Use an External SSD to Speed Up Your PC [Guide]
Is your Windows PC running slowly, taking forever to load programs, or struggling to handle everyday tasks? Before spending money on a new computer, consider using an external SSD to improve your PC’s performance.
An external SSD can improve your computing experience by providing fast storage for files, projects, games, and other data. If your internal drive is nearly full, moving large files to an external SSD can also help free up valuable space.
For example, you can store videos, photos, virtual machines, game libraries, or large work projects on the external drive instead of filling up your main Windows drive.
If your computer uses a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), an external SSD may also offer faster access to files stored on it. However, Windows and programs installed on your internal drive won’t automatically run faster simply because an external SSD is connected.
Let’s look at the best ways to use an external SSD and get the most out of it.
How to Use an External SSD to Speed Up Your PC
To use an external SSD to improve your PC’s performance, connect the SSD to a compatible USB 3.0, USB 3.2, or USB-C port, format it if necessary, and move large files from your internal drive to the SSD. You can also install supported applications or move game libraries to it. Keep Windows and frequently used applications on your internal SSD for the best overall responsiveness. Always back up important files before formatting or moving data.
Let’s explore the steps in detail!
Step 1: Choose the Right External SSD
Before connecting an external SSD, make sure you’re using a drive that suits your needs.
External SSDs are available in different storage capacities, including 256GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and larger. If you mainly want to move documents, photos, and everyday files, a 500GB drive may be enough. If you work with large videos, games, or professional applications, consider a 1TB or 2TB drive.
You should also check the SSD’s connection type. Many external SSDs use USB-A or USB-C, while some offer faster USB 3.2 or USB4 connections.
For the best results, choose a drive and USB port that support compatible transfer speeds. A fast SSD connected to an older USB port may operate much more slowly than expected.
You don’t necessarily need the most expensive model. A reliable external SSD with sufficient capacity and a compatible connection is a good starting point.
Step 2: Connect the External SSD to Your PC
Once you’ve chosen your SSD, connect it to your Windows computer.
Plug the SSD’s USB cable into a compatible USB port. If your drive uses USB-C, make sure your PC has a compatible port or use an appropriate adapter.
Windows should usually detect the drive automatically. You may hear a connection sound, and the drive may appear in File Explorer.
To check, press Windows + E to open File Explorer. Select This PC from the navigation pane.
Look under Devices and drives for your external SSD. It may appear with a drive letter such as D:, E:, or F:.
If the drive doesn’t appear, try another USB port or cable. Avoid using a USB hub during troubleshooting, since some hubs may not provide a reliable connection or enough power.
If Windows asks you to format the drive, don’t immediately click Format. The SSD may already contain files, and formatting can erase its existing data. Check its contents and back up anything important first.
Step 3: Check the SSD’s Available Storage Space
Before moving files, check how much free space is available on both your internal drive and your external SSD.
Open File Explorer > This PC. You’ll see your available drives along with their storage information.
Find your Windows drive, which is usually labeled Local Disk (C:). Check whether it’s nearly full. Then check the free space on your external SSD.
If your C: drive has very little free space, Windows may have less room for temporary files, updates, and other operations. Freeing up space can help Windows manage these tasks more comfortably, although it won’t necessarily solve every performance problem.
For a drive containing Windows, it’s a good idea to avoid letting the available space become critically low. The ideal amount of free space depends on your drive’s capacity and how you use your PC.
Make sure the external SSD has enough room for the files you plan to transfer.
Step 4: Move Large Files to the External SSD
One of the simplest ways to benefit from an external SSD is to move large personal files away from your internal drive.
Open File Explorer and navigate to folders such as Downloads, Videos, Pictures, and Documents. Look for large files that you don’t need to keep on your C: drive.
Create a folder on the external SSD by opening the drive, right-clicking an empty area, and selecting New > Folder. Give the folder a name, such as Personal Files or Video Projects.
Next, select the files you want to move. Right-click the selected files and choose Cut. Open the destination folder on your external SSD, right-click an empty area, and select Paste.
Wait for the transfer to finish before disconnecting the drive.
Moving large files can free up space on your internal drive and make storage management easier. However, keep in mind that files stored on the external SSD won’t be available when the drive is disconnected.
For this reason, avoid moving essential Windows system files or folders from their original locations.
Step 5: Move Your Games to the External SSD
If you play PC games, an external SSD can be useful for storing large game installations.
Many modern games take up dozens or even hundreds of gigabytes. Moving supported games to an external SSD can free up internal storage and may improve loading times compared with running them from a traditional HDD.
For Steam games, open Steam and go to Settings > Storage. Depending on your Steam version, you can add a library folder on the external SSD and use the available move option to transfer supported games.
Follow Steam’s on-screen instructions and wait for the process to finish.
For games installed through other launchers, check whether the launcher offers a supported move or library-location feature. Avoid manually dragging installed game folders unless the launcher supports that process.
Remember that gaming performance depends on more than storage. An external SSD generally won’t increase your graphics card’s frame rate, and the improvement may be limited if the game is already running from a fast internal SSD.
Step 6: Install Compatible Applications on the External SSD
You can also install some applications on an external SSD, particularly programs that allow you to choose their installation location.
During installation, look for an option such as Browse, Change location, or Custom installation. If the application supports installation on another drive, choose a folder on your external SSD.
This approach can help save space on your internal drive. It may also improve loading performance compared with a slow HDD, depending on the application and USB connection.
However, not every application works properly when installed on an external drive. Some programs depend on Windows system folders, registry settings, services, or files stored elsewhere on your PC.
For the best everyday experience, keep Windows and frequently used applications on a fast internal SSD whenever possible. Use your external SSD for supported applications that benefit from additional storage.
Step 7: Use the External SSD for Large Projects and Temporary Workloads
If you regularly edit videos, work with large photos, or manage other data-heavy projects, an external SSD can be especially helpful.
For example, you can store video footage, editing projects, large image libraries, or virtual machine files on the external drive. Applications that support selecting a project folder or scratch-disk location may let you work directly from that storage.
To do this, open the application’s settings and look for its Storage, Scratch Disk, Cache, or Project Location options. The exact setting depends on the software.
Choose a folder on the external SSD and save your future projects there.
A fast connection is important for this type of work. If the drive disconnects during a transfer or while an application is using it, you could experience errors or interrupted work.
Use a reliable cable, connect the SSD directly to your PC when possible, and maintain backups of important projects.
Step 8: Optimize the SSD’s Connection and Settings
If your external SSD seems slower than expected, check how it’s connected.
First, make sure the drive is connected to a compatible high-speed USB port. Some computers have several USB ports with different capabilities, even when they look similar.
Next, check whether the SSD manufacturer’s software offers firmware updates or drive-health information. Install updates only from a trusted source and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
You can also review Windows’ power settings if the external drive frequently disconnects or becomes unavailable. Start by checking for a faulty cable, an unreliable USB hub, or a loose connection before changing advanced settings.
Avoid disabling Windows security features or randomly changing device policies to chase small performance improvements.
Finally, always use the Safely Remove Hardware option when available before unplugging the drive, especially after copying files or running applications from it. This reduces the risk of interrupting active storage operations.
FAQs
Can an external SSD make my PC faster?
An external SSD can improve file access and loading performance for data stored on it, especially compared with a traditional HDD. It can also help free up space on your internal drive. However, it won’t automatically speed up Windows or every application.
Can I install Windows on an external SSD?
Some Windows installation and deployment methods support running Windows from external storage, but ordinary Windows installations aren’t generally designed to be moved to an external SSD and booted like a standard internal installation. Windows To Go was a specialized feature that Microsoft discontinued. Check compatibility and licensing before attempting an external Windows setup.
Is an external SSD faster than an internal HDD?
An external SSD can provide much faster storage access than many traditional internal HDDs. However, actual performance depends on the SSD, USB connection, and the HDD being compared.
Can I play games from an external SSD?
Yes, many PC games can run from an external SSD if the game launcher and title support that setup. Loading times may improve compared with an HDD, but performance depends on the game and connection.
Should I keep Windows on my external SSD?
For most users, keeping Windows on an internal SSD is the simplest and most reliable option. Use an external SSD for personal files, games, projects, and supported applications unless you specifically need a supported external boot setup.