How to upgrade an ROG Ally SSD and transfer your data from a storage backup

Replacing the 512GB M.2 drive is simple if you’re careful!

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

The ROG Ally 2 could really benefit from offering a larger SSD capacity than the first gen did.

If you’re like me, you probably learned that the 512GB SSD that comes in the ROG Ally doesn’t provide a large enough storage capacity to hold that many games. Thankfully, Western Digital produces 1TB and 2TB SSDs specifically intended for ROG Ally and Steam Deck to make way for more programs on the handhelds.

TheROG AllySSD upgrading process is actually really easy, as you’ll see in this guide. I’ll start by going over your various SSD options for ROG Ally followed by how to backup data on your original SSD and how to transfer data to the new SSD. After that, I’ll walk you step-by-step (with pictures) through the process of opening the system and physically swapping SSDs in thegaming handheld.

What are my ROG Ally SSD options?

Unfortunately, the ROG Ally has the potential tooverheat and cause a microSD card malfunction, so it’s a better idea to upgrade the ROG Ally to a higher-capacity internal SSD rather than relying on a microSD card. There are three different ways you can go about upgrading SSD capacity:

1. Connect an external SSD— Compatible external SSDs can plug right into the ROG Ally’s USB-C port. If you want the gaming handheld to charge up while attached to an external SSD (like the Samsung T7 Shield 2TB External SSD), then you’ll need a docking station with additional ports like theUnitek Cooling Dock I reviewed. External SSDs are more clunky than internal SSDs at times but can give you more capacity options overall.2) Clean install with a new internal SSD —If you do want to upgrade the ROG Ally’s internal SSD, it’s recommended you do a clean install. This erases your settings, programs, and data but is considered the best way of doing things since it helps remove clutter from the device and helps it run more smoothly. Don’t worry; ROG has built-in Cloud Recovery for ROG Ally’s still under warranty, so you can easily factory reset the handheld with a clean install of Windows 11 and various ROG programs needed for the Ally.

2. Backup the original internal SSD and transfer data to the new one —If you want to keep your personal OS, settings, programs, and files, then you’ll want to first backup the original ROG Ally internal SSD’s data before swapping SSDs out and then transfer the data to the new SSD later. To accomplish this, you either need a laptop/desktop or an external SSD with enough space to save the backup to.

How to backup SSD data

Before you actually swap out the old internal SSD for a new one, you might want to make a backup and save it on another desktop, laptop, or external SSD. One of the easiest ways to do this is by installing a program calledMacrium Reflectonto your ROG Ally, connecting your Ally to an external SSD or computer, and then saving the backup to the other device. Macrium’s software allows you to fully clone your SSD or create an image backup for you to save on an external device. There’s a free 30-day trial for this software, or you can pay for a subscription.

Another option that costs less money overall is to use an enclosure adapter for the SSD, such as the Orico one shown below. Put your original SSD inside, plug it into a laptop or desktop, and then backup your data to that device. Alternatively, you might find it more convenient (albeit more expensive) to attach an external SSD to the ROG Ally and save your backup to it that way.

Get the Windows Central Newsletter

All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

Macrium Reflect |Try free trial

Macrium Reflect is a disk imaging and disk cloning program to help you backup your data. This software is subscription-based, but there is also a free 30-day trial for you to check out if you want to see all that it provides first.

ORICO M.2 NVMe SATA SSD Enclosure Adapter |See at Amazon

If you have a computer handy (aside from the ROG Ally), then one of the most inexpensive ways to save a backup of the original SSD is with this enclosure adapter. Put the original SSD in here, plug the adapter into a laptop/desktop, and then use Macrium Reflect software to image or clone your data. Then plug it into your ROG Ally (with the new SSD installed in the handheld) and transfer the data to the new SSD.

Samsung T7 Shield 2TB External SSD |See at Best Buy

This is definitely the more expensive SSD backup route, but it’s also a little more convenient. Simply plug it into your ROG Ally, and you’ll have access to an external SSD. Clone or image your internal SSD and save it to the external SSD to back up your data.

