Installing Windows can sometimes be a smooth and straightforward process, but occasionally, users encounter the frustrating issue of their SSD, hard disk, or partitions not being detected. This problem can arise for various reasons, such as incorrect BIOS settings, outdated or missing drivers, or issues with the disk itself. Understanding the root causes and the proper troubleshooting steps can help you resolve this issue efficiently, ensuring a successful Windows installation on your desired storage device. This guide will explore common causes and provide solutions to help you get your system up and running.
SSD, Hard Disk or Partition not detected when installing Windows
1] Ensure the drive is connected correctly
First, ensure that your drive is connected correctly. If you use a desktop, open your PC case first and check all the connections between your motherboard and storage drives.
Ensure that the data cable (SATA or NVMe) and the power cable are securely connected to the drive and the motherboard. Additionally, ensure that the cables are not damaged or loose, as this can prevent the drive from being detected.
2] Verify the drive is recognized in BIOS
To ensure your drive is connected properly, you must verify it by going to the BIOS or UEFI. The designated BIOS key varies from one computer to another. However, in most cases, it should be the F2, F12, ESC, or DEL buttons. If these buttons don’t work for you, you can always do a Google search with your laptop’s or motherboard’s model number to find out the BIOS key.
- First, reboot your PC.
- While your PC boots up, press the F2, F12, ESC, or DEL keys to get into the BIOS mode.
- Once in BIOS, look for Storage, Boot, or Main options.
- Within the storage or boot options, you should be able to see a list of connected drives. Here, check if your HDD or SSD is showing up.
- You can exit the BIOS menu and continue with Windows Installation if your drive is recognized.
- If your drive does not show up in the BIOS, check for loose connections, try replacing the SATA cable, or check your drives with another computer to ensure they work fine.
3] Missing or Outdated Drivers
Any missing or outdated drivers for your storage drive can also cause this issue. So it would be a good idea to update your drivers first and ensure that Windows recognizes them.
Updating drivers on Windows is pretty straightforward, as Windows now installs the required drivers with its update. So press Windows Key + I to launch Settings, and then go to Windows Update to download and install any pending updates.
Alternatively, you can use third-party tools like Driver Easy to manage driver downloads.
4] Incorrect BIOS/UEFI Settings
There is also a good chance that your drive is not enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings or that it is set to an incorrect mode, like IDE instead of AHCI.
To fix this, reboot your PC and press keys like DEL, F2, F10, F12, or ESC to enter the BIOS mode. Then, look for options like Storage Configuration and Integrated Peripherals and ensure your drive shows up. If it is not enabled, make sure to enable it.
Also, check the SATA mode and set it to AHCI, which is required for SSDs. Once you are done making the changes, exit the BIOS and see if your disk is showing up while installing Windows.
5] Format your drive
Lastly, you might encounter the SSD, Hard Disk, or Partition not detected when installing Windows error if you have formatted your drive to an incompatible file system. Your storage drive should be formatted with the NTFS file system; if it uses a different file system, you won’t be able to install Windows on it.
You can always re-format your drive using the correct file system to solve the issue. For this, follow these steps:
- Press Windows Key + X and open Disk Management. (It will take a few seconds to load).
- Right-click on the unrecognized drive and select Format.
- After that, change the file system to NTFS and click OK to format the drive.
- Once done, try reinstalling Windows and see if it works.
