SSD Not Showing Up Useful Guide for Users!

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SSD not showing up guide: types of SSD failure, failed SSD FAQs, and SSD maintenance tips! Everything to know about SSD not showing up! Expert advice only!

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Beginner's Guide On How Solid State Drive Work

SSD is not showing up is one of the most common drive problems encountered by new SSD drive users. Luckily, we have the right fix for you!

In this guide we will discuss the different types of SSD failures and scenarios and how you can fix each failure.

NOTE: This guide contains quick-fix recommendations only. In worse cases you will need a Solid State Drive data recovery service expert to handle your particular case.

How Do SSDs Work?

How Do SSDs Work | TTR Data Recovery

An SSD or a solid-state drive is a mass storage device similar to an HDD. You may be familiar with HDDs as hard disk drives. An SSD supports reading and writing data.

It maintains stored data in a state of permanence. This is possible even when there is no power source. This is composed of some memory chips on a circuit board.

It features an In/Out interface. This is typically in the form of PCIe or SATA. This is the one responsible for transferring data.

There are a variety of reasons as to why people would opt for an SSD in place of the traditional HDD. For one, laptops can take a beating when they travel with you. Since HDDs have moving parts, there is a high chance that these are damaged in transit.

SSDs are smaller and lighter. As a result, you can save up on so much space. There’s also a reduction in weight and thickness.

On top of all of these, SSDs have a lower failure rate than HDDs. There is a need to understand how SSD drive works differently from an HDD so that we are better able to figure out the cause of its failure.

If you still can’t decide yet on choosing SSD or SSHD, reading SSHD VS SSD might help.

How Do SSDs Fail?

How do SSDs Fail | TTR Data Recovery

An SSD drive has no moving parts. It tends to store data in microchips. Even though there may be issues of SSD is not showing up, it’s still capable of reading and writing data.

It’s no longer uncommon for people to choose between an SSD or an HDD. A Solid State Drive (SSD) is best described as an oversized USB stick. On the other hand, an HDD uses a mechanical arm that has a “read and write” head.

This head is responsible for moving your data from one device to another. It also reads your information from the correct location on a storage platter. HDDs may also have issues similar to new SSD not showing up.

With this in mind, the main cause of failure for HDDs is its moving parts. So, what about SSDs?

Well, since SSDs do not have any physical moving platters, you wouldn’t need to worry too much about old hard disk issues. The storage component of an SSD drive is immune to damages. However, this does not mean that its other components are no longer susceptible to driver issues.

This includes mechanical failure.

SSD not showing up Mechanical Failure | TTR Data Recovery
  • Power Failure
    One of the reasons why you may see “SSD not showing up” is because of an SSD’s need for power supplies and a capacitor. Both of these are not immune to malfunctions. Thus, power failure may be the number one reason why SSDs fail.

    This is alongside power surges. In fact, there are instances when SSDs may corrupt existing data. This happens even when the hard drives has not crashed yet.
  • Limited Read/Write Cycles
    Another reason why SSDs fail is its limited number of read/write cycles. This issue is present in all types of flash memory. SSDs also use NAND flash memory.

    Since this is non-volatile, you can turn off the disk and it won’t erase what was stored on it. There have been rumors that the SSD drive can only store data for over a few years. This is completely untrue as the data stored in it can even outlive you.

Troubleshooting Your SSD: How to Check the Health of an SSD.

  • Checking SSDs with Wmic
    To check your Solid State Drive with Wmic, you’ll need to insert the Windows Installation Media first. Then, boot from the media. Open Command Prompt and type in “wmic.” Click Enter. Type “diskdrive get status.”

    Click Enter again. This will scan your SSD. If there are no issues, the status shown will be OK.
  • Checking SSDs with chkdsk
    You can do this by right-clicking My Computer to run the chkdsk utility. Choose the drive that you want to check. Select Tools under Properties.

    Then, select Error Checking Section. This will proceed to scan your drive.

SSD Not Showing Up: Warning Signs of an Impending SSD Failure

SSD not showing up Impending SSD Failure | TTR Data Recovery

Even after resolving the most common issue of SSD not showing up, you may want to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of a failing hard drive. If you experience any of the below signs, backup everything as soon as possible. That is if you can still boot your PC.

