Initially, computers were fitted with the traditional magnetic hard drive. This has, however, changed due to the continued research to improve on some of the challenges reported by users. Today, solid-state drives are the way to go, and users get more benefits from using SSD-fitted computers compared to the older option. 

SSDs are built to be more enduring and stable. In addition, they are more adaptable to changing temperatures and physical conditions. They also have more moving parts and yield higher speeds than traditional hard drives, which means you can complete tasks much faster. 

However, you may have to face some challenges, such as SSD needing to be recognized and SSD not showing up in disk management. However, this should be fine for you as you can quickly recover data from an SSD if you lose them. Besides, you have more advantages to using SSDs than disadvantages. 

You should not be worried even when you get the SSD not recognized in Windows error. It is usually caused by minor issues that can be quickly resolved. Ensure the SSD is connected correctly, and try some of the solutions suggested in this article before spending money on an IT consulting professional. 

Solution 1: Configure the SSD Settings

You may need to configure the SSD settings if the SSD is not listed in your BIOS menu. One way is to change the SATA controller mode. 

The BIOS menu differs depending on the manufacturer, and you will need to check the manufacturer-specific BIOS menu before starting. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Restart PC and press the appropriate function key to go to the BIOS menu

Step 2: Locate the storage options, then move to Serial ATA and finally, the SATA configuration

Step 3: Choose IDE compatibility mode

Step 4: Save the changes and restart the PC

Solution 2: Verify BIOS Detection

Sometimes the BIOS detection problem can be the leading cause of SSD not being recognized in Windows errors. Check if the SSD is connected properly. The BIOS (basic input/output system) controls the tasks between the attached devices and your operating system. 

To confirm BIOS detection, open the BIOS menu and look at the Boot menu. Check if your SSD is listed there. If this is not the case, your BIOS is not detecting it. You can also use this method to fix the SSD is not detected on Mac. Faulty hardware or issues with SATA settings in the BIOS menu could be some of the root causes of this problem. Replace the SSD or configure the settings in the menu, as we explained in solution one. 

Solution 3: Check if SSD is not Initialized

Sometimes you change the SSD or buy a new replacement and forget to initialize it. This will cause Windows not to recognize SSD since an uninitialized SSD does not show up in the Disk Management utility or File Explorer. 

If your SSD needs to be initialized, follow the steps below to complete this process. 

Step 1: Go to the Start menu and search for Disk Management. Right-click the Best Match and choose “Run as administrator.”

Step 2: Right-click the SSD that is being recognized by your Windows System and choose “Initialize Disk.”

Step 3: In the open dialog box, select the SSD disk you need to initialize. Select the style for the partition that you prefer to use. 

Step 4: Tap Ok to initiate the disk initialization process. 

Step 5: Once step 4 is completed, return to Disk Management and right-click the SSD volume. Choose “New Simple Volume” and follow the on-screen instructions to assign a new letter to the SSD volume. 

After this process, your SSD should be initialized. We recommend that you restart the PC to effect the changes. Once you do this, the Windows PC should be able to detect the SSD, and you will be able to gain access to it through File Explorer. 

Also Read: How To Fix Windows 10 Start Menu Not Working Issue

Solution 4: Fix Memory Issues

Sometimes, memory issues may hinder your PC from recognizing your SSD. It will be easier to detect when such problems arise by running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. You can do this by searching for the tool from the start menu, right-clicking on the Best Match, and running as an administrator. 

Once all is done, save all your work and restart the Windows computer to effect the changes. This will also help the PC to detect and resolve RAM issues. The PC will also be able to run diagnostics and reboot automatically. 

You can then check the Disk Management menu or File Explorer to see whether the BIOS detects and initializes your SSD. 

Also Read: How To Increase Ram On Laptop For Free?

Solution 5: Update Storage Controller Drivers 

If the above solutions cannot fix your Windows not detecting SSD, try updating the storage controller drivers. This is because an outdated driver will quickly cause your PC to malfunction and can be one big reason why the Windows PC is not detecting SSD. 

To update your storage controller drivers, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to the start menu and open the Device Manager

Step 2: Locate the storage controllers and expand the group

Step 3: Right-click on the storage controller and tap “Update driver” 

Step 4: Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” to continue with the upgrade

Allow Windows to install the available updates automatically. Once the process completes, restart the PC and open Disk Management or File Explore to check if your PC now detects SSD. 

Solution 6: Check the Design Letter

Generally, Windows cannot detect SSDs when there is a conflicting driver letter. Fortunately, you can quickly resolve this matter by assigning your SSD a new drive letter. Go to the Disk Management dialog box and right-click your SSD while running it as an administrator to change the drive letter. 

Final Thought

SSD not recognized in your Windows system should now be resolved. As a remedial measure, it could be the right time to install Disk Drill for Windows. The good news with Disk Drill is that it gives you the advantage of remedial solutions such as SSD data recovery and troubleshooting other issues related to PC drivers and data protection.