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Introduction

Follow this guide to replace or upgrade the SSD (aka storage) in your Valve Steam Machine (2026).

The Steam Machine has a single M.2 NVMe slot that's compatible with 2230 or 2280 form factors.

These steps only describe how to physically remove and replace your SSD. You'll need additional software tools and procedures to install an OS and get the replacement SSD to function as intended.

Follow Valve's SteamOS installation instructions to install, re-image, or repair SteamOS on your Steam Machine. Follow Valve's Steam Deck recovery instructions to reset or recover SteamOS on your device. For installing Windows, official resources can be found here.

What you need

1. Step 1 Before you begin
  Before you begin this repair:
  
  Power down your Steam Machine and disconnect the power cable.
  
  Unplug any remaining cables or accessories from all ports.
  
  If you have a microSD card installed, remove it. Otherwise, it may break during this procedure.
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1. Step 2 Reposition the Steam Machine
  Reposition the Steam Machine so the bottom is facing up.
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2. Step 3 Remove the feet
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the four rubber feet.
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1. Step 4 Reposition the Steam Machine
  Reposition the Steam Machine so the back panel is facing up.
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3. Step 5 Loosen the back panel screws
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to fully loosen the two captive screws securing the back panel.
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4. Step 6 Remove the back panel
  The back panel is secured by two hinge clips near the bottom corners and two locking clips on the sides.
  
  Lift the top edge of the panel (near the screws) until the two locking clips release.
  
  If you're having trouble getting an initial grip on the panel, use a spudger to lift it enough to grab with your fingers.
  
  Slide the panel towards the top edge and lift to remove it.
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5. Step 7 Remove the inner assembly screws
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 7.3 mm‑long screws securing the inner assembly.
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6. Step 8 Remove the inner assembly
  After removal, don't lay the inner assembly down on the microSD and USB ports. These ports are fragile and shouldn't have the weight of the assembly resting on them.
  
  Grip the inner assembly under the fan and lift it straight up and out of the shell.
  
  Set the inner assembly down so the SSD is on top.
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1. Step 9 Remove the SSD screw
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the 5.1 mm‑long screw securing the SSD.
  
  With the screw removed, the SSD will pop up at a shallow angle.
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2. Step 10 Remove the SSD
  Don't pull up on the SSD at a sharp angle, or you may damage the SSD and its socket.
  
  Pull the SSD out of its socket at the angle it popped up at to remove it.
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3. Step 11 If changing SSD length
  The standoff screw can be moved to accommodate two different SSD form factors: 2280 or 2230.
  
  Use a 5.0 mm nut driver to remove the standoff screw and install it in the desired position:
  
  2280
  
  2230
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