How to Fix PC Won't Boot After Installing M2 SSD - Full Guide
Many users reported that their computers or laptops could not start normally after installing an M.2 SSD. Here are two real-life cases Qiling found from the forum:
To better solve this problem, the first thing we need to do is find out why the computer cannot start after installing a new M2 SSD. Here are the answers we explored.
Why PC Won't Boot After Installing M2 SSD
Why won't my computer boot after I install an M.2 hard drive? There are various reasons why this error can occur. The M.2 SSD may not be properly connected to the motherboard. The SSD may be faulty. The SSD may not be properly configured in the BIOS. See more details in the following content:
Ⓜ️M.2 SSD may not be properly connected to the motherboard. If it is not properly placed on the computer motherboard, it may not be recognized, and your computer may not boot properly from the M.2 SSD.
💡The M.2 SSD might not be properly configured in the BIOS. If the new SSD is your startup disk, but you have not set it as the startup disk in the BIOS, your computer will not be able to start Windows normally.
🔎The M.2 SSD may be damaged or malfunctioning. This error will also appear if the SSD is unhealthy or has other quality problems.
💻The PC's operating system or the motherboard may not be compatible with the new M.2 SSD. WIndows11 or WIndows 10 have specific installation requirements; when installing the system, ensure your SSD is compatible with the corresponding operating system.
Next, we began to explore how to solve your computer does not start after you install the M.2 SSD. Don't hesitate to share these solutions with your friends.
Fix PC Won't Boot After Installing M2 SSD Using Qiling Disk Master
Qiling Disk Master is a versatile disk management software that enables users to control the performance and organization of their devices. Because of the intuitive interface and powerful functions, it can fix related startup problems with one click. Whether it cannot start due to BIOS startup sequence, outdated drivers, missing BCD files, or other problems, you can try its "Boot Repair" function.
By studying many types of startup problems, Qiling Disk Master is now able to easily help users solve current startup problems and other common startup errors with one click. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an inexperienced user, it gives you the tools to tackle the complexities of modern computing. For a smooth startup experience, download this tool and give it a try.
Step 1. Start Qiling Disk Master after connecting the external drive/USB to your computer, go to "Bootable Media," and click "Create bootable media."
Step 2. Select an available USB Drive or CD/DVD and click "Create." You can also burn the Windows ISO file to the storage media.
Step 3. Connect the created bootable drive to the new computer and reboot the computer by pressing and holding F2/Del to enter the BIOS. Then, set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk and press F10 to exit.
Step 4. Boot the computer again and enter the WinPE interface. Then, open Qiling Disk Master and click "Boot Repair" under the "Toolkit" option.
Step 5: Select the system you want to repair and click "Repair."
Step 6. Wait a moment, and you will receive an alert that the system has been successfully repaired.
⭐Professional Support
To help you solve additional problems, you can chat with our support engineers, who will provide remote guidance:
Qiling experts are available to provide you with 1-on-1 manual services (24*7) and help fix Windows boot error, BSOD or computer boot loop issues. Our experts will offer you FREE evaluation services and efficiently diagnose and resolve system boot failure, Windows stop codes and OS lagging issues using their decades of experiences.
- 1. Fix BSOD - blue/black screen of death error due to Windows update or other reasons.
- 2. Get rid of Windows boot error such as no bootable device found, or BCD file corruption.
- 3. Serve to fix 0X000_error codes on Windows system or OS boot loop issues.
How to Fix PC Won't Boot After Installing M2 SSD
M.2 SSD is an SSD with an M.2 interface. It targets high-performance storage in ultra-thin, power-constrained devices such as ultrabooks and tablets. Most of the time, it works fine, but many users have reported that their computers would not boot after a fresh installation of an M.2 SSD. Try the following solutions to fix it:
Fix 1. Check the Compatibility
You need to identify your computer motherboard model and specifications to verify compatibility. Find out the exact model number of your motherboard. This information is usually printed on the motherboard itself, or you can check the motherboard's manual, box, or manufacturer's website. Also, for M.2 SSDs, check that your motherboard has an M.2 slot and supports the specific key type required for SSDs (e.g., M Key, B Key).
