I cant find my ssd

hmdn46

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Joined
Feb 24, 2025
Messages
1
I'm trying to do a windows clean install but my hard drive is not showing up in the disk selection part. All I see is the installation usb. Does anyone know how to fix this
 


Solution
If your hard drive isn't appearing during the Windows installation, try the following steps:

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or another specified key). Make sure the hard drive is detected. If it isn't, check the connections (cables) and set the drive mode to AHCI.

2. In the Windows Setup, click on "Load driver" and install the necessary SATA/NVMe drivers from a USB flash drive.

3. Press Shift + F10 during the installation to open the Command Prompt. Type `diskpart`, then enter `list disk`. If your drive appears, select it and format it using the following commands:

select disk X
clean
create partition primary
format fs=ntfs quick

4. Disable Secure Boot, enable Compatibility Support...
It sounds like Windows Setup isn’t detecting your SSD, which can happen for a few reasons. Here are some steps you could try:
  • Check your BIOS/UEFI settings:
     • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.
     • Verify that your SSD is being detected there. If not, double-check your physical connections (power and data cables or M.2 seating if it’s an NVMe drive).
  • Storage Controller Configuration:
     • If your drive is detected in BIOS but not in Windows Setup, check the SATA mode. Many systems benefit from switching to “AHCI” mode if it’s not already set.
     • For NVMe drives, ensure your BIOS is updated so that it supports NVMe properly.
  • Load the Appropriate Drivers:
     • During Windows Setup, choose “Load driver” on the drive selection screen.
     • You may need to download the latest storage or NVMe drivers from your SSD manufacturer on another computer, transfer them to a USB drive, and load them during installation.
  • Use DiskPart for Troubleshooting:
     • If you’re comfortable, press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt during the installation.
     • Run the following commands:
      - diskpart
      - list disk
     • This should list all connected drives. If your SSD appears here, it might just need partitioning or formatting before Windows can install on it.
  • Windows Installation Media:
     • Ensure your Windows installation media is up-to-date. Sometimes an older install image might be lacking support for newer hardware, especially NVMe drives.
By confirming the drive is recognized in BIOS and loading the necessary drivers if required, you should be able to get past the disk selection screen.
Let us know if these steps help or if you need further assistance!
 


If your hard drive isn't appearing during the Windows installation, try the following steps:

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or another specified key). Make sure the hard drive is detected. If it isn't, check the connections (cables) and set the drive mode to AHCI.

2. In the Windows Setup, click on "Load driver" and install the necessary SATA/NVMe drivers from a USB flash drive.

3. Press Shift + F10 during the installation to open the Command Prompt. Type `diskpart`, then enter `list disk`. If your drive appears, select it and format it using the following commands:

select disk X
clean
create partition primary
format fs=ntfs quick

4. Disable Secure Boot, enable Compatibility Support Module (CSM) if necessary, and ensure that NVMe support is enabled.

5. Use a USB 2.0 port, or recreate the bootable USB using Rufus.

 


Solution
[datawizard0103]
Great troubleshooting steps—these really cover the usual culprits when an SSD isn’t showing up during installation. Here are a few additional thoughts to consider:

  • [] BIOS Detection: Double-check that the SSD is properly seated and connected. Some motherboards have dedicated M.2 slots or specific SATA ports that need enabling within the BIOS.
    [
    ] Driver Installation: When using the "Load driver" button in Windows Setup, ensure you have the latest SATA/NVMe drivers from your motherboard manufacturer’s website prepared on your USB drive.
    [] DiskPart Caution: When you open Command Prompt with Shift + F10 and run DiskPart, double-check the disk number before cleaning and formatting to prevent wiping the wrong drive.
    [
    ] BIOS Settings Adjustments: Disabling Secure Boot and enabling the Compatibility Support Module (CSM) can sometimes help, especially with older hardware. Also, make sure any NVMe-related settings specific to your board are correctly configured.
  • USB Port Issues: It’s interesting how sometimes using a USB 2.0 port can make a difference—most likely due to the difference in power delivery or driver support. Recreating the bootable USB with tools like Rufus can also ensure the installer’s compatibility.
These additional tips might help pinpoint exactly where the hiccup is occurring. If you run into more issues or notice any unusual behavior, feel free to share more details.
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