Your computer takes 5 minutes to boot. Programs open at a crawl. You've accepted that 'it's just old.' But the problem isn't the computer — it's the hard drive.
Remember when your computer booted up in 30 seconds? If it's now taking several minutes and programs open at a leisurely pace, the problem probably isn't the computer — it's the hard drive inside it.
Traditional hard drives use spinning disks and a moving arm to read data — like a tiny record player. An SSD has no moving parts at all. It's the same flash memory technology in your phone, and it's dramatically faster. Boot times drop from minutes to seconds. Programs open instantly. Everything just feels snappy again.
If your computer still does everything you need — it's just slow doing it — an SSD upgrade gives it another 2-3 years of useful life. For a fraction of what a new computer costs, you get a machine that feels brand new. That's a pretty great trade.
Ready to fall in love with your computer again? Book an SSD upgrade → — same-day install across Ottawa.
Most laptops and desktops from roughly 2012 onward can take an SSD. Two quick things to know:
Desktops can often keep the old hard drive as extra storage alongside the new SSD; laptops typically have one bay, so we set the old drive up as an external backup instead.
No. We clone your entire drive — Windows, programs, files, and settings — to the new SSD, so it boots up looking exactly the same, just far faster. Nothing is reinstalled and nothing is lost.
The difference is dramatic for everyday use: boot times drop from minutes to seconds and programs open almost instantly. An SSD is the single most noticeable upgrade for an older computer that's otherwise capable.
Yes. On a desktop we can often leave it in as extra storage; on a laptop we can set it up as an external backup drive, so your old data stays accessible and you gain automatic peace of mind.
Rather have a certified technician handle this?
Hardwired IT comes to your Ottawa home — same day, no fix no fee.
Book an On-Site Technician →Same-day on-site service across Ottawa. Free estimate. No fix, no fee.
Or call (613) 416-9482
An SSD is typically 5–10x faster than a spinning hard drive for everyday tasks — boot times drop from minutes to under 30 seconds, and programs open nearly instantly. It's the single most impactful upgrade for most computers.
Not if the upgrade is done correctly using drive cloning software. All your files, programs, and Windows installation are copied to the new SSD before the old drive is removed.
Yes — SSD upgrades are one of our most popular services. A Hardwired IT technician comes to your Ottawa home, clones your existing drive, installs the SSD, and has your computer running faster in about 1–2 hours.