Repairing Desktop Computers with M.2 SSD Recognition Problems

If you’re experiencing issues with your M.2 SSD not being recognized by your desktop computer, you’re not alone. The M.2 SSD, also known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) drive, is a small-sized disk that directly connects to the motherboard of a computer, providing fast data reading and writing speeds of around 2500MB/s.

However, when your M.2 SSD isn’t recognized, it can be frustrating and impact your productivity. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help you resolve M.2 SSD recognition problems on your desktop PC.

In this guide, we’ll cover various symptoms that you might encounter, such as the M.2 drive not being recognized in the BIOS, not being detected as a boot drive, not showing up in Disk Management, and not appearing in File Explorer. We’ll also provide additional tips on recovering data from an M.2 SSD that is not recognized.

So, whether you’re a tech-savvy enthusiast or a novice computer user, this troubleshooting guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps you need to fix M.2 SSD recognition issues on your desktop computer.

Symptoms and Fixes for M.2 Not Recognized in BIOS

Many users encounter a common problem when using M.2 SSDs: the drives are not recognized in the BIOS. This section provides a detailed overview of the symptoms and potential causes of this issue. Additionally, it offers step-by-step instructions to resolve the problem, including checking the correct installation of the M.2 drive, enabling it in the BIOS, and configuring it as the boot drive if necessary.

Before diving into the fixes, let’s take a look at the typical symptoms that indicate an M.2 not being recognized in the BIOS. These can include:

• The M.2 drive not appearing in the list of detected storage devices during the BIOS boot sequence.
• No sign of the M.2 drive in the BIOS setup menu.
• The drive not being selectable as a boot option.

To troubleshoot this issue effectively, follow the steps below:

1. Check the physical installation of the M.2 drive:

Ensure the M.2 drive is properly seated in the M.2 slot on the motherboard. Re-seat the drive if necessary, ensuring it is inserted securely and aligned with the slot.

1. Enable the M.2 drive in the BIOS:

Access the BIOS setup menu by pressing the designated key (e.g., F2 or Del) during system startup. Navigate to the Storage or Storage Configuration section, locate the M.2 drive, and ensure it is enabled. Save any changes made and exit the BIOS.

1. Set the M.2 drive as the boot drive:

If you intend to use the M.2 drive as the primary boot device, enter the BIOS setup menu and navigate to the Boot or Boot Order section. Find the M.2 drive and set it as the first boot option. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

If the M.2 drive is still not recognized after following these steps, you may need to try more advanced troubleshooting methods or consult a professional for further assistance.

Fix 1: Re-installing the M.2 SSD

If the previous steps did not resolve the issue, try re-installing the M.2 SSD. This process involves removing the drive from the motherboard and then re-seating it. Follow these steps:

1. Shutdown your computer and unplug the power cable.
2. Open the computer case and locate the M.2 drive.
3. Carefully remove the M.2 drive from the socket. Be sure to discharge any static electricity by touching a grounded metal object before handling the drive.
4. Re-insert the M.2 drive back into the socket, ensuring it is seated correctly.
5. Close the computer case, reconnect the power cable, and start the computer.

Fix 2: Enabling the M.2 SSD in the BIOS

If the first fix did not work, you can try enabling the M.2 SSD in the BIOS using a different method:

1. Access the BIOS setup menu.
2. Navigate to the Peripherals or Advanced Configuration section.
3. Look for an option related to the M.2 drive (e.g., M.2 Configuration, NVMe Configuration, or SATA Configuration) and enable it.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

By following these instruction and trying the suggested fixes, you should be able to resolve the issue of your M.2 SSD not being recognized in the BIOS.

Next, we will address another common problem related to M.2 SSD recognition: when the M.2 drive is not recognized as the boot drive.

Fixing M.2 Not Recognized as Boot Drive

If you’re experiencing the issue of your M.2 drive not being recognized as the boot drive, there are specific steps you can take to resolve this problem. Follow the troubleshooting guide below to ensure that your M.2 SSD is set as the boot drive in the BIOS.

1. Power on your computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the designated key during startup (common keys include F2, F10, or Del).
2. Navigate to the “Boot” tab or menu in the BIOS.
3. Locate the “Boot Priority” or “Boot Order” option and select it.
4. Check if your M.2 SSD is listed as one of the boot devices. If not, proceed to the next step.
5. Select the option to add a new boot device or modify the existing boot order.
6. Choose the M.2 SSD from the list of available devices.
7. Use the provided keys to move the M.2 SSD to the top of the boot priority list.
8. Save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer should now recognize the M.2 drive as the boot drive.

If the issue persists after following these steps, ensure that your M.2 SSD is properly connected to the motherboard and that the BIOS is updated to the latest version. If necessary, consult your motherboard’s documentation for specific instructions.

By setting the M.2 SSD as the boot drive, you can ensure efficient performance and quick system startup times. Make sure to save your changes in the BIOS to finalize the configuration.

