There are a couple of reasons why your 1TB SSD might not be showing up during Windows 10 installation even though it’s detected in the BIOS on your ASUS motherboard. Here’s how to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:
Possible Reasons and Solutions:
- UEFI/Legacy Boot Mode:
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Issue: Your BIOS might be set to a boot mode that isn’t compatible with your SSD. Modern SSDs typically use UEFI mode for installation.
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Solution:
- Access your ASUS motherboard BIOS (usually by pressing DEL or F2 key during startup).
- Look for the “Boot Mode” or “CSM (Compatibility Support Module)” settings.
- You might need to experiment with different options like “UEFI Only” or “UEFI and Legacy OPROM”. Refer to your ASUS motherboard manual for specific guidance on navigating these settings.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
- SATA Mode:
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Issue: The SATA mode in your BIOS might not be set correctly for your SSD.
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Solution:
- In the BIOS settings, look for options related to “SATA Mode” or “SATA Configuration”.
- You might see options like AHCI, IDE, or RAID.
- In most cases, select “AHCI” mode for SSDs.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
- Secure Boot:
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Issue: Some users report that temporarily disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS settings can help with SSD recognition during Windows installation.
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Solution: (Use with Caution):
- Note: Disabling Secure Boot can have security implications. Only attempt this as a troubleshooting step and re-enable it after successful Windows installation if necessary. Refer to your ASUS motherboard manual for instructions on disabling Secure Boot in your specific BIOS.
- SSD Connection and Cables:
- Issue: Double-check that your SSD is securely connected to the SATA port on your motherboard and that the SATA data and power cables are properly plugged in. Consider trying a different SATA cable if possible.
- Driver Issues (Less Likely):
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Issue: In rare cases, missing or outdated storage drivers might cause the issue.
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Solution: (For advanced users): If you have another computer with internet access, you can download the latest storage drivers from ASUS for your specific motherboard model and try integrating them during Windows installation using the “Load Driver” option. However, this is a less likely scenario and requires additional steps.
Additional Tips:
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Consult ASUS Support: If none of the above solutions work, refer to your ASUS motherboard manual for more specific troubleshooting steps related to your model. You can also contact ASUS support for further assistance.
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Check Disk Health (After Windows Installation on Another Machine – Optional): If you have access to another computer, you can temporarily install the SSD in that machine and use tools like Crystal Disk Info or your OS disk management tools to check the health of the SSD. This can help identify potential hardware issues with the SSD itself.
By systematically checking these potential causes and following the troubleshooting steps, you should be able to get your ASUS motherboard to recognize the 1TB SSD during Windows 10 installation.