SSD Not Showing Up Useful Guide for Users!

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!

Table Of Content
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

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

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.

SSD not showing up Antomy of SSD | TTR Data Recovery

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

Here’s how:

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

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.