M.2, pronounced m dot two is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards. M. 2 SSDs are significantly smaller than the 2.5-inch SSDs and faster too. However, M.2 SSDs too are prone to errors. One of them is the M.2 SSD not showing up on Windows 11.
M.2 SSDs have become popular in gaming setups because they take up less space and are more power-efficient than other types of SSDs. However, the M.2 SSD not showing up on Windows 11 has frustrated many.
Are you looking to troubleshoot M.2 SSD Not showing up on Windows 11? Then this guide is for you as we have shared some simple solutions to fix the issue.
M.2 SSD Not Showing Up on Windows 11- Fixes
To solve the M.2 SSD not showing up in Windows 11 error, you can try the below steps to fix the error.
Run Windows and Hardware Troubleshooter
Try running the Windows and hardware troubleshooter to fix the error.
- Right-click the Start button and select ‘Windows PowerShell (Admin)’.
- Open the Windows PowerShell as an administrator.
- Type “msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic” in the command and click on Enter.
- This step will launch the Hardware and Device troubleshooter.
- Follow the instructions to complete the scanning and repairing process.
Initialize SSD in Disk Management
It is possible that you have not initialized SSD in the system.
- Press WINDOWS + X and click on Disk Management from the list.
- Locate M.2 SSD and right-click on it.
- If the SSD is not initialized, it will be labelled as ‘Not Initialized.’
- Right-click and tap on the ‘Initialize Disk’ option.
- Select a partition style that is compatible with MBR and GPT.
- Tap on OK.
- Locate and right-click on the unallocated M.2 SSD.
- A New Volume Wizard will open Click on Next.
- Enter the size of the drive and click Next.
- The wizard will ask you to assign a letter to the M.2 SSD.
- Type in the letter and click on Next.
- Select the ‘Format this volume in the Format Partition window.
- Select the settings option and the File System, Allocation unit size, and Volume label.
- Next, select the Perform a quick format option and click on Next.
- Tap on next and format the drive option. M.2 SSD will now show up in Windows Explorer.
Update Your Storage Controller Drivers
Outdated storage controller drivers could also be the reason for M.2 SSD Not Showing Up on Windows 11 issue.
- Right-click the Start menu and select ‘Device Manager.’
- Locate the ‘Storage controllers’ and expand it.
- Right-click on the storage controller and tap on Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for the driver option.
- Windows will search for the latest drivers.
- Follow the steps as prompted by the wizard.
- Restart your computer.
Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
If you are still facing the M.2 SSD Not Showing Up on Windows 11, your storage drive could have a problem. To fix the issue run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter to fix the error.
- Press WINDOWS + R and type cmd.
- Press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER to open with administrator privileges.
- Type – exe –id DeviceDiagnostic command and press Enter.
- The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter will open.
- Click on Next.
- Let the wizard detect the issues and if it displays any issues troubleshoot them.
- Restart your computer.
Rescue Data from M.2 SSD
If you are facing the M.2 SSD Not Showing Up on Windows 11 error, but you need to use the data on the M.2 SSD, here is how you can do so.
- Use the data recovery tool – MyRecover to rescue your data.
- Run MyRecover, and select the M.2 SSD icon.
- Tap on Start Scan and let MyRecover scan your SSD.
- You can find your desired files based on Name, Date, Document Type, or Path.
- Check the scanning result under Deleted Files or Other Missing Files.
- Select the files you wish to recover.
- Tap on Recover x files and select a new safe location for them.
Hopefully, the above solution will fix your issue. We hope you find the methods useful and fix the M.2 SSD not showing up smoothly.