SSD Not Detected
An SSD that previously worked is no longer showing up — either the computer won't boot from it, or it doesn't appear in Windows or the BIOS at all.
Quick answer: An SSD that's stopped appearing in Windows or BIOS altogether usually means a controller failure — SSDs tend to fail suddenly with little warning, unlike mechanical drives. Check whether it appears in the BIOS/UEFI setup screen; if it doesn't show up there either, that confirms a hardware-level fault needing proper diagnosis.
Likely causes
- SSD controller failure — SSDs tend to fail suddenly rather than gradually, unlike mechanical drives
- A loose or failed connection, particularly on drives connected via a cable rather than plugged directly into the motherboard
- Corrupted drive firmware or partition information
- The drive has genuinely reached the end of its life
What you can safely check yourself
- Restart and check the BIOS/UEFI setup screen to see whether the drive appears there at all — if it doesn't show up in BIOS, that points to a hardware-level fault rather than a Windows problem
- For desktops, check the drive's cable connections if you're comfortable opening the case
- Try the drive in another computer if you have access to one, to help confirm whether the fault is the drive or the computer
Unlike mechanical drives, a failed SSD often gives little or no warning beforehand, and once it stops being detected, DIY recovery attempts are unlikely to help and can reduce the chances of professional recovery. Avoid repeated restarts or third-party recovery software before getting it assessed.
When it needs a proper look
If the drive doesn't appear in BIOS at all, or has stopped being detected suddenly, that's a hardware fault requiring proper diagnosis — and if there's data on it that matters, that should be assessed before anything else is tried.