How to install a new SSD in ROG Ally

What you need to upgrade an ROG Ally SSD

-WD_BLACK SN770M SSD(or other compatible option)

-Screwdriver(2.0 x 50mm works well)-Plastic pickfor pulling casing apart (optional)-External drive(if you want to backup your data)

-Internet connection(for reinstalling Windows)

WD_BLACK SN770M NVMe 1TB SSD:was $129.99now $79.99 at Best Buy ($50 off)

Increase the internal SSD storage space of your compatible gaming handheld with this upgrade that can reach fast read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s. You’ll need to open your device, remove the original SSD, and then install this one in its place. This is a great product, and Western Digital has even provided an official video showing how to install the SSD into the ROG Ally.Buy 1TB version at:Best Buy|Western DigitalBuy 2TB version at:Best Buy|Western Digital

Vastar 17pcs Screwdriver Set |See at Amazon

This handy set comes with six different kinds of magnetic tip screwdrivers, which are ideal for working with various gaming handheld devices. There are also tweezers and a plastic triangle casing opener to help you interact with specific components or to help open casings more easily.

Now you’re good to play your ROG Ally with the new WD_Black SN770M SSD installed. If you encounter any issues during the WD_Black SSD installation process, reach out toWestern Digital customer supportfor assistance.

ROG Ally SSD upgrade FAQ

Does ROG Ally support external hard drives?

Yes, there are external SSDs and hard drives that can work with the ROG Ally, such as the Samsung T7 Shield 2TB External SSD.

What kind of SSD comes installed in the ROG Ally?

The ROG Ally comes with a Micron 2400 512GB m.2 NVMe Gen 4 SSD installed. There isn’t a lot of room for game data on this SSD, so it’s a good idea to upgrade to a higher-capacity SSD if possible.

What is an image backup?

Image backups are a way of backing up data that doesn’t take as much room as a complete clone. You don’t have to worry about it being a lesser backup option, as image backups save all of your programs, system settings, files, and the OS. You’ll just have to have somewhere to keep the image backup, such as on a computer or external SSD.

Does ROG Ally have a microSD card malfunction problem?

Yes. Due to the location of the ROG Ally’s vents and the way that the gaming handheld heats up when in Turbo mode and charging, it is possible for inserted microSD cards to overheat and malfunction. As such, it’s a good idea to install a higher-capacity SSD in the handheld rather than a microSD card if you want more storage space.

Give yourself more game space

-ROG Ally accessories-ROG Ally battery packs-ROG Ally games and optimization-ROG Ally screen protectors-Ways to improve ROG Ally battery

As you can see, the process for physically swapping out the original ROG Ally SSD and putting in a new SSD is relatively simple. However, there is more to do on a software level. ASUS ROG specifically recommends doing a clean install, but if you don’t like that idea, then you’ll want to make a backup of your original ROG Ally SSD before doing the upgrade. This can be accomplished with an SSD enclosure adapter and computer or with an external SSD. But you’ll also need to use a helpful disk backup program, such as Macrium Reflect, in order to clone or create an image backup of your SSD.

The adapter route is far more affordable, but the SSD route is more convenient. So you’ll have to decide which one is a better fit for you. Of course, you could just opt to use an external SSD with your ROG Ally rather than swapping out an internal one. This can make the gaming handheld a bit more clunky to use at times, but you can also give yourself far more space this way and enjoy the portable gaming benefits I described in myROG Ally review.

Self-professed gaming geek, Rebecca Spear, is one of Windows Central’s editors and reviewers with a focus on gaming handhelds, PC gaming, and laptops. When she isn’t checking out the latest games on Xbox Game Pass, PC, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck; she can be found digital drawing with a Wacom tablet. She’s written thousands of articles with everything from editorials, reviews, previews, features, previews, and hardware reviews over the last few years. If you need information about anything gaming-related, her articles can help you out. She also loves testing game accessories and any new tech on the market. You can follow her@rrspearon X (formerly Twitter).