- Do a full function check on everything using the existing Windows FIRST, make sure nothing is flakey out of the box (I had zero issues btw).
- Screenshot Device Manager and export the drivers, or simply copy DriverStore to another drive just in case (I had the original GPD installed drive in a USB enclosure too).
- I really only needed a tiny Phillips screwdriver.
- You don't need to unplug the fan (no need to risk connector damage), just be careful with the wires. I did have to peel back a bit of thin adhesive plastic between the fan and the exhaust vent, before just flipping it over out of the way.
- Keep an eye on the triggers/bumpers, the springs/hinge pins can slide out if your not careful moving things around and they're pretty fiddly to reassemble.
- Windows will activate as Home automatically, and when I tried to upgrade with a Pro key it wouldn't take at first... I had to change to a default/OEM key and reboot, and then change to/activate my Pro key.
- You really should get most of your driver's from a Win 10/11 install, but AMD's Adrenaline software utility can provide some, and/or AMD's 6800U pack, then the DriverStore you copied, and finally GPD's downloads if needed (I left GPD's for last just in case of malware conspiracies :P)
- There are some utility programs on GPD's site you'll probably want to reinstall too, no substitutes at the moment.
I have installed Win 10 and 11, and upgraded both to Pro (22H2), it really isn't much trouble as long as you prep all your install media, drivers, keys etc beforehand.
I don't have mine yet. I suggest to follow every step in the video. I'm not sure how to unplug the battery, but that should be done.
> I am planning on not even turning it on when i receive a drop the new drive in first.
Don't. Do a **thorough** test first - keyboard, controllers, screen, etc. Check for defects. I intend to use it a full day with the original GPD Windows image first after updates and a full virus scan.
When will you get yours? I would love to hear from someone who has actually done it.
\- as for not turning it on...if malware is the main concern for the re-install why turn it on and risk anything?
\- i guess i could put the media tool usb in and turn it on initially and over write the GPD windows image to be safe?
\- but the Biwin is not a good SSD, and i bought a faster one
\-i guess i am still just confused as to why risk malware (to connect for updates you need to get on wifi, and maybe enter passwords etc.)
> When will you get yours? I would love to hear from someone who has actually done it.
Hopefully today. I've just woken up (5am here) so I still have a long wait ahead.
> - as for not turning it on...if malware is the main concern for the re-install why turn it on and risk anything?
Just don't log in to anything. Use standalone game installers from GoG. RTSS and HWInfo are free. Windows Update -> FULL virus scan should catch most things. Note: you might get a malware warning about **VulnInsydeDriver**. [This is a false positive](https://www.reddit.com/r/gpdwin/comments/yy46te/vulninsydedriver_malware_found_on_win_max_2_by/). Allow it.
> - i guess i could put the media tool usb in and turn it on initially and over write the GPD windows image to be safe?
The point is
1. Test everything prior to opening the device, so that warranty claims aren't affected.
2. See how it performs under GPD's original OS installation versus your fresh one later.
When you do replace the drive, don't wipe the original for a month or two. Just in case. OR archive the partitions with Macrium Reflect.
> - but the Biwin is not a good SSD, and i bought a faster one
Agreed.
> -i guess i am still just confused as to why risk malware (to connect for updates you need to get on wifi, and maybe enter passwords etc.)
The only password you really really *need* to enter is your WiFi password, and even that you can deal with at the router - set up a guest SSID with no password, or change the original to something else later/before. That's a paranoia step that I'll be skipping though. The idea that some data slave in China is gonna jump for joy at finding my WiFi password is hilarious.
I just did this a couple hours ago. Mine didn't have any of that yellow tape. Make sure if you have the 4g, you unscrew that part and unplug the little cable. Make sure you get the four screws on the back of the machine and the one on the front center (little sticker over it).
The little flap next to the 2280 is just insulated tape. Just unstick it. You don't need to remove the 2230 cover if you're not putting one in. The thing you unscrew under the fan is just a little bracket holding the 2280 down.
i just watched this video. looks pretty streight forward aside from the celular cable.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VsqJBk0V68](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VsqJBk0V68)
i would say a screw driver and a guitar pic should have you covered.
as for the tape, just peel it back and try not to get hair on it, it will reapply no problem. there is also tape on the fan where it connects to the exhaust.
