How to Recover Data from SSD Not Detected in BIOS | Recovery Tips & Fixes

Why My SSD Not Detected in BIOS?

When you start your computer, the BIOS automatically detects the system status and guides the operating system to load. However, sometimes during startup, the computer may display messages like "No bootable device" or "Operating system not found," preventing you from accessing the operating system. This indicates that the BIOS has failed to recognize your SSD.

This is often the first sign that something’s wrong with your SSD, leaving you unable to access your data or even boot your system. You may want to ask, why my SSD not detected in BIOS? Let's look at some of the most common reasons behind this issue:

🔔Loose or Faulty Connection

A loose data cable or faulty SATA port can prevent detection. Even a slightly loose connection can cause BIOS to miss the SSD.

📌Incorrect BIOS Settings

Verify the BIOS settings to confirm that the SATA port connected to your SSD is enabled. Misconfigured settings can often cause the drive to go undetected, so this check is key.

🔍Incompatible or Outdated BIOS

Older BIOS versions may not fully support newer SSD models or NVMe protocols.

💡SSD Failure

If the SSD itself have failed, the motherboard won’t recognize it regardless of configuration. Such hardware issues can stem from wear and tear, manufacturing flaws, or even electrical surges.

🛠️Secure Boot Setting

Secure Boot is a security feature found in certain BIOS setups. When enabled, it may block detection of your SSD if the drive’s bootloader isn’t recognized as secure.

How to Recover Data from SSD Not Detected in BIOS

Even if your SSD is not showing up in BIOS, it may still be possible to recover files using professional software like MyRecover. By creating bootable media or connecting the SSD to another working computer, MyRecover can scan your SSD and retrieve your data from SSD not detected in BIOS. Discover the compelling highlights of MyRecover below.

★Tips:

500+ Devices Support – Recover files from all types of devices like SSD, HDD, USB flash drive, SD card, cameras, game console drives and more.

Handle 500+ Data Loss Scenarios – Recover from deleted partition, formatted hard drive, emptied Recycle Bin, system crash, virus attack, etc.

Supports over 1,000 File Types – Including documents, photos, videos, audio, archives, and Outlook data files.

Higher Success Rate – Advanced deep scan for NTFS/FAT32/exFAT drives.

OS Compatibility – Work not only on Windows 11 /10, but also on Windows 8.1/ 8/ 7 and all Servers.

Smart Scan Modes – Choose from Quick Scan for recent deletions or Deep Scan for formatted/corrupted drives.

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on a working computer from secure channel. Prepare a USB to make a bootable media.

Step 2. Launch MyRecover and choose "PC Crashed Recovery" section.

Step 3. Select "USB Boot Device" and click "Create" to start the process.

Step 4. Wait several minutes until the bootable media create successfully. Insert the USB boot device into the unbootable computer.

Step 5. Power on the computer and enter BIOS, then choose the USB to boot the computer.

Step 6. Select the C drive to scan for lost files and click "Scan". If you have removed the SSD from your computer, you can start data recovery on a properly functioning computer from this step.

Step 7. Choose files you want to recover from the recoverable lists and click "Recover". You can preview the file content in the right panel.

Step 8. Select a safe location (not the SSD) to save the recovered files.

When the process is completed, the message "Files have been recovered successfully" will pop out. You can check the recovered files by clicking on the destination folder path or "Browse" button.

How to Fix SSD Not Detected in BIOS

Once your important data has been recovered, you can use the following solutions to make your SSD recognizable by the BIOS again. In this section, 8 methods will be provided to solve the issue of BIOS not detecting the SSD. Let's explore them one-by-one.

Fix 1: Check Physical Connections

A loose or damaged cable is one of the most common causes. Checking the physical connections is the most important and simplest method before proceeding with other complex repair steps.

Step 1. Power off your computer and disconnect it from the power source.

