We often get a lot of queries regarding M.2 SSD not detected in the BIOS or by Windows 10. Well, this isn’t something that you should worry about at all. As in this guide, we will reveal all the possible solutions to overcome this M.2 SSD not detected in the BIOS error. But before that let’s find out what is the real cause behind getting this error?
Well, this type of error occurs when there is a hardware compatibility or configuration issue. In simple words, when you install a new NVMe or M.2 SATA SSD, your old motherboard or operating system is unable to detect the drivers of your new SSD. There are very rare cases that this error occurs due to an SSD failure.
Quick Fixes to Overcome M.2 SSD not Detected Error
We divide this error into two parts, the BIOS and Operating System. In this way, it would be easier for you to find out which part is responsible for the occurrence of this error.
M.2 SSD not Detected in BIOS (Cause & Fixes)
If your NVMe or M.2 SSD is not recognized in the BIOS, here are some of the possible solutions to fix this problem.
Check if your SSD is Properly Installed
Check if your SSD is properly inserted into your M.2 slot. If the label side of your SSD is not facing towards you , it means that your SSD is not properly installed onto your motherboard. This could be one of the possible reasons behind the M.2 SSD not detected in BIOS error.
If you are installing the M.2 SSD for the first time, there are more chances that you end up installing it in a wrong way. And if you have installed your SSD correctly and you are still facing this error, then there might be a compaibility issue.
Check Compatibility
If your motherboard comes with a SSD slot, it doesn’t means that it will support the M.2 SSDs. For example, if you install a NVMe on a motherboard that only supports M.2 SSD, you might end up with a “Not detected” error. To check the compatibility, you can type in the model or your motherboard on Google or head over to the manufacturer’s website.
Go to M.2 SSD Settings in the BIOS
There’s a setting in the BIOS called “M.2 and SATA Express Mode Configuration”. Most often this settings is set to Auto. You can manually switch this setting to M.2. This setting might vary from motherboard to motherboard, so you should check the right setting on your motheboard manufacturer’s website.
Also, you can disable the “Secure Boot” option in the BIOS to detect the newly installed hardware.
Update Your BIOS
Sometimes the older version of your BIOS is unable to detect the newly installed M.2 SSD. Updating the BIOS might fix the M.2 SSD not detected error. Make sure you know how to upgrade your BIOS as this is a risky step.
M.2 SSD Not Detected in Windows 10
Once you are sure enough that the BIOS is not the root cause of this error, it’s time to check if your Windows is responsible for this or not.
SSD Driver Missing
Some older versions of Windows like the Windows 7 and 8 are unable to detect the newly installed PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD. In this case, you have to manually download and install the PCIe NVMe drivers from your SSD manufacturer’s website. Latest operating systems like Windows 10 & 11 support NVMe M.2 SSD drivers and you don’t need to install them.
If you are still getting the M.2 SSD not detected error in Windows 10, you should move on to the next solution, that is to update your Windows 10
Updating Windows 10
New brands of M.2 SSDs are constantly entering the market every month. And it is possible that the drivers of your newly installed M.2 SSD are not present in the Windows 10. Updating your Windows 10 might solve this error.
Faulty SSD
If none of the above solution help you in eliminating the M.2 SSD not detected error, then your SSD might be faulty and it needs to be replaced. If your SSD comes with a warranty, you can immediately send it back to get a new one.
The Bottom Line
Finally, M.2 SSD not detected in the BIOS or Windows error can be easily fixed if you follow all the above steps one by one. But before that, make sure your motheboard comes with M.2 or NVMe compatible slots. If everything is fine and you are still getting the error, it’s time to consult your local computer repair shop to see if there are any technical issues with your motherboard.
