How to Resolve "Windows 10 Won't Install on SSD" | 100% Effective Solution⭐

Updated by

Sherly 

Written by

Cici 

Updated on April 19, 2024

"Windows 10 not installing on an SSD could be due to issues with the computer hardware, SSD errors, or problems with the installation media. Additionally, an outdated BIOS may also result in the SSD not being detected during the Windows 10 installation process."

If you've bought a new SSD or HDD and are encountering issues installing Windows 10, don't worry. Tools Software provides a comprehensive guide to fix the problem of Windows 10 not installing on your SSD:

Quick Fixes for Windows 10 Not Installing on SSD

If you're unable to install Windows 10 on an SSD, you can try these quick solutions:

Here are the translations for the given languages into English: 1. Connect all cables: Plug all cables into the PC and ensure the SSD is connected properly. This step will help determine if the issue is a corrupted BIOS connection. 2. Turn on the SATA port: If the SATA port is disabled in the system setup (BIOS), you might not see the new SSD drive in the BIOS. 3. Check for SSD damage: To verify if the SSD can be detected in the BIOS, connect the drive to another functioning computer. 4. Install the latest BIOS: The BIOS is crucial for smooth Windows operation with your SSD/HDD. Please update the BIOS before installing Windows. 5. Enable AHCI mode: If the SSD is not displayed during the Windows 10 installation, set the SATA operation mode to AHCI.

If the above methods fail to resolve the issue of unable to install Windows on SSD/HDD, please try more effective solutions.

For other solutions to install Windows without a product key, please refer to the following article:

How to Install Windows 10 Without Product Key

You can install Windows 10 without a product key by downloading the Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft. This page provides a comprehensive guide on how to do it.

Method 1: Convert the Disk to GPT/MBR

If you're using Legacy boot mode, you'll need to convert the SSD to MBR. If your Windows 10 computer supports UEFI boot mode, you can enter the BIOS setup and enable UEFI mode. Windows can only be installed on a GPT disk in EFI system mode. Please utilize tools like Partition Master to easily convert MBR to GPT.

tools Partition Master Professional is a dependable partition management software. It allows you to effortlessly execute various advanced operations without data loss, such as converting FAT to NTFS, resizing partitions, and more. It offers a user-friendly interface for all users to navigate.

Step 1. Download and launch tools Partition Master on your computer.

Step 2. Go to Disk Converter, select "Convert MBR to GPT," and click "Next" to continue.

Step 3. Select the target MBR disk that you want to convert to GPT, and click "Convert" to start the process.

If Windows 10 can detect SSD but still fail to install Windows 10, try to convert GPT to MBR.

Method 2: Recreate the Windows Installation Media and Install Windows 10 Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool for Windows 10. Step 2: Run the Media Creation Tool Double-click on the downloaded file to run the Media Creation Tool. Accept the terms and conditions, and choose "Create installation media for another PC." Step 3: Select Language, Edition, and Architecture Choose the language, edition (e.g., Home or Pro), and the architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) that you want to install. Step 4: Choose USB Flash Drive Select "USB flash drive" as the media type and plug in the USB drive you want to use for the installation. Step 5: Format the USB Drive The tool will prompt you to format the USB drive. Confirm the action as it will erase all data on the drive. Step 6: Start the Download and Creation Process Click "Next," and the tool will start downloading the necessary files and create the installation media on the USB drive. Step 7: Boot from the USB Drive Insert the USB drive into your computer and restart it. Access the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, or Delete) during boot-up. Set the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. Step 8: Start the Installation Process Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the installation process. Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" and select the partition where you want to install Windows 10. Step 9: Complete the Installation Enter your product key, if prompted, and accept the license terms. Configure the settings, and wait for the installation to complete. Step 10: Install Updates and Reboot Once the installation is finished, connect to the internet, and allow Windows to download and install any available updates. Restart your computer when prompted. Now you have successfully reinstalled Windows 10 using the recreated installation media.

If the Windows installation media or ISO file is damaged, you might not be able to install Windows on an SSD. To resolve this, create a new Windows installation media and perform a fresh installation of Windows 10/11 on the SSD or follow the guide to install Windows 10 on an M.2 SSD:

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Windows 10 ISO file:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Stage 2. Burn the ISO file using tools Partition Master

Please prepare a USB formatted in FAT32 and download the tool Partition Master - a professional ISO burner. This tool can successfully burn ISO files and create bootable installation media.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant and go to the Bootable Media section. Click "Burn ISO" and click "Next".

Step 2. Choose the ISO file you downloaded on your computer and click "Open."

Step 3. Click "Next" and choose the target USB drive as the destination, then click "Burn" to perform the task.

