Seeking Compatibility: M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosures for Windows 11 Users
Upgrading your laptop’s storage can significantly enhance performance and capacity, especially when transitioning from a 2TB to a 4TB NVMe SSD. However, technical hurdles can sometimes impede this process, particularly when trying to clone existing drives or utilize external enclosures. This article explores common challenges faced when selecting an M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure compatible with Windows 11, along with suggested solutions and recommended products.
The Scenario
A user aims to upgrade their HP ZBook 15u G6 laptop’s SSD from 2TB to 4TB. The plan involves cloning the current SSD—an EVO 970 Plus M.2 NVMe—to a new EVO 980 Plus 4TB drive using an external enclosure, then swapping drives inside the laptop. The laptop operates on Windows 11 (version 24H2).
Key Details:
- Existing SSD: Samsung EVO 970 Plus M.2 NVMe 2TB
- New SSD: Samsung EVO 980 Plus M.2 NVMe 4TB
- Goal: Clone data externally, then replace internal SSD
The Challenge
Despite confirming that the 4TB SSD is physically compatible with the NVMe port (by successfully installing Windows 11 directly on it), the user encounters an issue: the new SSD is not recognized when connected via external M.2 NVMe enclosures. Neither Disk Management nor diskpart detects the drive, making cloning or data management impossible through these methods.
Enclosures Tested:
- Orico M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
-
SSK M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
- Amazon link
Additional Attempts:
- Connecting these enclosures to three different Windows 11 laptops, all of which failed to recognize the SSD.
- Using two different enclosure models without success.
Current Status
The user has bypassed external enclosures by directly installing the SSD inside the laptop, confirming compatibility with Windows 11. The problem resides with external recognition and the ability to clone
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