This lowers your chances of experiencing permanent data loss.

  • Corrupted Data
    Corrupted or damaged data can no longer be opened, moved, or even deleted. This can be caused by copying and moving files, then suddenly canceling the act. Malware or virus is another reason why this could happen.

    Lastly, a failing hard drives can also cause the corruption of a file and the file system.
  • Clicking Sounds
    At times, a failing hard drives is not about seeing, but what you can hear. Clicking sounds are one of the most obvious signs of a failing hard drive. It is also true that a functioning computer can produce audible clicks.

    Thus, make sure that the sound you hear is coming from the drives. If it does, immediately back up everything important.

    This often happens because there is a malfunction on the SSD’s head component. Screeching noises, on the other hand, pertains to the failure of both the spindle motor and platter. You’ll need the assistance of a professional hard drive data recovery expert to recover data.
  • Recurring Freezes
    Once you’ve resolved the issue of SSD files not showing up, you can proceed to assess if you experience any recurring freezes even when the HDD or SSD is running. You can reformat your computer or run it in Safe Mode. However, before anything else, backup your important files and check your file system before it is too late.

    If after this, your computer still freezes, there is a high chance that your hard drive is failing.
  • Slower Performance
    Similar to recurring freezes, a failing hard drive can also lead to slower performance. Backup your important files and check you file system before reformatting your computer. Should the problem persist, you may need to contact a professional to look into it.

    It would help to know how you can resolve the issue of SSD not showing up so you can clearly explain the situation.
  • Read-Only SSD
    After resolving the issue of SSD not showing up, you’ll know that hard drives are made to read and write data. If your SSD becomes “read-only,” this could mean that your drive is failing. Here, SSD is detected but you can no longer write data.

    However, you can read the existing data.
  • Bad Sectors
    To avoid issues like SSD is not showing up, check its internal components. A sector is a part of the hard drive that categorizes stored data. One bad sector can severely impact your hard drive.
SSD not showing up Antomy of SSD | TTR Data Recovery

Run a manual check to see which sector has gone bad.

Here’s how:

  • Go to the Hard Disk Drive in My Computer.
  • Select the Tools tab from under Properties.
  • Select Error Checking.
  • Click on Check Now.
  • Windows will automatically search for the bad sector and fix it.
  • Should the problem persist, you may need to contact a professional to look into it.

What Now? How to Recover Data From a Dead SSD

SSD not showing up Recover Data From Dead SSD | TTR Data RecoveryWhat Now How to Recover Data From a Dead SSD | TTR Data Recovery

What’s worse than a failing SSD? A dead SSD disk. Here’s what you can do to recover data from a dead SSD.

While there are certain similarities, these steps are made specifically for recovering data loss from a dead SSD. You no longer have to worry too much about issues of SSD files not showing up.

SSD Quick Fix: Restore Data From a Failed/Dead/No Longer Working SSD

  • Quick Fix SSD#1.
    If your SSD not showing up, update your firmware SSD by selecting Properties. Choose Details and Hardware IDs. Then, click OK.

    Once done, proceed to install and run. You’ll use the SSD Firmware Update Tool for this.
  • Quick Fix SSD#2.
    This quick fix is for dead SSDs. You start by going to the Device Manager. Right-click on the driver and select Update Driver.

    Once done, reboot your PC.

Finding the Best SSD Data Recovery Software

SSD not showing up Hard Drive FAQ | TTR Data RecoveryFinding the Best SSD Data Recovery Software |TTR Data Recovery

The good news is that there are available options for data recovery software online. Look for software that can successfully recover lost or deleted data. The process should be effective and safe.

Opt for a software that recovers a variety of data or file types. Lastly, choose a program that is supported by your operating system.

Issues of SSD Not Showing Up: Frequently Asked Questions.

