WD Blue SSD Not Showing up in BIOS? Fix it in 7 Ways

Error report: Did not detect SSD(User case)

So as the user case shows, you may consider the root with WD blue SSD not showing up. Actually, both the SSD and the computer may be the cause, so in this article, we will find out the reasons and the according fix.

SSD (Solid State Drive) is gradually replacing traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive) due to its faster speed, silent operation, and lower power consumption. However, SSDs are not flawless.

Usually, your computer's BIOS can detect the SSD and show its model and capacity. But sometimes, SSDs encounter issues, such as WD blue SSD not showing up in BIOS. Based on user feedback, WD blue SSD not showing up is a common issue, often caused by:

1. SSD not enabled in BIOS settings

2. Outdated device drivers

3. Faulty or loose data cables

4. SSD failure

WD blue 500 GB SSD not detected? Fix it in 7 ways

SSD not Detected in BIOS is a common problem, and fully understanding its cause will help you fix it. Next, this article will give you 7 different solutions to ensure that your SSD is detected properly by the BIOS.

Method 1. Hardware Troubleshooting

If WD blue M 2 SSD not showing up, start by troubleshooting the hardware. The condition of the SSD and its connection ports directly influence BIOS detection.

1. Inspect the SSD hardware and ports meticulously to ensure they're functioning correctly.

2. Consider trying a different SSD port to determine if it resolves the issue of the SSD not showing up in BIOS on Windows.

Method 2. Setting up SSD in BIOS

Configuring the SSD in the BIOS, also known as the SATA controller mode, is crucial. If your SSD isn't set up properly with SATA controller settings, it may not show up in the BIOS. To resolve this issue, you'll need to adjust the BIOS settings for your SSD. Keep in mind that different motherboard brands have different methods for accessing the BIOS. Here's an example using a Dell computer:

1. Restart your computer and press the designated key to enter the BIOS setup (commonly F2, but may vary for different computers). Then, press Enterwhen prompted to enter SSD configuration mode.

2. In configuration mode, select the SATA option and press Enter.

3. Look for the SATA controller mode option and switch from the original compatibility mode to IDE compatibility mode.

Method 3. Manually Update Available Drivers

Outdated drivers can impact BIOS detection, leading to issues like WD blue SSD not showing up. To prevent this, ensure all drivers are up to date by manually updating them on your computer.

1. Identify the drivers available on your computer.

2. Visit the manufacturer's website using your browser to download the latest versions of the drivers.

3. Install the downloaded driver updates, ensuring compatibility with your Windows operating system to avoid potential new issues.

Method 4. Replace the Data Cable

External SSDs are often connected to computers via data cables. If the cable is damaged or visibly worn, it can affect BIOS detection, resulting in the SSD not appearing in the BIOS.

1. Inspect the physical condition of the data cable for any signs of wear and tear.

2. If possible, replace the cable with another one for testing purposes.

3. Opt for a replacement cable from your SSD manufacturer for better compatibility, if available.

Method 5. Unplug Other Drives on the Computer

When adding a new SSD to your computer, compatibility issues may arise if other hard drives are present. This can result in the new SSD not appearing in the BIOS.

1. Temporarily disconnect all other hard drives from your computer.

2. Ensure only the new SSD is connected.

3. Check if the problem is resolved in the BIOS.

Method 6. Use Hardware and Device Troubleshooting

Windows includes a handy tool called the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter, which can automatically fix SSD-related errors, including the issue of SSD not showing up in BIOS. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start button located on the left side of the taskbar, then select the Settings icon from the menu. In the Windows Settings screen, locate and click on the Update & Security option.

2. Switch to the Troubleshoot tab on the left side of the window. In the right pane, find Hardware and Devices, then click the Run the troubleshooter button and wait for the automatic repair process to complete.

Method 7. Format the SSD

Formatting the SSD can be an effective solution to various issues, including the problem of SSD not showing up in BIOS, similar to reinstalling a Windows system. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Disk Management from the expanded menu.

2. Locate your SSD, right-click on the blank area, and choose Format...from the menu.

Note: Identify the SSD by its capacity. If you have multiple drives with the same capacity, disconnect others to avoid errors.

Step 3. In the formatting window, confirm the information. Choose NTFS format and uncheck the Perform a quick format option. Click OK and wait for the formatting process to complete.

These methods should help resolve the issue of SSD not appearing in BIOS. However, it's crucial to remember that SSDs can face threats like power outages and viruses, potentially risking data security. Hence, it's wise to use reliable backup software like AOMEI Backupper Standard to safeguard your data.

Bonus tip: migrate your system to SSD securely

If you are considering transferring data from old drive to a new SSD, you should consider cloning the drive. However, we find SSD not boot after clone issue happens regularly. To have a successful disk migration, secure and reliable cloning software is needed. Here I recommend AOMEI Backupper Professional. It allows you to transfer your system to a new SSD with reinstallation.

• It runs smoothly on Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP and other system versions. That is, with just a few clicks, you can clone all data from the source system partition containing the OS, software, and applications to the new WD SSD.
• You can perform System Clone, Disk Clone and Partition Clone as you need.
• The software defaults to Intelligent Clonemode. Ensure both source and destination disks' storage spaces are checked. Verify that the destination disk has sufficient space equal to or greater than the used space of the source disk. Insufficient space may result in cloning failure.

Before you prompt:

• Now download and install AOMEI Backupper Professional with 30-day trial version.
• Connect your SSD and make sure it can be detected.
• Backup necessary files on the destination SSD if needed.

AOMEI Backupper

Easiest Windows cloning software for personal use.

Download Demo
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

Notes:✎...

Please note that System Clone can only be demonstrated in the trial version, and cannot be performed. If you're satisfied after the demo, upgrade to the pro version before cloning the system.

1. Open AOMEI Backupper now and go to the Clone tab in the left window and tap the System Clone button in the right window.

2. In the destination partition interface, select the target disk for system migration (newly installed WD SSD) and tap Next.

3. Since the selected target disk is an SSD, it is recommended to check the SSD Alignmentcheckbox and tap the Start Clone button in the bottom right corner after previewing the operation.

Note✍: If you wish to create an exact replica of the entire sector, you can enable the "Sector By Sector Clone" option. However, please ensure that the storage capacity of the target disk is equal to or greater than that of the source disk to accommodate this process.

Frequently Asked Questions about WD Blue SSD Not Showing Up

Q: Why did my WD Blue SSD suddenly disappear?

A: The issue could stem from loose connections, driver problems, or faulty cables.

Q: Can a faulty SATA port cause SSD visibility issues?

A: Yes, a damaged SATA port can hinder proper communication with the SSD.

Q: Do I need special drivers for a WD Blue SSD?

A: Generally, Windows uses generic drivers for SSDs, but updating them can resolve compatibility issues.

Q: What should I do if my SSD is not detected after updating drivers?

A: Try reverting to the previous driver version or check for firmware updates for your SSD.

Q: Can a damaged SATA cable affect SSD visibility?

A: Absolutely. Damaged cables can disrupt the connection between the SSD and the motherboard.

Q: Is it possible to recover data from an invisible WD Blue SSD?

A: If the SSD is not physically damaged, data recovery software may help retrieve files.

Summary

Hopefully, you can solve the WDblue SSD not showing up issue with the previous 7 ways. If you are searching for ways to migrate the entire disk to your new SSD, disk clone is recommended. AOMEI Backupper Professional offers useful and easy cloning utility, avoiding clone failure and other future mistakes. Now you can download this software by yourself.