It also has 16 times as much storage space as before, so it now feels like a bottomless pit for my digital stuff. So, how did I do? Well, the system feels like it's running better, with fewer slowdowns. To check that the drive is operational, go to the About This Mac page and click on Storage, and the screen will list your spacious new SSD. After disconnecting the backup drive, start the system up, and all your old programs, preferences and data should be there. If everything has gone to plan, your new (old) Macbook Air will be ready for a test drive.

However, the time depends on how much data needs to flow to the new drive. From there, you might want to get a cup of coffee and catch up on your reading, because the process can last at least half an hour. After eight years of use, my system looks a bit gross inside, but I'll get to that later.įrom the list, I pick “Restore from Time Machine backup” and then click on the most recent backup. To disconnect the battery, pull up on its electrical connector one side at a time. The whole system is now open for view, with the black battery packs positioned along the bottom and the fan in the upper right. Once the screws are removed, pull the bottom plate off with your fingers. To keep track of everything, place the screws in your handy bowl. A bonus is that the tool's tip is magnetic, making it easy to remove each screw without dropping any of them. Be aware that the two by the hinge are longer than the others. With the kit's 1.2-millimeter P5 screwdriver, loosen all 10 bottom screws.

First, close the lid and flip the system over so the bottom panel is facing up. Now, it's time to disconnect the system's power adapter.

This will make it easier to move the Air's contents to the new SSD module. You'll need all of them later.īefore you get down to the actual upgrade, you need to complete one task: Use Apple's Time Machine software to back up the system on an external drive. Look over the instructions quickly, and get a small bowl for the parts that you will remove from the system.

Let's get started.Īfter emptying the box, put all the parts on a table with the MacBook. In fact, this is a great afternoon or weekend DIY project that could add speed and years to your MacBook. Video: How to Install MacBook Air 11 inch 2010 ssd (opens in new tab) Still anxious after reading this guide? There are' online videos that will walk you through the process. Figure it'll take about 1.5 hours from start to finish. Using the 10 steps outlined below, it's actually easy. With the included OWC Aura enclosure, I can make a nice flash drive for storing videos, music or other digital items.ĭon't worry if you've never done anything like this. Finally, I hate to throw things away, and at the end of the process I'll be left with a perfectly good SSD storage module.

Replace hard drive macbook pro 2011