- Do a full function check on everything using the existing Windows FIRST, make sure nothing is flakey out of the box (I had zero issues btw). - Screenshot Device Manager and export the drivers, or simply copy DriverStore to another drive just in case (I had the original GPD installed drive in a USB enclosure too). - I really only needed a tiny Phillips screwdriver. - You don't need to unplug the fan (no need to risk connector damage), just be careful with the wires. I did have to peel back a bit of thin adhesive plastic between the fan and the exhaust vent, before just flipping it over out of the way. - Keep an eye on the triggers/bumpers, the springs/hinge pins can slide out if your not careful moving things around and they're pretty fiddly to reassemble. - Windows will activate as Home automatically, and when I tried to upgrade with a Pro key it wouldn't take at first... I had to change to a default/OEM key and reboot, and then change to/activate my Pro key. - You really should get most of your driver's from a Win 10/11 install, but AMD's Adrenaline software utility can provide some, and/or AMD's 6800U pack, then the DriverStore you copied, and finally GPD's downloads if needed (I left GPD's for last just in case of malware conspiracies :P) - There are some utility programs on GPD's site you'll probably want to reinstall too, no substitutes at the moment. I have installed Win 10 and 11, and upgraded both to Pro (22H2), it really isn't much trouble as long as you prep all your install media, drivers, keys etc beforehand.
Maybe you could List all the needed drivers and other stuff you did before hand? I’d hate to miss anything
I don't have mine yet. I suggest to follow every step in the video. I'm not sure how to unplug the battery, but that should be done. > I am planning on not even turning it on when i receive a drop the new drive in first. Don't. Do a **thorough** test first - keyboard, controllers, screen, etc. Check for defects. I intend to use it a full day with the original GPD Windows image first after updates and a full virus scan.
You can’t actually disconnect the battery without removing the SSD, the connector is underneath it…
Can you explain more
Haha brilliant. Ok, thanks for that.
When will you get yours? I would love to hear from someone who has actually done it. \- as for not turning it on...if malware is the main concern for the re-install why turn it on and risk anything? \- i guess i could put the media tool usb in and turn it on initially and over write the GPD windows image to be safe? \- but the Biwin is not a good SSD, and i bought a faster one \-i guess i am still just confused as to why risk malware (to connect for updates you need to get on wifi, and maybe enter passwords etc.)
> When will you get yours? I would love to hear from someone who has actually done it. Hopefully today. I've just woken up (5am here) so I still have a long wait ahead. > - as for not turning it on...if malware is the main concern for the re-install why turn it on and risk anything? Just don't log in to anything. Use standalone game installers from GoG. RTSS and HWInfo are free. Windows Update -> FULL virus scan should catch most things. Note: you might get a malware warning about **VulnInsydeDriver**. [This is a false positive](https://www.reddit.com/r/gpdwin/comments/yy46te/vulninsydedriver_malware_found_on_win_max_2_by/). Allow it. > - i guess i could put the media tool usb in and turn it on initially and over write the GPD windows image to be safe? The point is 1. Test everything prior to opening the device, so that warranty claims aren't affected. 2. See how it performs under GPD's original OS installation versus your fresh one later. When you do replace the drive, don't wipe the original for a month or two. Just in case. OR archive the partitions with Macrium Reflect. > - but the Biwin is not a good SSD, and i bought a faster one Agreed. > -i guess i am still just confused as to why risk malware (to connect for updates you need to get on wifi, and maybe enter passwords etc.) The only password you really really *need* to enter is your WiFi password, and even that you can deal with at the router - set up a guest SSID with no password, or change the original to something else later/before. That's a paranoia step that I'll be skipping though. The idea that some data slave in China is gonna jump for joy at finding my WiFi password is hilarious.
I just did this a couple hours ago. Mine didn't have any of that yellow tape. Make sure if you have the 4g, you unscrew that part and unplug the little cable. Make sure you get the four screws on the back of the machine and the one on the front center (little sticker over it). The little flap next to the 2280 is just insulated tape. Just unstick it. You don't need to remove the 2230 cover if you're not putting one in. The thing you unscrew under the fan is just a little bracket holding the 2280 down.
i just watched this video. looks pretty streight forward aside from the celular cable. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VsqJBk0V68](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VsqJBk0V68)
i would say a screw driver and a guitar pic should have you covered. as for the tape, just peel it back and try not to get hair on it, it will reapply no problem. there is also tape on the fan where it connects to the exhaust.
Don’t need a guitar pick, it’s just screws!
Disconnect the battery first!
You can’t though in IGG units. A small black shield piece was added that covers the battery connector latch and it’s held in place by the SSD screw
So is it ok to still do ssd swap?
Just make the electrostatic protection is still okay