The NVMe drive with Windows isn't being recognized in the new build.
The NVMe drive with Windows isn't being recognized in the new build.
Hello everyone, I'm facing an issue I'm not sure how to fix. I've been struggling with this for a while. Here are the details of my PC build: Ryzen 5 5700g Msi b550 gaming plus 4x8gb g.skill tridentZ rgb M.2NVMe MP44L team group (it's Gen 4, not Gen 3, and it should still work).
My problem is this. I installed Windows 11 on another drive, but that drive isn't being recognized in BIOS or Windows setup—only on this new build.
I've tried several things:
- Placed the drive on another computer; it worked fine there.
- Used a different drive with Windows 10; it also worked.
- Reinstalled Windows, but the system reported it didn't meet requirements.
- Enabled all necessary BIOS settings, but it didn't help.
- Updated BIOS to the latest version; now it meets requirements, but the drive still doesn't appear in Windows or BIOS.
I don't know what else I should try.
Thanks for your help!
Checked both M.2 connections?
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-B550...cification
Bad idea. 1. A Windows install isn't very portable. It often doesn't work at all. 2. The boot partition might be on a different drive than expected. Solution. Do it right! Perform a clean install on this drive, while it's still active in the system. How To - Windows 11 clean install tutorial Windows 11 Clean install tutorial This guide aims to assist you, step by step, in carrying out a clean installation of Windows 11 version 23H2 or later, though it can also be used for earlier versions with minor visual differences but overall similar functionality... forums.
Hi, thank you for your prompt response.
When I set up Windows on this drive, there was no other drive present on the other system.
As I previously mentioned, I attempted a clean install, but the drive still wasn't visible in the Windows 11 installer on the new system.
Additionally, I tried a clean install again, and the drive remained absent from the Windows 11 installation media on the new machine.
From further testing:
-I connected all my other drives that might have been overlooked during installation, hoping to boot Windows. It still doesn't work. The problematic drive isn't recognized, while the others are.
-I added the faulty drive to another system without any extra drives; it immediately starts Windows.
-I installed a Windows 11 drive in the new setup without any additional drives; it also launches Windows directly.
Verify Physical Placement:
Make sure the NVMe drive is completely and firmly placed in the M.2 slot.
Update System Firmware:
Go to the website of your motherboard maker and update the BIOS to the most recent release.
Adjust BIOS Parameters:
Activate the M.2 slot if it’s turned off by default.
Change SATA Configuration to AHCI, not IDE.
Turn Off CSM (Compatibility Support Module) or switch it to UEFI mode.
Turn Off Secure Boot
(you may disable it later if required).
Block Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST)
to prevent detection issues when using RAID configurations.
During Windows Setup:
Install Storage Controller Drivers:
Obtain the Intel RST or motherboard-specific drivers from the manufacturer’s site and transfer them to a separate USB drive.
On the Windows setup interface, when no drives appear, select “Load driver.”
Navigate to the USB drive and pick the correct driver file to install.
Select Appropriate Boot Media:
Build your Windows installation USB using the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool, as some alternative tools such as Rufus might cause problems.
Remove Previous Partitions:
If the device was used before, erase all partitions during setup to allow a fresh GPT partition creation.
After Completion (if the drive remains invisible):
Inspect Disk Management:
If Windows installs but the drive isn’t listed in Disk Management, right-click the disk and choose initialize it, then create a new volume.
Reach Out for Assistance:
If these steps fail, your NVMe SSD or motherboard could have a hardware fault. You may need to reach out to support or proceed with an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization).
Hope this information proves useful. Just a note you’ve already updated the BIOS—consider resetting the CMOS then attempt the installation again. Thanks. Cheers
The only thing I haven't attempted is removing existing partitions. I understand my drive and the motherboard are functioning properly, as it operates in another system (drive) and with a different drive (for the motherboard).
Checked both M.2 connections.
Reference: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-B550...cification