Dell XPS 15 9500 M2 SSD Installation Guide (Easy DIY Upgrade)
How-FixIT · 4K views · 4:12
Skill Level
BeginnerTime Required
< 1 hrEstimated Cost
$50–200Equipment
Dell XPS 15 9500Tools Needed
Screwdriver Set, Pry Tool Kit, Magnetic Mat, TweezersThis step-by-step tutorial will help you upgrade and install M2 SSD in Dell XPS 15 9500 laptop for better speed and performance.
Buy tools and M2 SSD on AMAZON:
Screwdriver Set: https://hfixt.com/spro
Pry Tool Kit: https://hfixt.com/pryt
Magnetic Mat: https://hfixt.com/mat
Tweezers: https://hfixt.com/tzrs
SSD M2 NVMe: https://hfixt.com/nvme
Buy tools and M2 SSD on AliExpress:
SSD M2 NVMe: https://hfixt.com/m2e
Screwdriver set: https://hfixt.com/alis
Pry Tool Kit: https://hfixt.com/alit
Tweezers set: https://hfixt.com/altz
Magnetic Mat: https://hfixt.com/amat
📌*Useful links*
Explaining M2 SATA vs NVMe Devices: https://youtu.be/r3Jy5dHOj3g
MIGRATE (Clone) Windows to SSD: https://youtu.be/kOMoWKo043M
Windows Installation Guides: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXOgKLR-gO0&list=PLBeD2mwBMw0a2YSNKkPuE6GFNpztftamn
DIY repair guides: https://how-fixit.com
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*DESCRIPTION*
In this guide, I'll show you how to upgrade and install an M2 SSD on Dell XPS 15 9500 models. This simple step-by-step tutorial will help you replace your existing drive with an M2 NVMe SSD for better performance.
⚠ The Dell XPS 15 9500 provides a single M.2 2280 slot that supports only NVMe (PCIe) SSDs. An M.2 SATA drive will not be recognized.
*Key Points*
✔️ NVMe (PCIe) only; typically Gen 3 x4, depending on configuration.
✔️ No support for M.2 SATA (AHCI).
✔️ Requires an M.2 2280 (80 mm) SSD.
✔️ There is no 2.5‑inch drive bay in this system, so the single M.2 NVMe slot is the sole internal storage option.
✔️ If you’re upgrading or replacing the drive in the XPS 15 9500, you must use an M.2 NVMe (PCIe) SSD. M.2 SATA SSDs will not work.
If you need help choosing between M.2 SATA and M.2 NVMe drives, check out the Explaining Storage Devices video for a detailed comparison. Once the new drive is installed, you can either clone your operating system or perform a clean Windows OS installation. We’ve provided a step-by-step guide in another linked video to walk you through both methods—check the Useful Links section.
If you have questions, drop them in the comments! Give it a thumbs up and subscribe to HowFixit for more tech tips. Be sure to explore our website for additional DIY resources, and remember: every tech challenge is a chance to learn and grow!
💡 What You'll Learn:
✅ How to disassemble the Dell XPS 15 9500 laptop
✅ How to safely remove and replace the M.2 SSD
✅ Essential tools for this upgrade
✅ Reassembling the Dell XPS 15 9500 laptop
✅ Tips for choosing the right storage device
❓ *Frequently Asked Questions:*
Question: What is the maximum M2 SSD size for the Dell XPS 15 9500 laptop?
Answer: There is no limit on the maximum size of M2 SSD, but there are Windows limitations. If your Windows is 64-bit and the GPT file system - you can install a drive of any size.
Question: What should I do after installing a new M2 SSD?
Answer: You can clone your existing OS or do a fresh Windows installation —watch the linked video for details.
Question: Do I need to reinstall Windows after upgrading my SSD?
Answer: You can either clone your OS or install Windows from scratch. Watch the linked tutorial for details.
Question: My laptop doesn’t boot from the SSD. What should I do?
Answer: Go to BIOS settings and ensure the SSD is set as the primary boot device.
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