Can I Use an NVMe SSD as a Boot Drive and Storage Drive?

Yes, you can use an NVMe SSD as both a boot drive and for storage. An SSD (Solid State Drive) serves as a boot drive, storing the operating system and essential files and applications for starting a computer. However, for this task, an NVMe SSD specifically offers enhanced performance and features.

Understanding Boot and Storage Drives

A traditional computer typically comes with an operating system pre-installed on a hard drive (HDD). Besides HDDs, storage devices can include floppy disc drives, CD-ROM drives, DVD drives, or USB flash drives. Nowadays, the most commonly used boot drive is a hard disc. For everyday use, it is advisable to install a separate storage drive, such as an external hard drive.

Benefits of Using an NVMe SSD in Dual Role

1. Faster Boot Times

Using an NVMe SSD as your boot drive significantly reduces boot times compared to traditional HDDs. Due to the faster read/write speeds, it ensures that your computer starts up more quickly. This can be particularly beneficial if you regularly use multiple applications or programs simultaneously.

2. Improved Performance

Programs and applications installed on the NVMe SSD will load and run faster, enhancing overall system performance. This can lead to faster application launch times, quick application switching, and overall smoother operations. NVMe SSDs utilize the PCIe interface, providing quicker data transfer rates and lower latency compared to traditional SATA-based SSDs.

3. Reliability

SSDs, including NVMe SSDs, have no moving parts. This makes them more durable and less prone to mechanical failure compared to HDDs. Data corruption and degradation due to physical wear and tear are significantly minimized. Additionally, SSDs are less susceptible to sudden drops, shocks, and temperature changes, making them a preferred choice for portable devices or desktops in environments prone to such risks.

Method 1: Change the Boot Drive via System Configuration

Modifying your boot drives in System Configuration can be done through BIOS settings or UEFI firmware. To access these settings, press a function key such as F1, F2, F3, or DEL as the computer boots up. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Access your BIOS/UEFI settings using your arrow keys. Step 2: Navigate to the Startup or Boot section. Step 3: Use the arrow keys to navigate and select the disc or drive you wish to boot from. Press the appropriate key (often F10, F12, or Del) to move the gadget up or down to the desired drive. Step 4: Save your settings and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Press the appropriate key (usually F10, Esc, or Enter).

Recover Lost Data After Changing Boot Drive in Windows 10

It is crucial to back up your data before making any changes to your boot drive. However, if you’ve changed the boot drive and lost data, such as through accidental deletion, formatting, or malware, there are ways to recover it. Tenorshare 4DDiG is one such powerful recovery tool:

Key Features of Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery

Comprehensive Recovery Solutions: Supports data recovery and repair for a wide range of scenarios, including accidental deletion, formatting, partition loss, corruption, system crashes, virus attacks, and more. Wide Compatibility: Can recover data from laptops, PCs, internal and external hard drives, USB flash drives, SD cards, and other storage devices. Supports Various File Types: Recovers over 1000 file types, including photos, videos, documents, and audio files.

Steps to Recover Data Using Tenorshare 4DDiG

Download and Launch 4DDiG:

Go to the official website and download Tenorshare 4DDiG. Install the software on your computer.

Select a Location:

Open the application and select the drive where your data was lost or formatted.

Scan the Drive:

Click on the Scan button. Optionally, choose specific file types to target from the upper-right corner before scanning.

Preview and Recover Files:

The scan will start, and Tenorshare 4DDiG will list all deleted or lost files on your drive. Preview the files and select the ones you want to recover. Click on the Recover button.

Save Recovered Files:

Save the recovered files to your desired location on your computer.

By following these steps, you can effectively use your NVMe SSD as both a boot drive and a storage drive while ensuring minimal risk to your data and system performance.