The tool Partition Master also supports burning the Windows 11 23H2 ISO to USB. Download it to enjoy its benefits.

Stage 3. Change the Boot Order and Boot from USB

Here are the translations for the provided language segments into English: 1. Restart the computer after inserting the bootable USB flash drive. 2. Press and hold the F2/Del key to set the computer's boot order to the USB drive in the BIOS setup.

Stage 4. Install Windows on SSD

Insert the USB drive and boot from it to enter Windows Setup. Click Install Now. Provide the product key when prompted, and then choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" to install Windows 10 on this computer.

Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows, then wait for the Windows 10 installation to complete.

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Method 3: Use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

If the Windows media is corrupted and you're unable to use the SSD, you can proceed to use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to reset your computer and reinstall Windows 10.

Step 1. Visit the Microsoft software download site and download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.

Step 2. Choose the language, edition, and architecture when prompted to create installation media for another PC.

Step 3. Create the installation media by following the instructions.

Step 4. Run and open the created installation media, select the language and other preferences, and click Next.

Step 5. Select Repair your computer > Select an option > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.

Select the System Restore option:

Step 6. Click Reset this PC to install Windows 10 again.

Why Windows 10 Won't Install on an SSD

Many users have reported on forums that they can't install Windows 10 on a brand-new SSD. Here's a typical scenario:

No need to worry. This article offers you a comprehensive solution. Furthermore, we will delve into the possible reasons behind the inability to install Windows 10 on an SSD or HDD, including:

1. SSD is not properly formatted: If the SSD you have selected has an MBR partition table, you will need to convert it to GPT if Windows 10 won't install on it. 2. Installation media error: The Windows installation cannot be completed successfully if the bootable installation USB is corrupted or the ISO file is incorrect. 3. Incorrect controller mode: Please set the SATA operating mode to AHCI. 4. SSD not recognized by BIOS or UEFI firmware: This issue can be caused by an outdated BIOS or a corrupted SSD. 5. SSD driver is outdated, or the required driver for the SSD is not installed.

Please refer to the solution in this article to resolve the issue with Windows 10 not installing on an SSD. Don't forget to share it to assist more individuals who might need help!

Conclusion

If you're having trouble installing Windows 10/11 on a fresh SSD, hopefully this guide will help. Pick the solution that fits your situation. Make sure to use Partition Master tool to convert the SSD to the correct MBR or GPT format before trying other fixes. Then, go through the other troubleshooting steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Windows 10 on an SSD

This section offers more frequently asked questions and answers regarding issues with installing Windows 10 on an SSD. Continue reading to clarify any confusion.

< strong > 1. Why is my SSD not showing up during Windows installation despite being detected in BIOS? < /strong >

There could be various reasons why your SSD is not being detected during the installation of Windows. These may include: 1. **Incorrect BIOS/UEFI Settings**: Ensure that your BIOS or UEFI settings have the SSD configured as the first boot device. 2. **Unsupported or Incompatible SSD**: Verify if your SSD is compatible with the version of Windows you're trying to install. 3. **Driver Issues**: Outdated or missing storage controller drivers might prevent the detection of your SSD. 4. **Cable Connections**: Check if the cables connecting the SSD to the motherboard are securely and properly plugged in. 5. **Power Supply**: Ensure that the SSD is receiving adequate power from the power supply. 6. **SSD Firmware**: There might be an issue with the SSD's firmware. Update it to the latest version if available. 7. **Incorrect Partitioning**: The SSD might not have proper partitions set up for Windows installation. 8. **Defective SSD**: It's possible that the SSD itself is faulty and needs to be replaced. 9. **Bootable Media Issue**: The installation media might be corrupted or not created correctly. 10. **Windows Installer Bug**: In rare cases, there could be a bug in the Windows installation process that prevents SSD detection. To troubleshoot, start by checking the basics like connections and BIOS settings, then move on to more complex issues like drivers and firmware updates. If all else fails, consider seeking professional assistance or replacing the SSD.

• The driver is outdated or corrupted
• The SSD is not correctly formatted or initialized
• The installation media is damaged
• The ISO file is corrupted

To resolve the issue, review the comprehensive steps in this article.

The primary reasons why your computer fails to boot from an SSD drive are as follows:

• Windows system errors or system updates
Translation: Windows system errors or system updates
• Internal SSD disk error
Translation: Internal SSD disk error
• Incompatible or outdated BIOS
Translation: Incompatible or outdated BIOS
• Wrong boot sequence
Translation: Incorrect boot order

< strong >3. Can I install Windows 10 directly on an SSD?

Certainly, you can directly install Windows 10 on the SSD. However, make sure the SSD is properly initialized with the correct partition style before proceeding with the installation.