GPU) are built into nearly all laptops and can’t be upgraded. Batteries can be replaced on many models, and software can be installed or removed on any laptop.
In this guide, we explain which laptop parts you can upgrade, what to check before you start, and how to install drives, RAM, batteries, and software safely. For more laptop terms, visit our laptop glossary.
What Can You Upgrade in a Laptop?
You can usually upgrade a laptop’s SSD, sometimes its RAM, and often its battery. You can’t upgrade the CPU or GPU in nearly all laptops, because they’re soldered to the motherboard. Thin-and-light laptops tend to have fewer upgradeable parts, while gaming laptops, business laptops, and mobile workstations often have more.
| Laptop part | Upgradeable? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| SSD storage | Usually | Most laptops use a replaceable M.2 SSD; some have a second slot for adding another drive |
| RAM | Sometimes | Only if the laptop has removable memory slots (SO-DIMM); LPDDR memory is soldered and permanent |
| Battery | Often | Many batteries are internal and best replaced by a technician |
| Wi-Fi card | Sometimes | Some laptops use a removable M.2 Wi-Fi card; many newer models solder it in place |
| CPU (processor) | No | Soldered to the motherboard in nearly all laptops |
| GPU (graphics card) | No | Built in; an external GPU enclosure over Thunderbolt™ is an option on some models |
| Screen and keyboard | Repair only | Replaced for damage, not typically upgraded |
Which upgrade makes the biggest difference?
For an older laptop with a spinning hard drive, switching to an SSD makes the biggest difference in everyday speed. For a laptop that slows down with many apps open, adding RAM helps most. Learn how much memory and storage you need in our laptop memory and storage glossary, and see other ways to speed up a laptop in our laptop speed glossary.
Why can’t you upgrade a laptop CPU or GPU?
Laptop processors and graphics chips are soldered directly to the motherboard to save space and power, unlike desktop parts that sit in removable sockets and slots. To get a faster processor or GPU, you need a new laptop. That’s why it’s smart to choose these parts carefully when you buy; see our laptop picking and setup guide. Some gaming laptops are designed with more upgrade room; browse upgradable gaming laptops.
Before You Upgrade a Laptop
Before opening a laptop, confirm which parts your model supports, back up your files, and check your warranty. A common upgrade mistake is buying the wrong part, such as an SSD that’s the wrong size or RAM that’s the wrong type. Your laptop’s specifications or service manual lists exactly what fits.
Pre-upgrade checklist
- Check compatibility: Confirm the RAM type and maximum capacity, SSD size (2230, 2242, or 2280), and interface (NVMe or SATA) for your exact model
- Find the service manual: HP’s support site has maintenance and service guides for many models
- Back up your files: Copy everything to cloud storage or an external drive; see our backups, troubleshooting, and resets glossary
- Review your warranty: Opening the laptop or using non-approved parts may affect coverage
- Gather tools: A small Phillips or Torx screwdriver, a plastic pry tool, and an anti-static wrist strap
- Work safely: Shut down fully, unplug the charger, and work on a clean, flat, non-carpeted surface
If you’re not comfortable opening a laptop, an authorized service provider can do the upgrade for you.
Installing Drives
You can add storage to a laptop by replacing the internal SSD with a larger one, adding a second SSD if your laptop has a free M.2 slot, or connecting an external drive. An external drive is the easiest option and works with any laptop. An internal upgrade takes about 30 minutes and gives you faster, built-in storage.
Step-by-step: install an internal M.2 SSD
- Back up and prepare. Back up your files, and decide whether to clone your old drive or do a fresh Windows install.
- Power down completely. Shut down, unplug the charger, and disconnect accessories.
- Open the bottom panel. Remove the screws and gently pry the panel loose with a plastic tool.
- Disconnect the battery. If your service manual says to, unplug the internal battery connector first.
- Remove the old SSD. Unscrew the retaining screw and slide the SSD out at a slight angle.
- Insert the new SSD. Slide it into the M.2 slot at an angle, press it flat, and secure it with the screw.
- Reassemble. Reconnect the battery, replace the panel, and tighten the screws.
- Set up the drive. Restore your cloned drive, or install Windows using recovery media, then restore your files.
Using an external drive
An external SSD or hard drive plugs into a USB-C or USB-A port and works right away. It’s a good choice for backups, photo and video libraries, and game archives, and it moves easily between computers. Learn more in our external storage glossary and storage types glossary, and read our guide on how to upgrade your laptop.
Installing RAM and Replacing a Battery
You can add RAM to a laptop only if it has removable memory slots, and you need RAM that matches the type and speed your laptop supports. Battery replacement is possible on many laptops, but because most batteries are internal, it’s often best handled by a technician using a genuine replacement battery made for your model.
Step-by-step: install laptop RAM
- Check your slots. In Task Manager, select Performance > Memory and look at Slots used. If memory is listed as soldered or there are no slots, RAM can’t be upgraded.
- Buy matching RAM. Match the type (such as DDR5 SO-DIMM), speed, and your laptop’s maximum supported capacity.
- Power down and open the panel. Shut down, unplug, remove the bottom panel, and disconnect the battery if the service manual says to.
- Remove the old module if needed. Gently spread the clips on each side; the module pops up at an angle.
- Insert the new module. Line up the notch, slide it in at an angle, and press down until the clips click.
- Reassemble and check. Replace the panel, turn on the laptop, and confirm the new total in Settings > System > About.
For best performance, install matching modules in both slots to run in dual-channel mode.
Replacing a laptop battery
Replace a laptop battery when it no longer holds enough charge or its health drops below about 80%. Use a genuine battery made for your exact model. Many HP laptops have internal batteries, so a technician is the safest option. Never reuse or install a swollen battery. See our laptop battery guide for how to check battery health and recycle old batteries, or view HP battery replacement options.
Installing and Removing Software
The safest way to install software on a Windows laptop is from the Microsoft Store or directly from the developer’s official website. These sources reduce the risk of malware. To remove software you no longer use, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Removing unused apps frees up storage and can help your laptop run faster.
How to install software safely
- Use trusted sources. Download from the Microsoft Store or the developer’s official site, not pop-up ads or file-sharing sites.
- Check system requirements. Make sure the app supports your version of Windows and, on Snapdragon® laptops, your processor type.
- Run the installer. Open the downloaded file and follow the prompts. Read each screen and decline any extra software you didn’t ask for.
- Keep it updated. Turn on automatic updates so the app gets security fixes.
How to uninstall software
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find the app, select the three-dot menu next to it, and choose Uninstall.
- Restart the laptop if prompted.
Installing drivers
Drivers let Windows communicate with hardware like the graphics card, touchpad, and printer. Windows Update installs most drivers automatically, and the HP app or HP Support Assistant can install HP-specific drivers and BIOS updates. Only download drivers from HP, Microsoft, or the hardware maker. Learn more in our laptop updates glossary, drivers and firmware glossary, and security software glossary.
Installations and Upgrades FAQs
Can you upgrade a laptop?
Yes, you can upgrade some parts of most laptops. The SSD is usually replaceable, the RAM can be upgraded on laptops with removable memory slots, and the battery can often be replaced. The processor and graphics card are soldered in and can’t be upgraded.
Can I upgrade my laptop’s graphics card?
No, the graphics card in nearly all laptops is soldered to the motherboard and can’t be replaced. Some laptops with Thunderbolt ports can connect to an external GPU enclosure for more graphics power.
Can I upgrade my laptop’s processor?
No, laptop processors are soldered to the motherboard and can’t be upgraded. To get a faster processor, you’ll need a new laptop.
How do I know if my laptop RAM is upgradeable?
To check if laptop RAM is upgradeable, open Task Manager, select Performance > Memory, and look at Slots used. If there are open or replaceable slots, the RAM can be upgraded; if memory is soldered, it can’t. The laptop’s service manual also lists supported memory.
Can I add a second SSD to my laptop?
You can add a second SSD if your laptop has a free M.2 slot, which is common on many gaming laptops and some larger laptops. Check your laptop’s specifications or service manual to confirm.
Does upgrading my laptop void the warranty?
Upgrading a laptop may affect the warranty depending on the manufacturer’s terms, the part, and whether damage occurs during the upgrade. Review your warranty or contact the manufacturer before opening the laptop.
How do I install software on my laptop safely?
To install software safely, download it from the Microsoft Store or the developer’s official website, check the system requirements, and decline any extra software during installation. Keep apps updated for security fixes.
Is it worth upgrading an old laptop?
Upgrading an old laptop is often worth it if you replace a hard drive with an SSD or add RAM, which can make it feel much faster. If the laptop’s processor is too old for current software or updates, a new laptop is usually the better choice.
