Troubleshooting Windows 11 Installation Issues on Kingston NVMe SSD: A Guide for PC Builders
Building a new PC can be an exciting experience, but it often comes with unforeseen challenges—especially when encountering hardware or software compatibility issues. Recently, a user shared their experience with installing Windows 11 on a Kingston NVMe M.2 SSD, highlighting some common pitfalls and possible solutions. This article aims to provide a professional overview of such issues and offer guidance for troubleshooting and resolving them.
Case Overview
The user assembled a system featuring an MSI B550M PRO VDH WiFi motherboard paired with a Kingston 1TB NV3 NVMe M.2 SSD. The operating system installation involved using the official Windows 11 24H2 Pro ISO image, followed by driver downloads and updates. However, post-installation, they faced multiple hurdles, including system freezes during the restart process, an inability to access BIOS after enabling Secure Boot, and persistent black screens upon login.
Key Issues Encountered
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System Freezing on BIOS Screen During Updates:
After initiating Windows updates post-installation, the PC froze on the BIOS splash screen across multiple attempts. Such freezes may indicate hardware compatibility issues, BIOS misconfigurations, or corrupted installation media. -
Inability to Access BIOS After Secure Boot Activation:
Enabling Secure Boot through UEFI settings allowed the system to reach the Windows login screen but then resulted in a black display. Moreover, the user couldn’t re-enter BIOS, suggesting possible firmware or hardware incompatibilities. -
SSD and ISO Integrity Concerns:
Questions arose about whether the Kingston SSD might be faulty or if the ISO image was corrupted, potentially impairing the installation process.
Potential Causes and Troubleshooting Steps
- Verifying Installation Media and ISO Integrity:
- Redownload the Windows 11 ISO from the official Microsoft website to ensure image integrity.
- Use tools like Rufus or Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to create bootable USB drives.
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Confirm that the ISO checksum matches the official values for added assurance.
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Checking Hardware Compatibility and BIOS Settings:
- Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version to ensure optimal compatibility with Windows 11 and NVMe drives.
- Reset BIOS to default settings, then reconfigure UEFI to enable Secure Boot and TPM if required.
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Disable any fast boot or CSM (Compatibility Support Module) options temporarily to eliminate conflicts.
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Testing the SSD:
- Test the Kingston NVMe SSD in another
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