If your SSD or HDD is not showing in Windows File Explorer, Disk Management, or during Windows installation, it may be due to missing storage drivers.
This issue usually happens after:
Fresh Windows installation
BIOS settings change
New SSD installation
Windows update
Follow this safe step-by-step guide to fix SSD/HDD not detected problem.
📌 Common Reasons Why SSD / HDD Not Showing
Missing SATA / NVMe driver
Disabled disk in BIOS
Disk not initialized
Outdated storage controller driver
Faulty cable connection
🔍 Step 1: Check Disk Management First
Press Windows + X
Click Disk Management
Check if disk appears as:
Unallocated
Not Initialized
If yes:
Right-click → Initialize Disk
Create New Simple Volume
Assign Drive Letter
If disk is not visible at all, continue below.
⚙️ Step 2: Check BIOS / UEFI Settings
Restart PC
Enter BIOS (F2 / F12 / DEL)
Check:
SATA Mode = AHCI
NVMe enabled
Disk detected in storage list
If disk is not detected in BIOS, check physical connection.
⬇️ Step 3: Download Correct SSD / HDD Driver
Storage drivers are usually provided by:
Intel (Intel Rapid Storage Technology - RST)
AMD (AMD SATA / RAID driver)
Motherboard manufacturer website
🔹 If You Have Intel System
Download Intel RST Driver from official Intel website.
🔹 If You Have AMD System
Download SATA/RAID driver from official AMD support page.
⚠️ Always download drivers from official websites only.
💽 Step 4: Install Storage Driver
Method 1: Inside Windows
Press Windows + X
Open Device Manager
Expand Storage Controllers
Right-click → Update Driver
Browse and select downloaded driver
Method 2: During Windows Installation
If SSD not showing while installing Windows:
Click Load Driver
Insert USB with driver files
Select driver
Click Next
Disk should appear now.
🔄 Step 5: Update Windows
After fixing:
Go to Settings → Windows Update
Install latest updates
Restart PC
This prevents future detection issues.
🛠️ Extra Fix: Change SATA Mode (Advanced)
If problem continues:
Change SATA Mode from RAID to AHCI (or vice versa)
Restart PC
⚠️ Change carefully to avoid boot errors.
📝 Final Words
If SSD or HDD is not showing in Windows, the issue is usually related to missing storage drivers or BIOS settings. Installing the correct Intel or AMD storage driver can quickly fix the hard disk not detected problem.
Always use official sources and backup your data before making changes.
For more Windows troubleshooting guides, visit EasySolveGuide.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is my SSD not showing during Windows installation?
Because storage driver (Intel RST or AMD RAID) may be missing.
Q2. Is it safe to change SATA mode?
Yes, but do it carefully to avoid boot problems.
Q3. Do I need driver for new SSD?
Most modern SSDs work automatically, but RAID/NVMe systems may require drivers.
