How to Fix PC Won't Boot After Installing M2 SSD - Full Guide

Many users have reported that their computers or laptops failed to start normally after installing an M.2 SSD. Here are two practical scenarios encountered on a forum:

To effectively address this issue, the initial step is to understand why a computer fails to boot after installing a new M2 SSD. Here are the possible explanations we have investigated.

Why Your PC Won't Boot After Installing an M.2 SSD

Why doesn't my computer start after installing an M.2 hard drive? This issue can arise due to several reasons. The M.2 SSD might not be correctly connected to the motherboard. The SSD could be defective. It might not be properly configured in the BIOS. Learn more details in the subsequent content:

The M.2 SSD might not be correctly connected to the motherboard. If it's not properly seated on the computer's motherboard, it might not be detected, and your computer might not boot correctly from the M.2 SSD.

The M.2 SSD might not be configured correctly in the BIOS. If the new SSD is your boot drive, but you haven't designated it as the boot drive in the BIOS, your computer won't be able to start Windows normally.

The M.2 SSD might be damaged or malfunctioning. This error will also show up if the SSD is in poor health or has other quality issues.

The PC's operating system or the motherboard might not be compatible with the new M.2 SSD. Windows 11 or Windows 10 have specific installation requirements; make sure your SSD is compatible with the respective operating system when installing it.

Next, we will delve into resolving the issue where your computer fails to start after installing an M.2 SSD. Don't hesitate to share these solutions with your friends.

Solve PC Not Booting After Installing M2 SSD with Partition Master Tool

tools Partition Master is a versatile disk management software that allows users to manage and optimize the performance and organization of their devices. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, it offers a one-click solution to fix startup issues. Whether the problem arises from incorrect BIOS boot sequence, outdated drivers, missing BCD files, or any other issue, you can utilize its "Boot Repair" function to address the problem.

Through the analysis of numerous startup issues, Partition Master has now become proficient in effortlessly assisting users in resolving current boot problems and other typical startup errors with a single click. Whether you are a technology enthusiast or a novice user, it equips you with the necessary tools to navigate the intricacies of contemporary computing. To ensure a seamless startup experience, download this tool and give it a try.

Step 1. After connecting the external drive/USB to your computer, launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Go to "Bootable Media" and click "Create Bootable Media."

Step 2. Choose an available USB drive or CD/DVD and click "Create." You can also burn the Windows ISO file to the storage medium.

Step 3. Connect the created bootable drive to the new computer and restart it by pressing and holding F2 or Del to enter the BIOS. Then, set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk and press F10 to exit.

Step 4. Restart your computer and enter the WinPE interface. Next, open the Partition Master tool and click on "Boot Repair" under the "Toolkit" option.

Step 5: Choose the system you wish to repair and click "Repair."

Step 6. Wait a moment, and you will receive a notification that the system has been successfully repaired. Click "OK" to finish the boot repair process.

Click OK to complete the repair.

How to Fix PC Not Booting After Installing an M.2 SSD

M.2 SSD refers to a solid-state drive (SSD) equipped with an M.2 interface. It is designed for high-performance storage in ultra-slim and power-efficient devices like ultrabooks and tablets. Generally, it functions well; however, numerous users have encountered issues where their computers fail to boot after installing a new M.2 SSD. To resolve this problem, you can try the following solutions:

修复1：检查兼容性

To ensure compatibility, you need to identify your computer's motherboard model and specifications. Determine the exact model number of your motherboard; this information is typically printed on the motherboard itself, or you can refer to the motherboard's manual, packaging, or the manufacturer's website. Additionally, for M.2 SSDs, verify that your motherboard has an M.2 slot and supports the specific key type required for the SSD (e.g., M Key, B Key).

Fix 2: Reinstall the M.2 SSD

Upon installing the M.2 SSD, if the computer fails to start normally, it might indicate an incorrect installation of the SSD drive. To rectify this, you need to power off the computer, unplug the power cable, and then proceed to open the computer case (or remove the back cover of the laptop). Carefully remove the M.2 SSD and re-insert it firmly into its designated M.2 slot. Ensure that you align and secure the M.2 SSD properly.

How to Install M.2 SSD [Beginner's Guide⭐]

Are you looking to install an M.2 SSD on your computer for improved performance? Read this comprehensive guide on how to install a second SSD.

Fix 3: Update BIOS

Follow the steps below to promptly assist you in updating the BIOS settings to enable your system to reboot from the M.2 SSD: 1. First, ensure that your computer is fully powered off. 2. Restart your computer and press the key indicated on the screen during startup to enter the BIOS setup. Common keys are F2, F10, F12, or Del, but it may vary depending on your system manufacturer. 3. Once in the BIOS, navigate to the "Boot" or "Startup" section. 4. Look for an option named "Boot Priority," "Boot Order," or something similar. 5. Locate the entry for your M.2 SSD. It might be listed as "PCIe SSD" or by the manufacturer's name. 6. Move the M.2 SSD to the top of the boot priority list using the arrow keys. This ensures that your system will attempt to boot from the SSD first. 7. Next, navigate to the "Save & Exit" or "Exit" menu and select "Save Changes and Exit." Confirm any prompts to save the changes and restart your computer. 8. Your computer should now boot from the M.2 SSD. If the process is successful, you'll see the new operating system loading. Remember that the BIOS menus and terminology may differ depending on your specific motherboard. If you face any issues or need further assistance, consult your motherboard's user manual or contact the manufacturer's support.

Step 1. Identify the current BIOS version. You must restart the computer and press the Boot menu key (such as F2 or Del) during the startup process to enter the computer's BIOS settings.

Step 2. Locate the BIOS version number on the Home screen or the System Information screen.

If you're using a Lenovo or ASUS computer, click the link below to find out about the respective Boot menu key.

Step 2. Check for Updates. Visit the manufacturer's website, search for a BIOS update for your exact model or motherboard, and download it to your computer.

Step 3. Restart your laptop or computer and enter the BIOS setup once more. Search for "Update BIOS" or a related option. Navigate to the location where you saved the BIOS update file, and select it to initiate the update process. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the manufacturer.

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Fix 4. Modify Boot Order

To alter the boot sequence on your laptop or desktop, please proceed with the following steps:

Step 1. Restart the laptop and enter the BIOS by pressing the designated key, such as F2, F10, Del, or Esc, before the Windows logo appears.

Step 2. Access Boot Options: Once inside the BIOS setup, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot or Boot Sequence section.

Step 3. In the boot options menu, you'll see a list of devices, including your hard drive, M.2 SSD, and USB drives. Select the desired device, save your changes, and exit the BIOS.

Solved - Windows Not Booting After Installing New SSD

After installing a new SSD, it should boot Windows without any problems. However, if it doesn't, continue reading as this article will assist you in fixing the issue.

Fix 5. Test the M.2 SSD on Another Computer

If the issue persists after attempting all the aforementioned solutions, you should evaluate whether there might be an issue with your computer or the M.2 SSD. To test the functionality of the M.2 SSD, connect it to another functioning computer. If the other computer can boot normally from this M.2 SSD, the problem likely lies with the computer that is unable to boot.

The above solutions might assist in resolving the issue of a computer not starting normally after installing an SSD. Here, we recommend opting for a third-party tool to aid in fixing the startup problem, especially after hardware troubleshooting, as it is more convenient.

Further Reading:

How to Fix BIOS Recognizes SSD But Won't Boot

Solve the issue of BIOS recognizing SSD but not booting, learn effective fixes and solutions to address this problem and ensure smooth system operation.

Conclusion

This article discusses why your computer fails to boot after installing a new M.2 SSD and provides a comprehensive solution. One notable tool in our numerous explorations and resolutions is Partition Master, which has effectively resolved various startup issues, potentially owing to its robust algorithm. Below are some related topics; feel free to refer to them if needed.

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FAQs: PC Doesn't Boot After Installing an M.2 SSD

你知道在安装了M.2 SSD后，电脑无法启动的错误原因和解决方法吗？这里有一些相关问题和相应的答案。如果你需要帮助，可以查看它们。

< strong >1. Why won't my PC boot after installing a new SSD? After installing a new SSD, your PC might not boot due to various reasons. Here are some common issues and solutions: 1. **BIOS/UEFI not detecting the SSD**: Ensure that your BIOS or UEFI settings recognize the SSD. Enter BIOS setup (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Del during startup), and check if the SSD is listed under the "Boot" or "Storage" section. 2. **Boot order**: Make sure the SSD is set as the first boot device. In the BIOS, change the boot order so the SSD is at the top. 3. **OS not installed**: If you've only installed the SSD without transferring or reinstalling an operating system, your PC won't have anything to boot from. You'll need to install or clone your OS onto the SSD. 4. **Incorrect cable or port**: Ensure the SSD is connected to a SATA III (6 Gbps) port and uses a proper SATA data cable. For NVMe SSDs, make sure it's in an M.2 slot with compatible connectivity. 5. **Driver or firmware issues**: Update your motherboard's BIOS to the latest version, which may improve SSD compatibility. 6. **Power supply issue**: Ensure your power supply unit (PSU) has sufficient power for the SSD. Low-quality PSUs can cause issues. If none of these resolve the issue, there could be a hardware problem with the SSD itself. Contact the manufacturer for support.

The most common reasons are as follows:

• Incorrect SSD Installation: Ensure that your SSD is properly connected to the computer's motherboard and power supply.
• Incorrect Boot Order in BIOS: Your PC might be attempting to boot from the incorrect device, which is why it isn't starting from the installed SSD.

2. How do I boot after installing a new SSD?

You need to configure the new SSD as the boot drive. To accomplish this, please follow the instructions below:

Translate the following text into English:
• Restart your PC and press F2/F12/Del/Esc keys to enter BIOS.
• Go to the boot option, alter the original order, and set the OS to boot from the new SSD.
• Save all changes, exit BIOS, and restart your PC.

< strong >3. Why isn't the SSD showing up after installing the M.2?

If your M.2 SSD does not appear in the BIOS, it could be due to the BIOS not being configured to detect M.2 SSDs. To fix this, you'll need to access the BIOS setup and enable the M.2 SSD. If your M.2 SSD is not showing up in Windows, there can be several reasons: it might not be initialized, the drive letter is missing, the disk driver is out of date, or there could be an issue with the BIOS settings.