Step 2. Open the case, reseat the SSD’s data and power cables, or try a different SATA cable and port. Then, check if the SSD can be recognized by the BIOS.

Fix 2: Update or Reinstall Driver

An outdated disk driver is also responsible for the SSD not showing up in the BIOS. You can try updating or reinstalling the SSD driver in Device Manager.

Step 1. Press "Win + X" and select Device Manager to open it.

Step 2. Expand "Disk drives" and right click on your SSD drive, then choose "Update driver" or "Uninstall device".

Step 3. Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" to continue the process.

When the process is completed, restart your computer and check if BIOS now detects the SSD.

Fix 3: Run Hardware Troubleshoot

As mentioned earlier, hardware errors in the SSD can also cause it to not be detected by the BIOS. Try using Windows' built-in tools to detect and repair SSD hardware issues.

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Troubleshoot".

Step 2. Choose "Additional troubleshooter" and select "Hardware and Devices", click "Run the troubleshooter" to start the process. Then the troubleshooter will automatically detect and fix the detected issues.

Fix 4: Check the SSD on Another PC

Connect the SSD to another computer to check if it appears in BIOS. If it does, this points to a problem with your original system’s configuration or hardware. If the SSD isn’t detected by another system, it’s likely damaged.

Fix 5: Configure SSD Settings in BIOS

If your SSD drive is not configured with SATA controller settings, or if the SATA controller mode is incorrect, it’s no surprise that it goes undetected in the BIOS. That’s why it’s wise to check and confirm whether it's configured in the BIOS. If it isn’t, follow the steps below to reconfigure it.

Notes:✎...

Different devices use different corresponding key, and here we’ll take Dell as an example.

Step 1. Restart your computer and press "F2" or "Del" during the boot process to enter BIOS system.

Step 2. Press "Enter" to expand "SATA Configuration", and set Configure SATA as "IDE" mode.

Step 3. Press F10 to save the changes and exit the system. Then restart computer to check if your SSD showing up in BIOS.

Fix 6: Reset BIOS Settings to Default

By default, BIOS is set to recognize all SSD drives. If your SSD isn’t being detected by the BIOS, an accidental change to the settings could be the cause. Try resetting the BIOS to its default settings to see if that resolves the issue.

Step 1. Enter BIOS system with mentioned above methods.

Step 2. A Window will pop out asking "Load Optimal Defaults?", then select "Yes" and press "Enter".

Step 3. Save the changes and exit BIOS.

Fix 7: Update BIOS to the Latest Version

Like outdated disk drivers, older BIOS firmware may not support newer SSDs. Update BIOS to the latest version may can solve the undetected issue.

Step 1. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website and find your exact model.

Step 2. Download the latest BIOS update on a USB from a working computer and insert the USB into the problematic computer.

Step 3. Enter BIOS system and select "Update BIOS from Drive", then choose the USB to start the process.

Fix 8: Format SSD (Last Resort)

If none of the above works and the SSD is visible in Windows but not BIOS, formatting may help, but this will erase all data. Only do this if you’ve already recovered your files.

Step 1. Press "Win + X" and select "Disk Management" to open it.

Step 2. Locate to the SSD drive and right click on it, then choose "Format".

Notes:✎...

If the "Format" option for your SSD is unavailable, it’s because the SSD is in read-only mode. You can remove the read-only status using DiskPart.

 

Step 3. Select a file system based on your needs (the common file system for SSDs is NTFS) and check the "Perform a quick format" option.

Summary

When your SSD is not detected in BIOS, the issue can often be traced to connection problems, incorrect BIOS settings, or outdated firmware. Before attempting any fixes, it’s essential to recover data from SSD not detected in BIOS using a reliable tool like MyRecover. After securing your files, you can proceed to solve the issue with solutions mentioned above.

And if you’re a technician or manage multiple PCs, MyRecover's Technician Edition lets you use a single license for unlimited devices, making it the smart choice for professional data recovery.