How to Initialize an SSD in Windows 11 or BIOS

An SSD offers faster read and write speeds compared to an HDD, making it a popular upgrade for replacing outdated hardware. However, after installation, some users encounter a common problem: their computers cannot recognize the new SSD.

Why does this happen, and how can you fix this issue yourself? Let’s explore the possible reasons why your computer might not display the new or previously used drives.

Reason #1: Your SSD Hasn’t Been Initialized

After purchasing and installing an SSD, you need to prepare it for use. In some cases, if the drive is already correctly formatted and ready for operation, no action is needed. However, if the drive hasn’t been initialized, Windows 11 may not recognize your SSD.

Note: This does not apply to drives that already contain data, as initializing will erase all data. For these cases, try troubleshooting tools instead.

Here’s a quick guide to initializing an SSD:

1. Go to Computer Management: Open Start > Run > type compmgmt.msc (or use the Windows search bar). Run the program with administrator rights by right-clicking and selecting "Run as administrator."
2. In the sidebar, find and open Disk Management.
3. Locate the unallocated SSD space. Right-click it and select Initialize Disk.
4. Click "OK" and wait for the initialization process to complete. If successful, your SSD should appear alongside other devices.
5. Check This PC (or My Computer) to see if the SSD is now detected.

If an error persists, it may indicate other issues, such as a missing valid signature, connection issues, or hardware problems.

Reason #2: The Drive Lacks an Assigned Letter

Each drive and removable device is assigned a unique letter (C, D, E, etc.) after initialization. If your SSD lacks this letter, it may not appear correctly on your computer.

To fix this issue, follow these steps:

1. Open Disk Management.
2. Right-click on the SSD.
3. Select "Change Drive Letter and Paths" from the menu.
4. Assign a drive letter and click "OK" to confirm.

This step should be completed immediately after initialization, as skipping it may cause the “Change Drive Letter and Paths” option to become unavailable. If you still can't assign a letter, contact your computer’s manufacturer or Microsoft Technical Support.

Note: If this problem occurs after installing Windows or specific software on the SSD, avoid changing the drive letter, as this can complicate troubleshooting. It may also prevent Windows from booting or functioning correctly.

Reason #3: The SSD Has No Partitions

If your SSD has no partitions, your computer may not recognize it. You can create a new partition to see if this resolves the issue.

To create a partition:

1. Log in as an administrator.
2. Ensure there is free or unallocated space on the SSD.
3. Open Disk Management (Win + R > type diskmgmt.msc > Enter).
4. Find the SSD in the list of drives, then right-click on the unallocated space and select "New Simple Volume."
5. Follow the prompts in the partition wizard, setting the partition size, drive letter, and formatting the volume.
6. Click "Finish" to complete the setup.
7. Check if the SSD is now detected.

This process should help make the SSD visible to your system.

Reason #4: Presence of a Hidden Partition

Another reason your computer may not recognize an SSD in Windows 11 or other operating systems is the presence of a hidden partition. This can occur due to user error or a software issue after changes in the SSD layout.

Method 1: Enable the Hidden Partition

You can make a hidden partition visible with the following steps:

1. Open Disk Management.
2. Right-click on the hidden partition and select "Enable."
3. Check if the drive now appears in File Explorer.

Method 2: Use Kerish Doctor to Reveal the SSD

Kerish Doctor offers a range of tools to resolve Windows system errors, including making hidden partitions visible. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download Kerish Doctor from the official website, selecting the appropriate version for your Windows OS.
2. Install and run the program with administrator rights.
3. Navigate to Maintenance > Solving PC Problems.
4. Select "Local drives are not displayed" or "Windows does not recognize a new device connection."
5. Click "Repair" and wait for the process to complete.

After completing these steps, check if the SSD is now visible in your system.

Reason #5: The File System (RAW) Isn’t Supported by Windows

An SSD with an incompatible file system will not be recognized by Windows, leading to errors like "Format the drive for usage" or "File system isn’t recognized." This issue can occur with new drives or those previously used, sometimes due to system failures or hardware malfunctions.

There are two solutions for this issue:

SSD Formatting

If your SSD is new, simply format it. Ensure there is no important data stored on the drive if it’s already in use.

Steps to Format an SSD:

1. Open Disk Management.
2. Right-click the partition or drive listed as RAW in the File system column.
3. Select "Format".
4. Set a new label and choose NTFS as the file system.
5. Confirm by clicking "OK".

Checking the SSD for Errors

1. Press WIN + X.
2. Enter the command: chkdsk a: /f, replacing a with the drive letter.
3. Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete.

Guide: How to Check a Drive for Errors

Reason #6: BIOS and Hardware Issues

In some cases, hardware or BIOS-related issues may cause an SSD to remain undetected. Here’s a checklist for troubleshooting:

1. Carefully inspect the connection pins between your SSD and PC.
2. Check the condition of the jumpers, which may be bent or dirty. If they’re undamaged, clean them with a cloth soaked in alcohol.
3. Verify the cable connection; if it’s loose, replace the cable or secure it properly.
4. Try slightly adjusting the angle of the SSD to improve contact.

Following these steps can help resolve detection issues related to the file system and hardware.

Reason #7: Driver Problems or OS Conflicts

While driver issues with SSDs are uncommon—especially on Windows 11, which supports most modern devices—driver errors can sometimes occur. If you suspect this is the issue, try the following steps to resolve it:

1. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the "Start" button or using the shortcut Win + R > type devmgmt.msc > press Enter.
2. Double-click "Disk drives" to view all storage devices connected to your PC. A problematic SSD will display a yellow warning icon.
3. Right-click the SSD and select "Uninstall" to remove the driver.
4. Restart your computer to allow Windows to reinstall the correct driver. Alternatively, you can try "Update driver" from the SSD's context menu.
5. After the restart, check the SSD’s status in Device Manager under Disk drives to ensure the issue is resolved.

These steps should help resolve any driver conflicts that may prevent your SSD from being recognized.