Step-by-Step: Installing an SSD for Faster Boot Times in 2026—Complete DIY Guide Let me paint a picture: Your laptop takes 2 minutes to boot up. You’re late for a Zoom call. The fan sounds like a helicopter. Programs freeze when you open more than five tabs. You’re ready to throw it out the window… But what if I told you that a $60–$150 upgrade could make it feel brand new in under two hours? That upgrade is swapping your old spinning hard drive (HDD) for a solid-state drive (SSD). I’m John Urquiaga, owner of The Computer Repair Guru in Modesto, California. I’ve installed SSDs in thousands of computers since 2019—onsite in Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, and remotely nationwide. This simple upgrade is still the #1 way to dramatically speed up a slow computer in 2026. In this complete step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to do it yourself safely—from choosing the right SSD to cloning your data, physical installation, and post-upgrade optimization. No tech degree required....
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