Already initialized SSD stops working after a couple hours of use in windows but comes back after every restart

Troubleshooting an SSD that Temporarily Disappears in Windows 11: A Case Study

Recognized for their reliability and performance, NVMe SSDs such as the WD_BLACK SN770 2TB are popular choices among PC enthusiasts and professionals alike. However, even premium hardware can encounter issues. This article explores a common but perplexing problem: an SSD that initializes correctly but ceases to be recognized after a few hours of use, only to reappear upon restarting the system.

Case Overview

The user reports an ASRock motherboard with an AM4 socket, using a WD_BLACK SN770 2TB SSD. The SSD functions normally upon initial setup, but after a certain period, it disappears from Windows Explorer, Device Manager, and Disk Management. Notably, the drive is still detected in the BIOS, indicating that the hardware connection remains intact, but Windows fails to recognize it consistently.

Key observations include:

The issue manifests after several hours of system operation.
A simple restart restores SSD visibility in Windows.
Physical reseating of the drive temporarily restores functionality, but the problem recurs.
The drive is recognized by BIOS at all times.

Potential Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

Given the symptoms, the problem could stem from multiple sources, including Windows configuration, SSD hardware issues, or motherboard/BIOS settings. Here are recommended steps to diagnose and resolve the issue:

Update Firmware and Drivers
Ensure the SSD has the latest firmware from WD’s official website.
Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version available from ASRock.
Install the latest chipset and storage controller drivers specific to your motherboard.
Check Power Management Settings
Navigate to Power Options in Windows.
Disable any settings related to selectively turning off USB or storage devices.
Within Device Manager, locate the SSD drive, right-click, select Properties, go to the Power Management tab, and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
Review Drive Connection and Hardware
Since reseating temporarily restores functionality, consider testing the drive in a different M.2 slot if available.
Check for any physical damage or loose connections.
Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo to monitor drive health status.
Inspect System Logs
Use Windows Event Viewer to look for error messages related to storage or driver issues around the time the drive disappears.
Look for warning