Fix 2. Reinstall M.2 SSD
After installing the M.2 SSD, the computer cannot start normally; it may be that you have not installed the SSD hard disk correctly. You need to turn off the computer power, unplug the power cord, and then open the computer case (or open the back cover of the laptop). Remove the M.2 SSD and reinsert it securely into the M.2 slot. Make sure you align and secure the M.2 SSD correctly.
How to Install M.2 SSD [Beginner's Guide⭐]
Do you want to install an M.2 SSD on your computer to enhance performance? Check the complete guide on how to install a second SSD in this post.
Fix 3. Update BIOS
Follow the steps below to quickly help you update the BIOS settings to allow your system to reboot from the M.2 SSD.
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. Find the BIOS version number on the Home screen or the System Information screen.
If you use a Lenovo or ASUS computer, click the link below to learn about the corresponding Boot menu key.
Step 2. Check for Updates. Visit the manufacturer's website, look for a BIOS update for your specific model or motherboard, and download it to your computer.
Step 3. Restart your laptop or computer and enter the BIOS setup again. Look for "Update BIOS" or a similar option. Navigate to the location where you saved the BIOS update file and select it to start the update process. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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Fix 4. Change Boot Order
To change the boot order on your laptop or desktop, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1. Restart the laptop and enter the BIOS by pressing the specified key, such as F2, F10, Del, or Esc, before the Windows logo appears.
Step 2. Navigate to Boot Options: Once in BIOS setup, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot or Boot Sequence section.
Step 3. In the boot options menu, you will see a list of devices such as the hard drive, your M.2 SSD, and USB drives. Select it, save your changes, and exit the BIOS.
Solved - Windows Not Booting After Installing New SSD
Your new SSD should boot Windows without issues after installation; however, if it doesn't, then continue reading, as this article will help you resolve the issue.
Fix 5. Test M.2 SSD on Another PC
If this error persists after all the above fixes, you need to consider whether there is a problem with your computer or the M.2 SSD. To test whether the M.2 SSD is in normal condition, connect the M.2 SSD to another working computer. If another computer can boot from this M.2 SSD normally, then the problem may be on the computer that you cannot boot from.
The above solutions may help you solve the problem that the computer cannot start normally after installing the SSD. Here, we recommend that you choose a third-party tool to help you solve the startup problem after troubleshooting the hardware problem because that's so much easier.
Further Reading:
How to Fix BIOS Recognizes SSD But Won't Boot
Troubleshoot why BIOS recognizes SSD but won't boot to learn effective fixes & solutions to resolve this issue and get your system running smoothly.
Conclusion
This article explains why your computer will not boot after installing a new M.2 SSD. And we give a detailed solution. Among our many explorations and events, Qiling Disk Master stands out. It helped us solve multiple startup problems, which may be related to the powerful algorithm behind it. The following links give some related topics. Check them if you need them.
PC Won't Boot After Installing M2 SSD FAQs
Do you know the causes and fixes behind the error that your PC won't boot after installing an M.2 SSD? There are some related questions and corresponding answers. Check them if you need help.
1. Why won't my PC boot after installing a new SSD?
The most common reasons are as follows:
- Incorrect installation of the SSD: Make sure your SSD is securely connected to the computer motherboard and power supply.
- Incorrect boot order in BIOS: The PC may be trying to boot from the wrong device. That's why your PC doesn't boot from the SSD you installed.
2. How do I boot after installing a new SSD?
You need to set the new SSD as the boot drive. To do so, follow the instructions below:
- Restart your PC and press F2/F12/Del/Esc keys to enter BIOS.
- Go to the boot option, change the original order, and set OS to boot from the new SSD.
- Save all your changes, exit BIOS, and restart your PC.
3. Why is the SSD not showing up after installing M.2?
If your M.2 SSD does not show up in the BIOS, it is possible that the BIOS is not configured to recognize M.2 SSDs. You must go into the BIOS setup and enable the M.2 SSD to resolve this issue. If your M.2 SSD does not show up in Windows, there are many reasons; it may be because it is not initialized, the drive letter of the M.2 SSD is missing, the disk driver is outdated, or it is a problem with the BIOS settings.
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