SSD not found in Device Manager and Disk Management

[ep09]

I have an HP Pavilion - 15-cs3073cl laptop.

I inserted an M.2 NVME SSD in the M.2 slot. When I opened Disk Management, the SSD disk was not showing up, only the HDD was showing up.

I checked Device Manager and selected Disk Drives, the SSD was not showing up. Only the HDD showed up.

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @ep09 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining clearly. Since your HP Pavilion 15-cs3073cl doesn’t detect the NVMe SSD in either Disk Management or Device Manager, that means Windows isn’t even seeing the drive at a hardware level. 

Let’s go step by step:

Step 1: Hardware Compatibility Check

Your model (15-cs3xxx series) usually has one 2.5-inch SATA bay (where your HDD is) and one M.2 slot.

However, some sub-models only support M.2 SATA SSDs, not NVMe.

If you inserted an NVMe (PCIe) SSD and the slot only supports M.2 SATA, it will not show up at all (exactly what you’re seeing).

HP’s spec sheet for the 15-cs3073cl (Product # 8MQ78UA) indicates “Supports 2280 M.2 SATA-3 and PCIe NVMe SSDs” — so in theory, both should work. ✅

Could you confirm the brand/model of SSD you installed? (example: WD SN570, Samsung 980, Crucial MX500 M.2, etc.) That will tell us if it’s compatible.

Step 2: BIOS Detection

Restart laptop → keep tapping Esc → then press F10 for BIOS Setup.

In BIOS, check Storage / System Information.

If the SSD is not listed here, Windows will never see it.

If not detected:

Reseat the SSD (remove, reinsert at a 30° angle, screw down).

Make sure the notch type (B+M vs M key) matches the slot.

Try booting BIOS again.

Step 3: Windows Side

If BIOS detects the SSD, but Windows does not:

Open Device Manager > View > Show hidden devices → check under Storage Controllers / Disk Drives.

Run Windows Update → Optional Updates (sometimes NVMe drivers appear there).

Download and install the latest Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) driver from HP’s support page for your laptop:
HP Pavilion 15-cs3073cl Drivers

Step 4: If Still Not Detected

Test the SSD in another laptop or desktop (to confirm it isn’t dead).

If it works elsewhere → possible BIOS setting issue. Check BIOS for:

“Storage Options” → try switching RAID / AHCI / RST modes.

If it doesn’t work elsewhere → SSD is faulty → exchange it.

Most Common Cause on this model: People accidentally buy an M.2 SATA-only SSD or an NVMe-only SSD when their slot only supports the other type. 

Since your laptop should support both, my bet is either a loose connection or a faulty drive.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[ep09]

I fixed the problem.

The M.2 SSD was not plugged in correctly.

I inserted the M.2 SSD correctly by putting it in at a 30 degree angle, and then laying it flat.

P.S. For those that want to boot Windows 11 from the M.2 SSD, unplug the Hard Drive from the Motherboard before booting up the laptop.

[Hawks_Eye]

You are Welcome @ep09 

Nice work! 🎉 That’s exactly the right way to seat an M.2 SSD — slide it in at about a 30° angle, then press it down flat until the screw hole lines up.

And your P.S. tip is spot on: unplugging or disabling the old hard drive during Windows installation ensures the bootloader goes to the SSD instead of the HDD, which prevents a lot of dual-drive boot headaches.

Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye