Effective Solutions for SanDisk SSD Not Showing up

Reasons for SanDisk SSD Not Showing up on the Computer

SanDisk has gained global recognition for its flash memory storage solutions in the tech industry. SanDisk SSDs are widely used as external hard drives for laptops, tablets, and other devices, as well as internal storage devices in computers.

However, it is common for SanDisk SSDs to encounter recognition issues on computers. The first step in troubleshooting this problem is to ensure that the SanDisk SSD is correctly connected to the computer. If the connection is secure, then the issue may lie with the operating system and may require reinstallation.

This article provides guidance on solving the problem of SanDisk SSD not showing up and also explains how to perform a SanDisk data recovery task . Please review the following scenarios for troubleshooting this issue:

Uninitialized SSD

If you have recently purchased a new SSD and find that it is not functioning, the solution is simple. You need to initialize the SSD to make it usable. An uninitialized SSD will not be visible in the File Explorer or the Disk Management utility.

Missing Drive Letter for the SSD Partition

One common reason for SSD, USB not recognized is conflicting or missing drive letters. At times, Windows may not assign a drive letter to a partition or drive, which can affect its efficiency. This issue is often related to file system problems or issues with the SSD itself. To resolve this quickly, you can change or assign a new drive letter to the SanDisk SSD using the Disk Management utility.

Improper Connection

Have you verified the connection and ensured that the SSD's USB cable is properly inserted into the USB port? Ensure that it is securely connected. Examine the cable for any signs of damage, as that could be the cause of the problem. Note that this issue is unrelated to Windows and is either a hardware problem (such as a faulty USB cable) or a result of a hasty connection.

Drive Not Enabled in BIOS

Ensure that the SSD is correctly connected and recognized in the BIOS. To access the BIOS menu on your computer, you need to press the appropriate function key during the boot process. You can easily search for the correct function key to access your PC's BIOS menu. In the BIOS menu, navigate to the boot menu and check if your SSD is listed there. If the SSD is not detected in the BIOS menu, it could indicate a hardware issue or the need to configure the SATA controller settings in the BIOS menu.

Memory Issues in SSD Detection

In some cases, memory issues within Windows can prevent the SanDisk SSD not detected. The Windows Memory Diagnostic utility can detect and resolve problems related to defective RAM and complicated drive issues.

6 Solutions to Resolve the Issue of SanDisk SSD Not Showing Up

Below, we provide quick fixes for different scenarios where SanDisk external SSD not showing up, . Let's delve into these solutions and equip you with the knowledge to resolve the issues you may have encountered.

Solution 1. Outdated Device Drivers Causing SanDisk SSD to Not Appear

Step 1: Press the "Windows" key and type "Device Manager" in the search field of the start menu. Click on it or press "Enter" to launch the Device Manager.

Step 2: Open the "Disk drives" category, expand it, right-click on each item, and select "Update driver."

Solution 2. Uninitialized SSD Causing SanDisk SSD to Not Appear

Follow the steps below to initialize an SSD that is not showing up on the computer.

Step 1: Press the "WIN + R" keys to open the "Run" window. In the search bar, type "diskmgmt.msc" and press "Enter."

Step 2: The "Disk Management" prompt will appear. Grant permission to proceed with initializing the SSD. Choose either "MBR" or "GPT" depending on your system's motherboard, then click "OK."

Step 3: Go back to "Disk Management," right-click on the volume of your SSD, and select "Initialize Disk."

Step 4: Once completed, right-click on the SSD volume, choose "New Simple Volume," and follow the prompts to assign a drive letter, provide a volume name, and select the file system (exFAT or NTFS). Click "Next," and your SSD will become accessible in "File Explorer."

Solution 3. The Missing Drive Letter of the SSD Partition

Step 1: Open "This PC," right-click on it, and select "Manage." In the "Storage" menu, choose "Disk Management."

Step 2: Identify the SSD partitions and select the one without a drive letter. Right-click on it and choose "Change Drive Letter and Paths."

Step 3: Click "Add" and select a drive letter from the dropdown menu. Click "OK" to complete the process.

Solution 4. Improper Connection Causing SanDisk SSD to Not Appear

Step 1: If the SanDisk SSD is not properly connected, follow these steps:

Step 2: Check for loose connections or faulty cables.

Step 3: Verify that your PC/laptop/tablet has a sufficient power supply and it is functioning properly.

Step 4: Consider reinstalling your operating system and check if the SSD appears after the installation.

Step 5: Try connecting the SSD to a different USB port on your computer; sometimes, certain ports may not function optimally.

Step 6: Test the SSD on another computer or laptop to rule out compatibility issues.

Solution 5. SSD Not Enabled in BIOS

Step 1: Restart your PC and press the "F2" key (or the appropriate key for your PC brand) to enter the "Config" or "Setup" menu.

Step 2: Select "Serial ATA" and press "Enter." Look for the "SATA Controller Mode Option" and choose "IDE Compatibility Mode."

Step 3: Save the changes and restart your PC. The BIOS should now detect your SSD.

Solution 6. Memory Issues Preventing SSD Detection

Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic utility to fix SanDisk SSD not recognized, follow these steps:

Step 1. Search for "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start menu, right-click on the best match, and select "Run as administrator."

Tip: It is recommended to restart your PC to perform the memory test.

Step 2. The diagnostic test will run automatically after the restart. It may take several minutes to complete. Once finished, your PC will reboot, and the test results will be displayed.

Step 3. Afterward, check if the SSD is detected in Disk Management or File Explorer. If it is now recognized by Windows 10, you can proceed to initialize the SSD using Disk Management, as explained earlier.

Tip: Get Data Back from Sandisk SSD easily

If you've encountered the SanDisk SSD not showing up on your computer, do not despair. MyRecover is here to help you, rescuing your valuable files from the depths of uncertainty.

No matter the cause of the issue – whether it's an uninitialized SSD, a missing drive letter, or an improper connection, MyRecover's advanced technology and powerful algorithms work tirelessly to resolve the problem, making you get back your lost data.

Download MyRecover on your computer, then follow the easy guideline here to recover data from Sandisk SSD directly.

1. First, connect your Sandisk SSD to your computer and hover the mouse over it on this page. Choose Scan to scan it.

2. MyRecover will find your data with two scanning methods: Quick Scan and Deep Scan.

3. You can tick any data to recover, click on Recover x files to begin it. Please select a new safe path for it. You can recover data from SanDisk memory card on Windows PC easily in this way.

Final Thoughts

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge of how to fix the issue of SanDisk SSD not showing up issue, it is important to remember that SanDisk SSDs, like any other storage media, are prone to mechanical failure and physical damage. It is recommended to use a professional data recovery tool MyRecover to recover photos from SanDisk SD card or recover any type of data effectively.