How to Fix HP Laptop Not Detecting SSD or HDD

by

How to Fix HP Laptop Not Detecting SSD or HDD HP laptop is not detecting an SSD or HDD, it can be frustrating and may prevent your system from booting up or recognizing the storage device. There are several reasons why this might happen, ranging from incorrect BIOS settings to hardware failures. In this guide, we will go through various troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue.

1. Check Physical Connections

Before diving into software troubleshooting, start by checking the hardware connections.

Step 1: Turn Off the Laptop and Disconnect Power

  1. Shut down the laptop completely.
  2. Disconnect the charger and remove the battery (if applicable).
  3. Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds to discharge any residual power.

Step 2: Open the Laptop and Check SSD/HDD Connection

  1. Use a screwdriver to open the back panel where the SSD/HDD is located.
  2. Carefully remove the SSD/HDD and reinsert it securely.
  3. If available, try using a different SATA cable or port (for HDDs) or M.2 slot (for SSDs).
  4. Reassemble the laptop and power it on.

2. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

If your storage device is properly connected but still not detected, check the BIOS settings.

Step 1: Access BIOS

  1. Restart your HP laptop.
  2. Press Esc repeatedly during startup, then press F10 to enter BIOS.

Step 2: Check Storage Configuration

  1. Navigate to the Storage or Advanced tab.
  2. Look for an option labeled SATA Configuration or NVMe Configuration.
  3. Ensure that the storage mode is set to AHCI instead of RAID or IDE.
  4. Save and exit BIOS.

Step 3: Check Boot Order

  1. In BIOS, go to the Boot Order settings.
  2. Ensure the SSD/HDD is listed as a bootable device.
  3. If the storage drive is missing, try enabling Legacy Boot Mode (for older drives).

3. Update or Reset BIOS

If your BIOS is outdated or corrupted, updating or resetting it may help.

Step 1: Update BIOS

  1. Go to HP’s official support website.
  2. Enter your laptop’s model number and find the latest BIOS update.
  3. Download and install the update following HP’s instructions.

Step 2: Reset BIOS to Default

  1. Enter BIOS as described earlier.
  2. Find the Reset to Default option (often labeled Load Optimized Defaults or similar).
  3. Save changes and restart the laptop.

4. Run HP Hardware Diagnostics

HP laptops come with built-in diagnostics to check for hardware issues.

Step 1: Open HP Diagnostics

  1. Turn off the laptop.
  2. Turn it back on and immediately press F2 repeatedly to enter HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.

Step 2: Run Storage Test

  1. Select Component Tests > Hard Drive or SSD Test.
  2. Run the Quick Test first. If no issues are found, run the Extended Test.
  3. If errors are detected, consider replacing the SSD/HDD.

5. Check in Windows Disk Management

If the drive is detected in BIOS but not in Windows, it may need initialization or formatting.

Step 1: Open Disk Management

  1. Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.
  2. Look for your SSD/HDD in the list.

Step 2: Initialize the Drive (If Not Initialized)

  1. If the drive appears as Unallocated, right-click it and select Initialize Disk.
  2. Choose GPT or MBR (match it with BIOS settings).
  3. Create a new volume and format it.

Step 3: Assign a Drive Letter

  1. If the drive is missing a letter, right-click it and choose Change Drive Letter and Paths.
  2. Assign a letter and check if it appears in File Explorer.

6. Reinstall Storage Drivers

Outdated or missing drivers may cause detection issues.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Disk Drives.
  3. Right-click the SSD/HDD and select Update Driver.

Step 2: Install HP Storage Drivers

  1. Visit HP’s official website and download the latest storage drivers for your model.
  2. Install and restart your laptop.

7. Try a Different Port or External Adapter

If the internal connection isn’t working, test the drive externally.

Step 1: Use a USB-to-SATA Adapter

  1. Connect the SSD/HDD to another computer using a USB adapter.
  2. Check if it’s detected.

Step 2: Test with Another Laptop or PC

  1. Insert the SSD/HDD into another system to determine if the issue is with the drive or the HP laptop.

8. Reset Windows or Reinstall OS

If the SSD/HDD is detected in BIOS but not in Windows, a corrupted OS might be the issue.

Step 1: Perform a Windows Reset

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  2. Click Reset this PC and follow the instructions.

Step 2: Clean Install Windows

  1. Download a fresh Windows ISO from Microsoft.
  2. Create a bootable USB using Rufus or Windows Media Creation Tool.
  3. Boot from the USB and reinstall Windows.

Final Thoughts

If your HP laptop still doesn’t detect the SSD or HDD after trying these steps, the issue may be a faulty motherboard or storage controller. In such cases, contacting HP support or visiting a repair center is recommended. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and fix the issue effectively.

You May Also Like: How to Solve HP Laptop Disk Usage 100% Error

Leave a Comment