Problem with Installing Windows 10 – SSD Not Found in Media Creation Tool (USB Method)
Problem with Installing Windows 10 – SSD Not Found in Media Creation Tool (USB Method)
Hi everyone,
I’m facing a significant problem while attempting to reinstall Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool via USB. My SSD isn’t being recognized during the setup, and I need assistance.
Here’s what occurred:
I connected my USB with the Media Creation Tool and proceeded with the installation steps. When I chose "Custom Install" to perform a clean install and removed the files from the SSD, I clicked "Next," but an error appeared immediately.
Assuming the problem lies with the Media Creation Tool itself, I re-downloaded it and retried. Still, when selecting "Custom Install," my SSD doesn’t show up in the list of drives to install.
I’ve already attempted the following without success:
- Installed the latest Intel RST VMD controller drivers
- Disabled VMD in the BIOS settings
- Followed multiple installation guides, reset CMOS, and reinserted my M.2 SSD
- Verified the proper connection of the SSD
- Updated the BIOS to the latest version
Details of my system:
Motherboard: ASUS TUF Z690 Plus WiFi D4
RAM: G.Skill Trident Z 32GB 3600MHz (2 sticks)
Cooling: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 240 ARGB
Case: Deepcool Matrexx 50 Mesh 4FS
Drive: SSD Samsung 980
Processor: I7-12700KF
GPU: INN03D RTX 3070 ICHILL X4
Power Supply: InWin P85
None of these steps resolved the issue, and I’m at a standstill. I’ve already explored all possible troubleshooting methods, but my SSD remains undetected. Do any of you have faced a similar situation? Any suggestions would be invaluable.
Thank you in advance!
Does the SSD display as a boot drive in BIOS without any issues? Check for available firmware updates from Samsung.
You need to boot from the Windows installation media.
Have you done that?
Or are you installing Windows inside an existing Windows environment?
Turn off Intel RST.
Ensure the SATA controller is configured for AHCI.
Check if the SSD is being recognized correctly in BIOS.
Verify the drive capacity display is accurate.
If not, your SSD might be dead or failed.
Download only the Windows ISO using MCT. Install it as a virtual drive in Windows and run Setup.exe. Ensure the edition matches (home/pro and language). You might not need a full clean install, but you can retain files and programs. This will restore all system files to a brand new state.
Hi, here’s a brief update on your situation.
I started by resetting my PC for a clean slate, which meant removing the SSD partitions to create unallocated space in Windows Media Creation Tool. This caused an error when trying to install Windows, warning me I couldn’t proceed. I then powered off the main computer and re-downloaded the tool from my laptop. After connecting the USB drive, I followed the installation steps on my PC, selected Windows 10 Pro, agreed to the terms, and attempted to install Windows again.
I also tried using the Windows 11 media creation tool, but it didn’t recognize the SSD. Since a fresh install requires deleting all partitions and leaving unallocated space, I’m unsure if something critical was lost during my previous Windows 10 installation. My concern is that my motherboard might not be functioning properly.
I’m considering replacing the SSD or the motherboard as possible solutions. It’s possible the BIOS settings are affecting the process, especially after reinstalling Windows 10.
Are the SSD detection settings in BIOS correct? Is the drive capacity displayed accurately? Turn off Intel RST. Verify that the SATA controller is configured for AHCI. If the SSD isn't detected properly, it might indicate a failed or dead SSD. If it appears in BIOS but not during Windows installation, you need to install NVME drivers during setup.
SSD detection in BIOS isn't working correctly. Drive capacity display is also incorrect. The Intel RST can be disabled as the BIOS settings restrict it. Ensure the SATA controller is configured for AHCI. If detection occurs in BIOS but not during Windows installation, you need to install NVME drivers at that time. It might not show up in the BIOS at all.