How to Perform HP Stream HDD Upgrade: Beginner's Tutorial

Discover a beginner's tutorial on how to perform an HP Stream HDD upgrade. Step-by-step guide to boosting your laptop's storage capacity.

By @Miya
Last Updated June 24, 2025

Can I Upgrade My HP Stream Hard Drive?

Unfortunately, you can’t replace or upgrade the built-in eMMC storage on most HP Stream models—the storage chip is soldered to the motherboard and isn’t removable. That means there’s no internal drive bay for swapping in a larger SSD or HDD. Then, what storage upgrade options do we have for HP Stream laptop? Please read on.

Common Storage Upgrade Options for HP Stream

Below are some common options for HP Stream 11/14 HDD upgrade:

1. Micro‑SD Card / SDXC Card

The easiest solution is to use the built‑in SD card reader. Just insert a fast micro‑SD or full‑size SD (with adapter) and use that for storing documents, media, and certain apps.

2. External Drive

Plug in a USB flash drive or external SSD/HDD for extra file storage. It’s simple and effective, though not as elegant as internal upgrades.

3. Internal NVMe SSD via Wi‑Fi Slot (Advanced Hack)

  • Some HP Stream models (e.g., the 13", 14", and 14‑cb series) have a removable Wi‑Fi M.2 A/E key slot.
  • By removing the Wi‑Fi card and using a special adapter, you can install an NVMe (or even SATA M.2) SSD in its place.

🔔Notes for Installing SSD in Wi‑Fi Slot:

  • Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth will stop working unless replaced with a USB adapter.
  • You'll need a bootloader workaround (e.g., Duet + rEFInd) because the BIOS is locked to boot from the eMMC.
  • Performance will be limited to PCIe ×1 speeds—still much faster than eMMC, but not full NVMe speeds.
  • This is a technical, warranty‑voiding hack, requiring disassembly and firmware work. Not officially supported.

Best Cloning Software for Upgrading HDD to SSD on HP Stream

If you are upgrading HDD to SSD on HP Stream, using reliable cloning software is essential for accurate and lossless data transfer. Among the various options available, AOMEI Backupper is a standout choice. It is compatible with all Windows versions, including Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista.

AOMEI Backupper
Easy HDD Upgrading Software
  • User-friendly interface: The tool features an intuitive design, making it easy for users of all levels to navigate and perform cloning tasks.
  • Multiple cloning options: It supports system clone, disk clone, and partition clone, catering to various needs.
  • Flexible clone: It offers Sector-by-Sector Clone for exact copies, ensuring data integrity and an Intelligent Clone to copy only used sectors, making it easy to clone to a smaller SSD.
  • Additional powerful functions: It includes SSD Alignment to enhance read/write speeds and extend SSD lifespan, plus backup, restore, and sync features for comprehensive data protection.
Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7
100% Secure

Download and install AOMEI Backupper on your HP laptop now!

Upgrade HP Stream HDD Step By Step

Take HP Stream 14‑ax0XX as an example. Follow these steps for HP Stream 14‑ax0XX hard drive upgrade:

ஐ Preparing for HP Stream HDD upgrade:

  • Ensure both your old disk and new SSD are connected and detected by a Windows computer.
  • Backup important files from the new SSD, as the cloning process will overwrite all existing data.

Step 1. Open AOMEI Backupper and navigate to the Clone tab. Select Disk Clone.

Step 2. Choose your current disk as the source and click Next. Then, select the new SSD as the destination disk.

Step 3. Optimize performance by checking SSD Alignment. To utilize all space efficiently, click Edit Partitions and choose either 'Add unused space to all partitions' or adjust partition sizes manually.

Step 4. Start the cloning process by clicking Start Clone to upgrade your HP Stream 14‑ax0XX without losing data.

FAQs on HP Stream HDD Upgrade

1. Can I use an external hard drive on my HP Stream laptop?
 
Yes, you can use an external hard drive with your HP Stream laptop. External hard drives connect via USB ports and provide additional storage capacity that can be used for storing files, backups, and other data.
2. Does the HP Stream have expandable storage?
 
Yes, the HP Stream supports expandable storage, but not through traditional internal methods like SATA or M.2 SSDs. Instead, you can expand its storage through external options.
3. Can I replace my HDD with SSD in an HP laptop?
 
Yes, you can replace the HDD with an SSD in many HP laptop models—especially those that use a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive. For example, HP Pavilion Series, HP EliteBook Series, and HP ProBook Series typically include a 2.5" SATA drive bay.
4. How big is the hard drive on an HP Stream?
 
The size of the hard drive (storage capacity) on an HP Stream can vary depending on the model and configuration you have. Typically, HP Stream laptops come with eMMC storage ranging from 32GB to 64GB, though some models may offer larger capacities up to 128GB or more. It's important to check the specifications of your specific HP Stream model to know the exact storage capacity.

Your Turn

In conclusion, performing HP Stream HDD upgrade is a practical method to boost device performance and storage capacity. Utilizing trusted cloning software such as AOMEI Backupper, as outlined in the guide, ensures a seamless SSD upgrade without risking data loss.

Beyond upgrading the HP Stream's hard drive, this tool is invaluable for backing up HP laptops and desktops to external drives, cloud services, NAS, and other locations, ensuring comprehensive disaster recovery capabilities.