TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

Before you do anything you should make sure that your m/b will support the SSD that you buy.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

That’s a good point. The most important consideration if you’re replacing your primary boot drive (usually c:/), is can you boot from the SSD? If you’re currently using a SATA drive (very likely if your computer is recent) and you purchase a SATA interface SSD, then no problem - you just need to make sure that you have a spare SATA port (preferably 6Gb) for the SSD so you can do the migration. Most SSDs come with SW to do the migration, but there are many 3rd party aps like Arconis that can mirror a drive. As always, make sure you have a good backup of your data and download folder before beginning.

If you plan to use an M2 / NVMe PCIe SSD, you’ll need to insure that (a) you have an NVMe slot on your MB, and (b) your MB BIOS will allow you to boot from that type drive. If you have an open PCIe slot, but not NVMe, there are inexpensive adapters ($20), but you still have to consider the boot issue. There are also PCIe SSDs that only require an open PCIe slot, but they are in the mainority and substantially more expensive than NVMe SSDs.

Hope that helps...

therwol Loc: USA

Have them first of all get the service manuals for their laptops to see how hard it is to access the existing hard drives in them. It could be just a few screws or need a special tool. Some older laptops have the hard drive slide into a slot on the exterior.

Basically you'll need an SATA to USB adaptor, very inexpensive on Amazon. You'll need cloning software that often comes with a new SSD, but if not, check out the free version of Macrium Reflect. You clone the existing hard drive (to the new drive connected by USB) and then do a swap. It's as simple as that. If the laptops are fairly old and use SATA 2, it diminishes the advantage of putting an SSD in one. The data transfer rate is fairly low. I found that out when I put one into an old Dell. It does boot a bit faster, but that's about it.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I believe the OP said he had an HP desktop...

therwol Loc: USA

"...but my three sons have PC Laptops."

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

You are right - I saw that, but missed the part about “aiding them”. Sorry.