How to use your old SSD as an external storage drive

If you’ve recently upgraded your PC, laptop or workstation with a faster, higher-capacity SSD, you might be wondering what to do with the old one. But don’t toss it away just yet, as your spare SSD could still have plenty of life left. With the right tools, you can repurpose that SSD into an external storage device.

Whether you're a DIY tech enthusiast who loves repurposing hardware, a gamer looking for extra game storage or a budget-conscious user aiming to maximise value, turning your previous SSD into external storage is a fun and cost-effective solution. From game libraries and media files to backups and portable workspaces, external SSDs can be very versatile.

Even if your old SSD is worn out and you don’t plan to use it, securely erasing it is a smart move to protect your private data. SSDs can retain information even when failing, so having a way to hook up the drive after removing it from your PC can be a simple but powerful way to safeguard your privacy.

The benefits of external storage

External storage is an easy and portable way to store your files. Connected on the outside of your device, an external storage drive allows you to back up and move all your files from one computer to another. External drives are available to buy; however, you might already have what you need to build your own with a little bit of DIY. Let’s look at some of the benefits:

• Instead of letting your old SSD gather dust, repurposing it gives it a second life, maximising your initial investment.
• An external SSD is compact, durable and easy to carry, which is perfect for moving large files between systems or expanding storage on your laptop or gaming console.
• Speaking of gaming consoles, gamers can use external SSDs to store and play less frequently used titles or offload large game libraries, especially on PCs, laptops or even supported consoles.
• You can use your repurposed SSD to back up your important data, clone your current drive or create a recovery drive, making system maintenance and troubleshooting more streamlined.

The difference between enclosures, adapters and docking stations

SSD enclosures are external cases that house an SSD, offering both data connectivity and physical protection. These are ideal for turning an internal SSD into a portable one that you can take with you anywhere. They typically connect via USB or Thunderbolt.

SSD adapters on the other hand are lightweight devices that convert one interface type to another, such as SATA to USB, without fully enclosing the drive. These are ideal for quick data transfers or temporary access but lack durability and protection, making them less portable than an enclosure. Very rarely an adapter will fit inside an enclosure along with the drive, and it is often hard to tell until you have acquired each piece and tried to make them work together. You can avoid this frustration by finding an enclosure that comes with its own connection.

Docking stations are meant to be temporary mounting solutions for tasks like transferring files or entire volumes. They sometimes have more than one type of connection (such as SATA along with M.2 NVMe). They are handy for these tasks, but are not robust enough to serve as a permanent enclosure.

Back up your data before you start!

Before you remove your old SSD from your computer, make sure to back up any important files or clone it if it contains your OS or installed games. Even if you plan to reuse the drive, it’s best to save anything you might need later. While it’s still installed, run a quick health check usingKingston SSD Manager or any other SSD manufacturer’s tool. This will show you if the drive has any issues such as bad sectors or high wear levels, helping you decide whether it’s worth converting to an external SSD or if it’s too worn to keep using.

If you have already removed your SSD but haven’t backed up your files, don’t panic – you can still do it. Once you connect it to your computer through an enclosure, adapter or docking station, it will function like any external drive, allowing you to copy your important data before formatting or using it as external storage.

What you need to turn your SSD into external storage

To transform your old SSD into an external SSD, you will need few tools:

• First, you’ll need a compatible enclosure, adapter or docking station that matches your SSD’s type (SATA or NVMe) and form factor (like 2.5" or M.2). These enclosures typically connect via USB-C, USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt, with faster options like Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.2 Gen 2 offering better performance. Most enclosures come with the necessary cable, but it’s worth checking to ensure it matches your computer’s ports.
• A small Phillips screwdriver may also be needed to secure an enclosure during installation.

There are plenty of high-quality external SSD enclosures available, including options from brands like ASUS and Akasa. Look for enclosures that support your SSD type, offer fast USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity, and come with the necessary cables.

If you’re looking for portability, then you should consider SSD enclosures that are designed for durability, have an aluminium housing, good thermal performance, and have the right interface options for you (USB C, etc.). We recommend that you check before buying that these will be compatible with your needs.

How to turn an old SSD into external storage

Now it’s time for the DIY part, putting your SSD into its new enclosure or connecting it with an adapter or docking station. The exact steps may vary a little depending on the type of drive you have, but the process is easy and straightforward:

1. Open the enclosure: Most enclosures slide or snap open, but some require a small screwdriver.
2. Insert the SSD: For a 2.5-inch SATA drive, line up the connector and slide it into place. Then secure it using the provided screws or clips. For M.2 drives, slot it into the connector at an angle, then gently press it down and secure it with the provided screw.
3. Close the enclosure: Once the drive is secured inside the case, close it carefully. This protects it from dust and knocks.
4. Plug the enclosure into your computer: Use the provided cable. Most systems will recognise the drive automatically.
5. Back it up: If you already backed up or cloned your drive before removing it from your PC, you can skip this step. If not, now is the time to save those important files.
6. Format the SSD: Before using your old internal SSD as an external storage, it’s recommended to format it for the intended file system. Formatting aligns partitions, ensures efficient performance and reduces compatibility issues. The only exception really is if you want to preserve existing data exactly as it is. In that case, you can skip this step.

If you’re using an adapter or docking station instead of an enclosure, the process is even simpler. Just plug the SSD into the adapter or docking station (similar to step 2), then connect it to your computer (step 4). Bear in mind that without a protective case, the drive is exposed and more fragile. While it can function as an external drive, it isn’t ideal for portability, so handle it with care.

There you have it! No soldering, and no complex setup, just match the right enclosure to your SSD, install it and you’ve got yourself an external SSD.

What else to consider when repurposing your SSD

DIY or ready-made: the choice is yours

If you already have an old SSD lying around, repurposing it as external storage is a smart, budget-friendly DIY project that extends the life of your hardware.

However, if you’re looking for a ready-made solution with guaranteed performance, durability and a compact design, we offer high-speed solutions such as the XS1000 and XS2000 external SSDs. These drives are ideal for users who are looking for durable, reliable, plug-and-play storage without the DIY setup.

Whether you're thinking of building your own or buying new, there’s a flexible storage option to fit your needs.