How to fix when SSD is not detected. All methods to fix when SSD is not recognized by Windows PC. SSDs are slowly replacing old and traditional HDDs, and most new computers now use this new type of drive. However, they don't work smoothly. One of the problems you may encounter while using these drives is that your SSD is not detected on your computer.
Should this happen, you will find that your newly purchased SSD is not accessible because it doesn't seem to appear anywhere. It does not appear in File Explorer, Command Prompt, or even in Disk Management. There are actually some things you can do to fix when SSD is not recognized by your Windows computer.
How to fix when SSD is not detected
1. Disconnect the other drives from the computer
When your SSD is not showing up in the BIOS and from the main OS interface, the first thing you will need to do is disconnect all other drives from your computer. What it will do is prevent your computer from being confused with the other drives in File Explorer.
If there is a problem with the other drives connected to your computer, it should be fixed automatically. You have to disconnect all other drives from your computer only in the meantime that your PC does not recognize the SSD, once it is fixed, you can reconnect the other drives and access it from your computer.
2. Verify that your SSD is displayed in the BIOS
Sometimes your operating system faces problems and it could be the reason why your new SSD is not detected on your computer. One of the ways to check if the machine actually recognizes the drive is to use the BIOS menu.
You can open the BIOS for the computer and see if it shows the SSD.
- Turn off the computer.
- Turn your computer back on while pressing the key F8 on the keyboard. If you're not sure which button will take you to the BIOS, check with your computer manufacturer.
- If your computer recognizes your SSD, you will see your SSD drive listed on the screen.
- It basically tells you that there is a problem with your operating system. One of the ways to fix is to reinstall the entire system on your computer.
3. Use a Linux Live Distro to see if the SSD is recognized
A live Linux distribution is an operating system that resides on a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive. It allows you to load the entire operating system on your computer using one of these media, so you can use all the features of the system.
If you feel there is a problem with your current system, it's a good idea to create a live Linux disk and boot your computer from it. When it boots up, you should be able to see your SSD displayed in the main interface.
If you see it, there is probably a problem with your operating system. If you don't see it, there may be an issue with the SSD that you need to check further.
4. SSD is not detected, format the SSD
If the drive you're trying to connect to your computer is new, make sure it's formatted correctly before it shows up in utilities like File Explorer. You can use the built-in disk management tool on your computer to format the drive.
- Press the keys simultaneously Windows + R , type diskmgmt.msc I awarded Submit.
- Disk Management should be open on the screen. Find your SSD disk in the list, right click on it and select Format .
- Get the drive formatted in the file format NTFS.
- Eject the drive from the computer.
- Reconnect the drive to the computer.
5. Update the storage controller drivers
Again outdated storage controller drivers can be the culprits, you should update them to the latest versions available. Most people don't need to do this if they don't have a problem, however, as you're having trouble with your SSD not being detected, it's worth updating your drivers to see if that fixes the problem.
- Use Cortana search to search and open Device management.
- Expand the option Storage controller, select the controller, right-click on it and choose Update Driver.
- If you don't already have the storage controller drivers, select Automatically searches for updated driver software.
- Restart the computer when the new drivers have been installed.
6. Use hardware and device troubleshooter
Your Windows computer actually has a built-in feature that allows you to troubleshoot problems with your hardware devices. It helps you find problems automatically and gives you tips on how to fix them on your computer.
The troubleshooter should be located in Settings and Control Panel. However, I couldn't find it there and so I used the Command Prompt method to open it.
- Search Command Prompt in Cortana search and start it.
- Type the following command in the command prompt window and press Submit.
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
- The Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter will open. click on NEXT to continue.
- Wait for it to find problems with hardware devices on your computer.
- If there really is a problem with your devices, it will advise you how to fix it.
7. SSD is not detected? Troubleshoot memory problems on your computer
Memory problems on your computer can lead to problems like your SSD not being detected on your computer. Fortunately, Windows has a tool that allows you to check for these errors and fix them on your computer.
- Press the keys simultaneously Windows + R , type mdsched.exe I awarded Submit.
- The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool will open. Click on the first option that says Restart now and check for problems to immediately restart the computer and run the check.
- Your computer will restart and the tool will run a memory check for problems.
- Your computer will automatically restart after the check is complete.
It's a bit disappointing to see that your computer doesn't recognize the newly purchased SSD. However, there are ways to fix the problem as described above and hopefully they will help you show the drive on your computer.
