Can I install a new ssd to a laptop before its first boot up?

[NamGoesHam]

I bought a laptop thats coming in soon, I just wanted to know if I can put the new ssd before turning it on for the first time.

 

[mcnumpty23]

does it take 2 hard drives?

 

[USAFRet]

I bought a laptop thats coming in soon, I just wanted to know if I can put the new ssd before turning it on for the first time.

Is this new SSD going to be the OS drive?

 

[ikaz]

Probably best to post the model of the laptop you bought along with the model of SSD drive you bought.

 

[bjornl]

Yes you can.

Assumption: this is your only internal HD in the new PC.
In order for this to work, you will need to do one of the two following.
Option 1: have a license for everything you need to install (including the OS) and a 2nd PC to potentially download drivers as they might not be included with your new OS (they have a limited number of included drivers which can't include every odd bit of hardware).
Option 2: make an image of the current HD and drop it on your new SSD. The easiest way to do this is to use a 2nd PC. Remove the current HD from your new laptop, place it in an external HD holder, use a tool to make an image of this HD such as Acronis (there are many choices, use your favorite), put the SSD in the external drive holder and burn the image to it.

If your laptop is the odd type which supports 2 HDs and you only want to use the SSD as a secondary drive, then there is no problem just installing it.