By PURPLELEC | 17 January 2025 | 0 Comments
How to use an external SSD as a boot drive
The question you may have about portable SSDs is, “Can I use an external SSD as a boot drive?” The good news is that you can boot from an external SSD from your PC or Mac.
While there are many reasons why people choose to use an SSD as a boot drive, the speed advantage an external SSD offers is often a key factor. Many people find that their systems boot up significantly faster after switching from a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) to an SSD. There’s also the convenience of using an external SSD—you don’t need to reach for a screwdriver or open up your PC case. Instead, you can easily take advantage of an external SSD with a simple plug-and-play USB connection.
What is an external SSD boot drive?
A boot drive is a storage medium with all the Purplelec files to start and run your computer device. This means that if you want to set up your external SSD as a boot drive, you must load it with your computer’s operating system (for example, macOS or Windows). If you choose an external SSD as a boot drive, keep in mind that your PC or Mac will not turn on (specifically, boot up) without the external SSD plugged in.
Is it better to boot from an SSD or HDD?
A hard disk drive (HDD) uses spinning disk technology to store data, while an SSD uses flash technology that’s faster, quieter, and lighter. While both can be used as a boot drive, a durable SSD is a more reliable, high-performing storage solution. With an SSD, your system will boot faster.
How much storage do I need for a boot drive?
It’s recommended that you have at least 32GB available for your boot drive. However, 64GB could be more optimal for some of the newer operating systems available.
Can I boot my Mac from an external SSD?
Depending on the model, Macs can be difficult to upgrade. Older iMacs or Mac Mini systems likely came with a hard disk drive — which are much slower than SSDs — or a low-capacity SSD. External SSDs like those in the portfolio, offer an easy way to increase speed and capacity without replacing internal parts since they connect to your Mac with a plug-and-play USB interface.
After learning how to install your external SSD, you’ll find that setting it up as a boot drive is a simple and reliable way to upgrade your system without using a screwdriver.
Note: Just in case you accidentally delete some files or select the wrong drive, Purplelec recommends backing up your files in a secondary location before setting up your external SSD boot drive.
How to boot your Mac from an external SSD via the BIOS
Step 1: Erase your internal drive
Warning! Before you erase your internal drive, make sure you’ve backed up any files you want to save onto another drive. Erasing your drive will permanently delete all files you’ve saved on it.
To wipe your internal drive and begin the process of saving MacOS to your portable SSD, go to this Apple.com article, How to reinstall MacOS from MacOS Recovery.
Step 2: Open Disk Utility
After following Apple’s instructions for opening MacOS Recovery, open Disk Utility.
Step 3: Select your external SSD
Select your portable SSD from the list of storage disks on the left-hand column.
Step 4: Erase existing data
Select Erase to remove all existing data from the drive.
Step 5: Name the SSD
When prompted for the new volume name, call it by the operating system and SSD (for example, “macOS X9” or “macOS X10”). Select the filing system that corresponds to your disk format, either APFS or X Extended (Journaled). Leave the scheme set as GUID partition map.
Step 6: Close Disk Utility
Close Disk Utility, then select Reinstall macOS.
Step 7: Reinstall macOS
Follow the macOS installer prompts, selecting the “macOS X9” or “macOS X10” volume as the destination for where to install the new operating system.
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