Can I upgrade the RAM and storage in the HP Specter x360?

HP recently updated the Specter x360 family with the new Specter x360 13.5 and x360 16. Both are great laptops destined for the premium segment, although they have different audiences based on their specifications. Regardless, both are very expensive laptops, and if you’re buying one, you might want to save money on RAM or storage to upgrade later at a lower price. the question is Could you Upgrading RAM and Storage on HP Specter x360? The answer is no to RAM, but yes to storage.

Like many premium laptops these days, 2022 HP Specter x360 models have RAM soldered to the motherboard, so you can’t upgrade it. This is a popular strategy for manufacturers because it frees up space inside the laptop and usually allows it to be more compact. However, your storage can still be upgraded if you purchase an M.2 SSD. This way, if you initially choose a 512GB SSD, you can upgrade it later to 1TB, 2TB, or maybe even more. Keep in mind that HP says this can void the warranty, and these procedures are usually for professionals.

Before upgrading storage

If you’re planning to upgrade the storage on your HP Specter x360, there are a few things you need to know beforehand. First, since the storage includes your operating system, you will have to create an installation drive for Windows 11 again before getting started. You can check out our guide on how to install Windows 11 to create an installation drive using the Media Creation Tool.

You will also need to back up your personal data, either to a cloud service or external USB storage. Keep in mind that if you are using USB storage, it must be a different drive than what you use to install Windows 11 later.

You will also need some equipment to safely open and work inside your laptop. that wrist strap Important to prevent electrostatic discharges while working on your laptop, which can damage components. You may also need to purchase iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit If you don’t already have the tools needed, which includes a Phillips screwdriver, a 5-inch Torx screwdriver (for the 16-inch model), and a plastic pry tool.

Of course, you’ll need an SSD to upgrade to, and Samsung’s 980 Pro is one of the best options out there if you want to take advantage of PCIe 4.0 speeds.

Once you have everything you need, disconnect the power adapter and any peripheral devices from it, and you’re ready to go.

How to upgrade storage in HP Specter x360 13.5 (2022)

• Place the laptop upside down with the hinge facing away from you
• Remove the four Philips screws that hold the base cover in place. Keep in mind that the two screws on the top are longer than the screws on the bottom, and you will need to put them back in the correct place.
• Use a plastic sizing tool to help separate the base cover from the main body of the laptop, wrapping it around the edges of the laptop. Then lift the cover and remove it.
  
• Disconnect the ribbon cable that connects the battery to the motherboard. The ribbon cable is located near the upper right corner of the battery, just below the cooling fan.
• The SSD is on the left side of the laptop, just above the battery, but it’s protected by a cover. Unscrew the two Philips screws that hold the cover in place, then remove the cover. Pull the SSD at a slight angle.
  
• Insert the new SSD at an angle in the same position as the old one, aligning the notch in the M.2 connector with the connector in the socket.
• Reattach the SSD cover to the Philips screws, being careful not to overtighten it.
• Once this is done, reconnect the battery and install the base cover again using the four Philips screws you removed earlier. Again, the long nails will need to go from the top and the shorter ones at the bottom.

How to upgrade storage in HP Specter x360 16 (2022)

• Place the laptop upside down with the hinge facing away from you
• Loosen the two Philips screws on the top and the two Torx5 screws on the bottom of the base cover.
• Use a plastic sizing tool to help separate the base cover from the main body of the laptop, wrapping it around the edges of the laptop. Then lift the cover and remove it.
  
• Disconnect the ribbon cable that connects the battery to the motherboard. The ribbon cable is located near the middle of the laptop, just above the battery itself.
• The SSD is on the right side of the laptop, just above the battery, but it’s protected by a cover. Loosen and remove the two Philips screws that hold the cover in place, then pull the SSD out at an angle.
  
• Insert the new SSD into the same position as the old one (at an angle), aligning the notch in the M.2 connector with the connector in the socket.
• Reattach the SSD cover to the Philips screws, being careful not to overtighten it.
• Once this is done, reconnect the battery and install the base cover again using the four Philips screws you removed earlier. Again, the long nails will need to go from the top and the shorter ones at the bottom.

Once the new SSD is installed, you can turn your laptop on again. You will need to connect your Windows 11 installation drive, you can refer to our Windows 11 installation guide if you are not sure how it works. Once Windows is installed, you can also restore all the personal data you previously backed up.

That’s all you need to know to replace the SSD on the HP Specter x360 2022 models, although as mentioned, you can’t upgrade the RAM. If you haven’t done so yet, you can buy the laptops below. These are two of the best laptops that HP makes, and you are bound to have a great experience with either of them. The Specter x360 13.5 will probably be more suitable for the majority of users, while the larger model is better if you’re a creative pro or want to get into some light gaming.