How to Turn an Internal Hard Drive into an External One

Do you have an old hard drive lying around with no idea what to do with it? Instead of letting it gather dust, why not repurpose it into an external hard drive? Not only will you avoid wasting a perfectly good drive, but you'll also gain extra storage space for backups and other files.

Hard drives are essential components in both desktops and laptops, as they store the operating system and your data. If you regularly install games or large applications, having a high-capacity drive is a must.

Many users choose to upgrade to a faster SSD or a larger hard drive, which often leaves the old drive unused. Turning it into an external drive is a smart way to make use of that leftover storage.

If you're ready to convert your internal hard drive into an external one, here’s how to do it step by step.

1. Check the Hard Drive’s Health

Before removing the hard drive from your computer, check that it’s still in good condition. You’ll want to ensure there are no issues that could lead to data corruption or loss once the drive is reused externally.

To check its health, open File Explorer and right-click on the drive you plan to convert. Select Properties, then go to the Tools tab. Under Error checking, click Check. This will scan the drive for any issues. If no errors are found, it’s safe to proceed with using the drive externally.

2. Back Up Important Data (Optional, but Recommended)

While the process of converting a hard drive won't delete its contents, there's always a risk of damage during removal or handling. That’s why it’s a good idea to back up any important files beforehand—just in case.

If the files you want to save are small, you can transfer them to a flash drive or upload them to cloud storage like Google Drive. For larger files, burning them to a DVD is another option—provided your computer has a DVD-RW drive.

Again, this step is purely precautionary, but better safe than sorry!

3. Purchase a Suitable Enclosure

To turn your internal hard drive into an external one, you'll need a hard drive enclosure. This is a protective case that houses the drive and allows it to connect to your computer via USB—usually through a USB 3.0 port for faster data transfer. Most enclosures are made from either plastic or metal.

There are two common types of enclosures based on drive size. Desktop hard drives typically measure 3.5 inches and require a 3.5-inch enclosure. These enclosures often include an external power adapter because 3.5-inch drives usually need more power than what USB can provide.

Laptop hard drives, on the other hand, are usually 2.5 inches and fit into smaller enclosures. These don't require an external power source—they draw all the power they need directly through the USB connection.

Before buying an enclosure, make sure to check the interface type of your hard drive—IDE or SATA—as this determines the type of connection the enclosure must support. Most modern drives use SATA, but older models may still rely on IDE.

4. Remove the Hard Drive from the PC or Laptop

This step involves physically removing the hard drive from your desktop or laptop, so it requires a bit more care and attention.

For Desktop PCs:

First, shut down your computer completely and unplug all cables—especially the power cord—to avoid any risk of electric shock. Then, open the CPU case. Depending on the model, you might need a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws on the side panel, or you may have a tool-less design that uses a latch or button.

Once the case is open, locate the hard drive. It’s usually mounted inside a drive bay. Older PC cases may require you to unscrew the drive from its mount, while newer models often use a simple latch or sliding mechanism to release it.

Carefully disconnect all cables attached to the hard drive, such as the SATA or IDE data cable and the power connector. Avoid pulling or yanking the cables—gently wiggle them free to prevent damage.

Once the cables are disconnected and the drive is removed, you're ready to place it inside the external enclosure.

For Laptops:

The process is slightly different, but the basic principle is the same. Start by shutting down the laptop and unplugging all cables, including the charger. Then, remove the battery—there's usually a latch or clip underneath the device for this.

Even after removing the battery, some residual electricity might remain. To discharge it, press and hold the power button for about 15 seconds.

Next, locate the hard drive compartment, typically found on the underside of the laptop. You’ll usually need a small screwdriver to open the cover and access the drive. Be cautious—some laptops have non-standard layouts or internal batteries. If you’re unsure, check your laptop's manual or consider asking a technician for help.

Once you've removed the hard drive, you're ready to place it in the enclosure and start using it as an external drive.

5. Insert the Internal Hard Drive into the Enclosure

Now it’s time to insert your hard drive into the enclosure. Make sure to connect it properly according to the type of drive you have.

If you’re using an older PATA (IDE) hard drive, you'll need to connect both the IDE ribbon cable and the power connector from the enclosure to the corresponding ports on the drive. For newer SATA drives, the process is even simpler—just plug the drive directly into the SATA port inside the enclosure.

It’s important to note that connection methods can vary slightly depending on the brand and model of the enclosure. If anything is unclear, refer to the user manual that comes with the product—it’s your best guide to ensuring a proper fit and connection.

Once everything is securely connected, close up the enclosure. Your internal drive is now ready to function as an external hard drive.

And there you have it—a complete guide to converting your internal hard drive into an external one. Instead of letting that old drive go unused, you now have extra space for your movie collection, TV series, backups, or game files.

Just remember: don’t rush the process. Hard drives are delicate components, and a little care goes a long way in making sure they continue to serve you well in their new role. Good luck!