So, why is your SSD not showing up? Well, if you want to access your SSD through Windows 10, the first step would be to initialize it. Here’s how:

  1.  Connect the new SSD.
  2. If SSD is not detected, open the Disk Management tool under Windows.
  3.  Select GUID or MBR and click OK.
  4. Right-click on the SSD volume and select New Simple Volume.
  5. Assign a drive letter by following the wizard.
  6. Enter the volume name.
  7. Define the file system by choosing between exFAT or NTFS.
  8. Click Next.
  9. Your new SSD will now be accessible via File Explorer.

Formatting a new SSD requires you using Disk Management. Here’s how:

  1. Open Start and select Disk Management.
  2. Right-click on the new SSD and select Format.
  3. Input a descriptive name in the Value Label field.
  4. Select NTFS from under the File System drop-down menu.
  5. Select Default from under the Allocation Unit Size drop-down menu.
  6.  Check the option Perform a Quick Format.
  7. Be sure that the Enable File and Folder Compression option is cleared.
  8. Click the OK button.

The easiest way to resolve this issue is to troubleshoot hardware faulty. If you still can’t see your SSD in BIOS even after you’ve determined what hard drive do I have, check the SSD hardware. Also, make sure that all corresponding ports are working properly.

If your SSD is still not detected, switch to another SSD port.

There are a lot of reasons why your SSD is not recognized. It’s possible that there are driver issues or hidden partitions. It’s also possible that the SSD is new. Therefore, it hasn’t been initialized yet. Other reasons would include the SSD partitions being lost or unallocated. If it’s not lost, the file system of partitions may not be recognized.

The best you can do is update the drivers manually. Make sure that all of them are compatible. To do this, simply right-click on your SSD and select Update Driver Software. You’ll need to follow the instructions provided.

If checking the SSD hardware and corresponding ports did not work, you can configure the SSD settings in BIOS. Here’s how:

  1. Restart your computer or laptop.
  2. Press F2 after the first screen.
  3. Press Enter to go to Config.
  4. Choose Serial ATA.
  5. Press Enter.
  6. Choose IDE Compatibility Mode under SATA Controlled Mode Option.
  7. Save your changes.
  8. Restart your computer or laptop.

This process is done once you’ve disabled the SATA Storage Device.

  1. Enter the BIOS by clicking F2 as the Dell Logo is shown on your screen.
  2. Set Boot List Option to UEFI under Boot Sequence.
  3. Choose AHCI under SATA Operation.
  4. Click on Enable Legacy Option ROMs under Advanced Boot Option.
  5. Set Secure Boot to disable.
  6. Your SATA Storage Device controllers can be re-enabled as soon as Windows installation is complete.

You can do this through various methods. You can use a standard PCle slot or an M.2 slot. Furthermore, you can use a U.2 adapter cable and card; this should be connected to an M.2 slot.

Initializing an NVMe SSD involves the same process steps as setting up a new SSD. Launch Disk Management and right-click on the SSD drive. Then, click on Initialize Disk. Click OK to accept the default partition style. You can always change the partition style between MBR or GPT whenever you want to.

How to Care For Your SSD

How to Care For Your SSD | TTR Data Recovery

After you’ve resolved the issue of your new SSD not showing up in disk, it is still necessary for you to take care of them. Whether it is an SSD or an HDD. SSDs may not have moving parts, yet they are still subjected to daily wear and tear.

Even though this doesn’t pertain to the physical wear and tear, the stored data can still be affected.

Enabling the TRIM command is a great way to ensure that your SSD is in shape. You can also keep your Windows Defrag On. Be sure to arrange Windows System folders and divide your data accordingly.

Also, keep some space free. If you are storing too much data on your SSD, you can opt to upgrade your RAM so that it can support your SSD drive.

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Tommy Kh | Ttr Data Recovery

About the Author
Tommy Khamoushi, Data Recovery Expert

Tommy Khamoushi is an IACRB-certified Data Recovery Engineer and a Certified Forensic Computer Investigator. He has more than 20 years of experience in data recovery including providing technical support for the House of Representatives.

Tommy leads a team of data recovery engineers and experts at TTR Data Recovery to recover highly sensitive data for government agencies like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and enterprise businesses using advanced and proprietary techniques and processes.

Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn.