New SSD installed, recognized in BIOS but not showing in This PC

[dnielHK]

Hi,

I installed a second SSD (2Tb) to my notebook (512Gb). But when I try to see my SSD, its not shown.

I check the BIOS, and its recognized in "UEFI HII Configuration > Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology > Under "Non-RAID physical Disks" so the physical installation went smooth.

I check "System > about > Storage" and it recognize the space (it says used 355 of 2.33 Tb) so it is somehow recognized the second SSD.

But in "This PC" its only shown "Windows (C:)" and nothing else. What can I do?

[YourITBuddy]

It sounds like your new 2Tb SSD needs to be initialized and formatted before it will show up in "This PC." Even though your BIOS and Windows Storage settings recognize it, Windows needs these additional steps to make it usable as a drive.

Here's what you can do:

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Initialize and Format the New SSD 💿

You'll use a built-in Windows tool called Disk Management.1

1. Open Disk Management:

   • Right-click on the Start button.
   • Select "Disk Management" from the menu.

2. Initialize the Disk:

   • Once Disk Management opens, it might automatically prompt you to initialize the new SSD. If it does, proceed to the next sub-step.
   • If not, look for your new SSD in the bottom pane. It will likely be marked as "Unknown" and "Not Initialized" and show unallocated space.
   • Right-click on the unknown disk (make sure it's the new 2Tb SSD by checking its size).
   • Select "Initialize Disk."

3. Choose a Partition Style:

   • You'll be asked to choose a partition style: GPT (GUID Partition Table) or MBR (Master Boot Record).
   • For a modern system like yours with Windows 11 and a 2Tb SSD, select GPT. It's newer and supports larger drives.
   • Click OK.

4. Create a New Simple Volume (Partition and Format):

   • Now, the disk should show as "Online" but will have "Unallocated" space.
   • Right-click on the unallocated space of your new SSD.
   • Select "New Simple Volume..." This will open the New Simple Volume Wizard.

5. Follow the New Simple Volume Wizard:

   • Specify Volume Size: The wizard will default to the maximum disk space. Leave this as is to use the entire 2Tb for one partition. Click Next.
   • Assign Drive Letter or Path: Choose a drive letter for your new SSD (e.g., D:, E:, etc.). Pick one that isn't already in use. Click Next.
   • Format Partition:
     • File system: Select NTFS (this is the standard for Windows).
     • Allocation unit size: Leave this as Default.
     • Volume label: Give your new SSD a name (e.g., "Data," "Games," "2TB SSD"). This is the name that will appear in "This PC."
     • Perform a quick format: Ensure this box is checked for a faster process.
     • Click Next.

6. Complete the Wizard:

   • Review your settings and click Finish.

Disk Management will now format the drive. Once it's done, your new 2Tb SSD should appear in "This PC" with the drive letter and volume label you assigned, ready to be used!

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Additional Checks if the Problem Persists 🤔

• Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST): While your BIOS shows the disk under IRST "Non-RAID physical Disks," ensure no accidental RAID configuration was made that might hide the disk from the OS as a separate volume. Usually, if it's listed as a non-RAID disk, this shouldn't be an issue, but it's something to keep in mind if the above steps don't work. You generally don't need to change IRST settings if the drive is detected correctly by Disk Management.
• Storage Controller Drivers: If Disk Management itself doesn't see the drive properly (e.g., it's not listed or shows errors), you might need to update your storage controller drivers. You can do this through Device Manager.
  • Right-click the Start button, select Device Manager.
  • Expand "Storage controllers."
  • Right-click your controller (it might mention "SATA AHCI Controller" or "NVMe Controller") and select "Update driver." Choose to search automatically for drivers.

However, given that System > Storage does see the total capacity, initializing and formatting is the most likely solution.