HELP!! SSD Not Detected in BIOS Boot Options – HP 15-ab108AX

[Kartik2498]

I am using an HP 15-ab108AX notebook, which originally came with a 1TB HDD. Over time, the system performance became noticeably slow, so I decided to upgrade by adding a 240GB KLEVV SSD.

I used migration software to successfully clone my Windows installation from the HDD to the SSD. I then installed the SSD into the optical drive bay using a SATA caddy.

While the SSD is fully functional in Windows (it appears in This PC and Disk Management, and I can access its contents), it does not appear in the BIOS under the OS Boot Manager. Only the original HDD is listed.

I have tried multiple BIOS settings, including:

• Enabling/disabling Secure Boot

• Changing boot modes

• Resetting BIOS to defaults

However, the SSD still doesn't appear in the boot device list.

Please advise how I can configure the system to boot from the SSD installed via the caddy. Is there a known limitation with booting from the optical drive SATA port on this model?

Looking forward to your guidance.

Thank you.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Kartik2498,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding SSD not being detected in BIOS boot options!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Try these steps:

1. Verify BIOS Settings

• Access BIOS: Restart your notebook and press F10 repeatedly to enter BIOS setup.
• Boot Order: Navigate to the Boot tab and check the boot order. Ensure that the SSD is set as the primary boot device. If you see a list sorted by priorities, move the SSD to the top.
• Check SATA Configuration: Ensure that your SATA controller is set to AHCI mode. This can usually be found under Advanced or System Configuration sections.

2. Update BIOS

• BIOS Update: Ensure your BIOS is up to date. Sometimes, older BIOS versions may not properly recognize newer SSDs.
  • Visit the HP Support Page and search for BIOS updates for your HP 15-ab108AX notebook.
  • Download and follow the instructions for updating the BIOS to the latest version.

3. Verify Physical Connections

• SATA Caddy: Ensure the SSD is properly seated in the SATA caddy.
• Connection Check: Check that the SATA caddy is firmly connected to the optical drive bay and that there’s no loose connection.

4. Clone Disk Again

• Re-clone the HDD to SSD: There might have been an issue during the cloning process. Re-clone using reliable software like Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image.
  • Ensure that all partitions (especially the EFI System Partition) are cloned.

5. Test SSD in Primary HDD Slot

• Primary Slot Installation: Temporarily install the SSD into the primary HDD slot to check if it is recognized by the BIOS in its default configuration.
  • If it is detected in the primary slot, this confirms that the SSD is functioning correctly and the issue lies with recognition in the caddy.

6. Use Bootable USB Drive

• Bootable USB Drive: Create a bootable USB drive with Windows installation media to attempt booting from the SSD.
  • Download the Windows Media Creation Tool.
  • Follow the steps to create a bootable USB drive.
  • Connect the USB drive to the notebook, boot from the USB, and check the SSD’s presence in the installation screen.

I hope this helps.

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