[Restore] HP Pavilion Sleekbook 15 - HDD replacement with SSD, Windows 10 clean install

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through replacing the HDD in an HP Pavilion Sleekbook 15 with an SSD and performing a clean installation of Windows 10. This upgrade enhances performance and helps eliminate accumulated junk files. Additionally, you'll learn how to repurpose the old HDD as an external hard disk.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Before starting the upgrade, ensure you have the following tools and materials ready:

• Tools

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Plastic spudger or opening tool
  • Anti-static wrist strap (recommended)

• Materials

  • New SSD (ensure compatibility with your laptop)
  • Old HDD (to be repurposed)
  • External HDD enclosure (for the old HDD)
  • Windows 10 installation media (USB drive or DVD)

Step 2: Prepare the Laptop for Disassembly

Follow these steps to prepare your HP Pavilion Sleekbook 15:

1. Power Off the Laptop

   • Shut down the laptop completely and unplug it from the power source.

2. Remove the Battery (if applicable)

   • If your model has a removable battery, take it out to avoid any electrical shock.

3. Ground Yourself

   • Wear an anti-static wrist strap or frequently touch a metal surface to discharge any static electricity.

Step 3: Access the Hard Drive

To access the HDD, you need to remove the back panel of the laptop:

1. Unscrew the Back Panel

   • Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove all screws securing the back panel. Keep them in a safe place.

2. Pry Open the Back Panel

   • Use the plastic spudger to gently pry open the back panel. Start at one corner and work your way around.

3. Locate the Hard Drive

   • Once the panel is removed, locate the hard drive. It will typically be secured with screws.

Step 4: Remove the Old HDD

To replace the HDD with the SSD, follow these steps:

1. Unscrew the HDD

   • Remove the screws holding the HDD in place.

2. Disconnect the HDD

   • Gently pull the HDD out of its slot. Be careful not to damage any connectors.

3. Place the Old HDD in an Enclosure

   • Insert the old HDD into the external HDD enclosure. Follow the enclosure instructions for proper setup.

Step 5: Install the New SSD

Now it's time to install the new SSD:

1. Insert the SSD

   • Slide the new SSD into the same slot where the old HDD was located.

2. Secure the SSD

   • Screw the SSD into place using the screws you removed earlier.

Step 6: Reassemble the Laptop

Once the SSD is installed, reassemble your laptop:

1. Replace the Back Panel

   • Align the back panel with the laptop and press down to snap it into place.

2. Screw the Back Panel

   • Reinsert and tighten all screws that were removed.

3. Reinsert the Battery (if applicable)

   • If you removed the battery earlier, place it back into the laptop.

Step 7: Install Windows 10

Now that the hardware upgrade is complete, you need to install Windows 10:

1. Insert the Windows 10 Installation Media

   • Connect the USB drive or insert the DVD containing Windows 10 installation files.

2. Boot from Installation Media

   • Restart the laptop and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Del during startup). Set the boot order to prioritize the USB or DVD drive.

3. Follow the Installation Prompts

   • Once the installation media loads, follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows 10.
   • Choose "Custom Installation" to perform a clean install.

4. Complete the Setup

   • Follow the remaining prompts to set up Windows 10, including language, region, and user settings.

Conclusion

You have successfully replaced the HDD with an SSD and performed a clean installation of Windows 10 on your HP Pavilion Sleekbook 15. This upgrade should significantly enhance your laptop's performance. As a bonus, you have repurposed the old HDD as an external hard drive for additional storage.

Consider updating drivers and installing essential software to fully optimize your new setup. Enjoy your faster, cleaner laptop!