Testimonial

“I was frustrated when my M.2 drive wasn’t recognized as the boot drive, but thanks to the step-by-step instructions in this guide, I was able to fix the issue and get my system up and running smoothly again. Highly recommended troubleshooting tips!”

– Mark Thompson, Desktop PC User

Comparison of M.2 SSD Recognition Solutions

Solution	Advantages	Disadvantages
Checking and configuring BIOS settings	– Free and straightforward to implement – Allows customization of boot devices	– Requires some technical knowledge – BIOS interface may vary between manufacturers
Ensuring proper connection and updating BIOS	– Addresses potential hardware issues – Keeps system up to date	– Requires physically accessing the computer – BIOS update process carries some risks

Resolving M.2 Not Detected in Disk Management

If you’re experiencing the issue of your M.2 SSD not being detected in Disk Management, it could be due to an outdated drive driver. This section provides step-by-step instructions to help you troubleshoot and resolve this problem.

Check if the M.2 Drive is Showing Up in Disk Management

The first step in resolving this issue is to check if the M.2 drive is visible in Disk Management. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “diskmgmt.msc” and press Enter.
3. In the Disk Management window, look for your M.2 drive. If it is not listed, move on to the next solution.

Update the Drive Driver

If the M.2 drive is not detected in Disk Management, it may be necessary to update the drive driver. Follow these steps to update the driver:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the Disk drives category.
3. Locate your M.2 drive, right-click on it, and select Update driver.
4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.

Use the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

If updating the drive driver does not resolve the issue, you can try using the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. Here’s how:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Select the “Troubleshooting” option.
3. Under the “Hardware and Sound” category, click on “Configure a device.”
4. Follow the prompts of the troubleshooter to detect and fix any issues related to the M.2 drive not being detected.

Following these troubleshooting steps should help you resolve the issue of your M.2 SSD not being detected in Disk Management. If the problem persists, you may need to seek further assistance or consider contacting the manufacturer for support.

Recovering Data from M.2 SSD That Is Not Recognized

In cases where the M.2 SSD is not recognized and valuable data cannot be accessed, it can be a distressing situation. However, there is still hope for recovering the lost data. If you have followed the previous troubleshooting steps to fix the recognition issue, but some files are still missing, there is an effective solution available.

We recommend using the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, a trusted data recovery software, to retrieve the lost data from your M.2 SSD. This software is specifically designed to recover data from various storage devices, including M.2 SSDs that are not recognized. With its user-friendly interface and powerful scanning capabilities, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can help you recover important files, documents, photos, and more.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for using the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to recover data from your M.2 SSD:

1. Download and install the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard software on your computer.
2. Launch the software and select the M.2 SSD drive that is not recognized as the target location.
3. Initiate a quick scan to locate the lost files on the M.2 SSD.
4. Preview the recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Click the “Recover” button to retrieve the selected files from the M.2 SSD to a safe location on your computer.

It’s important to note that data recovery success may vary depending on the extent of the issue with the M.2 SSD. Therefore, it is always recommended to regularly back up your data from the M.2 SSD to prevent data loss and ensure you have a copy of your important files in case of any unforeseen issues.

FAQ

What is an M.2 SSD?

An M.2 SSD, also known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) drive, is a small-sized disk that directly connects to the motherboard of a computer. It offers fast data reading and writing speeds of around 2500MB/s.

What are some common issues with M.2 SSDs not being recognized by desktop computers?

Some common issues with M.2 SSDs not being recognized include not being recognized in the BIOS, not being detected as a boot drive, not showing up in Disk Management, and not appearing in File Explorer.

How can I troubleshoot if my M.2 SSD is not recognized in the BIOS?

To troubleshoot if your M.2 SSD is not recognized in the BIOS, you can check if the drive is installed correctly, enable it in the BIOS, and set it as the boot drive if necessary. There are also specific fixes that involve re-installing the M.2 SSD and enabling it in the BIOS.

What should I do if my M.2 SSD is not recognized as the boot drive?

If your M.2 SSD is not recognized as the boot drive, you can follow step-by-step instructions to check if the M.2 drive is set as the boot drive in the BIOS. This section also provides a solution for setting the M.2 SSD as the boot drive for the operating system.

How can I resolve the issue if my M.2 SSD is not detected in Disk Management?

If your M.2 SSD is not detected in Disk Management, it may be due to an outdated drive driver. You can check if the M.2 drive is showing up in Disk Management and update the drive driver. This section also suggests using the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to resolve any issues with the hard disk.

How can I recover data from an M.2 SSD that is not recognized?

To recover data from an M.2 SSD that is not recognized, it is recommended to follow the previous troubleshooting steps to fix the recognition issue. If some files are still missing after the fix, you can use the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to retrieve the lost data. This section provides detailed instructions on how to scan and recover data from the M.2 SSD using this software.