Can’t install Windows 11 because Windows do not see my M.2 NVMe SSD

Troubleshooting Guide: Resolving Windows 11 Installation Issues with M.2 NVMe SSD Detection

Building a new PC can be an exciting experience, but it can also come with its set of technical challenges—especially when Windows installer fails to recognize your M.2 NVMe SSD. If you’re facing a similar problem with your Samsung 970 Evo Plus on a B550 motherboard, this comprehensive guide is designed to help you diagnose and resolve the issue efficiently.

Understanding the Issue

In many cases, users report that while the BIOS detects the NVMe SSD correctly, the Windows installer does not. This discrepancy can stem from a variety of BIOS/UEFI settings or configuration issues, preventing the installer from recognizing the drive necessary for Windows installation.

Common Troubleshooting Steps and Recommendations

1. Confirm BIOS Settings

2. Disable Compatibility Support Module (CSM): Ensures UEFI mode is active, which is essential for NVMe drives.

3. Disable Secure Boot: Sometimes Secure Boot can interfere with drive detection during OS installation.

4. Set Storage to AHCI Mode: SATA mode should be set to AHCI rather than RAID or IDE to ensure compatibility with NVMe drives.

5. Verify Hardware Connections

6. Confirm that the Samsung 970 Evo Plus is installed in the primary NVMe slot (usually the first M.2 socket).

7. Remove any additional SATA drives or devices that might interfere with the detection process.

8. Test different NVMe slots if available to rule out slot-specific issues.

9. Prepare Boot Media Correctly

10. Create a bootable USB drive using the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool to ensure compatibility.

11. Format the drive with GPT partitioning scheme using DiskPart:
    bash
diskpart
list disk
select disk [n]
clean
convert gpt
exit

12. Use Rufus with UEFI mode selected to create the installation media, avoiding compatibility issues.

13. Check Drive Formatting and Partitioning

14. After preparing the disk, ensure it is correctly partitioned and formatted for Windows installation.

15. Use DiskPart or a Windows PE environment to clean and partition the drive as needed.

16. Install Necessary Drivers During Setup

17. Sometimes Windows Setup does not automatically recognize NVMe drives due to missing drivers.

18. Download and load the latest NVMe driver from Samsung or motherboard manufacturer during installation via the “Load driver” option.

19. BIOS Firmware Update

20. Ensure your motherboard BIOS is up-to