Can’t Install Windows – SSD Detected in BIOS but Not by Installer

[mivmiv]

Hi, I’ve been having trouble installing Windows on my new PC and was hoping someone here might have some advice. I initially tried installing Windows 11, but ran into a bunch of issues with it not recognizing my M.2 SSD—even though it shows up in the BIOS. After some research, I decided to try Windows 10 instead, since someone with the same problem said that worked for them. It seemed fine at first, but then an error popped up during the installation. I formatted the SSD and deleted all partitions, but the same error kept coming up. At this point, I’m wondering—would it be better to just buy an SSD with Windows 11 preinstalled and plug it into my PC?

[Tan3l6]

Have you tried converting the disk to GPT?

 

[mivmiv]

14 minutes ago, Tan3l6 said:

Have you tried converting the disk to GPT?

Yeah, I actually already changed the settings in BIOS and converted the disk to GPT, but unfortunately it still didn’t fix the issue. I’ve been stuck on this for about a month now, trying everything I can find online. It would honestly be super helpful if I could have a one-on-one with someone over Discord to walk through it— I know it’s a big ask, but I’m really at a loss here and could use the help.

[strange13930]

1 hour ago, mivmiv said:

Hi, I’ve been having trouble installing Windows on my new PC and was hoping someone here might have some advice. I initially tried installing Windows 11, but ran into a bunch of issues with it not recognizing my M.2 SSD—even though it shows up in the BIOS. After some research, I decided to try Windows 10 instead, since someone with the same problem said that worked for them. It seemed fine at first, but then an error popped up during the installation. I formatted the SSD and deleted all partitions, but the same error kept coming up. At this point, I’m wondering—would it be better to just buy an SSD with Windows 11 preinstalled and plug it into my PC?

you could try installing windows 10 than upgrading it to 11 after installing it.

[-rascal-]

5 hours ago, mivmiv said:

Hi, I’ve been having trouble installing Windows on my new PC and was hoping someone here might have some advice. I initially tried installing Windows 11, but ran into a bunch of issues with it not recognizing my M.2 SSD—even though it shows up in the BIOS. After some research, I decided to try Windows 10 instead, since someone with the same problem said that worked for them. It seemed fine at first, but then an error popped up during the installation. I formatted the SSD and deleted all partitions, but the same error kept coming up. At this point, I’m wondering—would it be better to just buy an SSD with Windows 11 preinstalled and plug it into my PC?

 

 

Is this a new drive? Why are you creating a partition?

Why does it say 'Disk 1: Partition 1'?

 

It should be 'Disk 0 (or 1): Allocated Space.'

[mivmiv]

14 hours ago, strange13930 said:

you could try installing windows 10 than upgrading it to 11 after installing it.

That’s the problem, I can’t even install windows 10!! 

[mivmiv]

On 4/25/2025 at 10:58 PM, -rascal- said:

 

Is this a new drive? Why are you creating a partition?

Why does it say 'Disk 1: Partition 1'?

 

It should be 'Disk 0 (or 1): Allocated Space.'

thank you for your help but i still get this error message , what do i do now?

[Stratamesh]

Whatever happened to just using different installers after thoroughly erasing the drive? I use the Chinese software; Diskgenius. If my family ever has a drive with a problem, Diskgenius always fixes it. Idk- that's what I'd try. Or just install windows on another, different drive, use Diskgenius to make an exact copy and throw the SSD into it.

[-rascal-]

On 5/3/2025 at 2:30 AM, mivmiv said:

thank you for your help but i still get this error message , what do i do now?

 

What are your system specs?

CPU? Motherboard?

 

Where did you get that Windows 11 install?

Did you make an install media yourself with a USB flash drive?

[nord76231]

On 5/3/2025 at 11:30 AM, mivmiv said:

thank you for your help but i still get this error message , what do i do now?

I think you should remake your windows 11 installer usb.

[jmwhite33]

the answer is right there in the final pic, it can't find the needed files to install. 

It appears to see the SSD fine, you are apparently missing the source files for windows.

The pic showing 3 partitions is how it should look after the drive is prepared by the OS, after install Parts 1 &2 will be hidden and part 3 will become "C:" So it looks as though it started correctly somewhere along the line.

You should be able to use a completely virgin drive to install windows without having to prep and format.

 

Checking the error code on Microsoft site say most likely are bad/corrupt installation media, bad drive or RAM issues.

 

You can Google the Windows error codes to get answers.

[mivmiv]

On 5/6/2025 at 9:18 AM, -rascal- said:

 

What are your system specs?

CPU? Motherboard?

 

Where did you get that Windows 11 install?

Did you make an install media yourself with a USB flash drive?

i have a ryzen 7 5700G , msi B550 apro motherboard and i made the installation media on usb flash drive. do you think i should try make the installation media again? or try a different usb?

[mivmiv]

On 5/7/2025 at 7:44 PM, jmwhite33 said:

the answer is right there in the final pic, it can't find the needed files to install. 

It appears to see the SSD fine, you are apparently missing the source files for windows.

The pic showing 3 partitions is how it should look after the drive is prepared by the OS, after install Parts 1 &2 will be hidden and part 3 will become "C:" So it looks as though it started correctly somewhere along the line.

You should be able to use a completely virgin drive to install windows without having to prep and format.

 

Checking the error code on Microsoft site say most likely are bad/corrupt installation media, bad drive or RAM issues.

 

You can Google the Windows error codes to get answers.

thank you so much for your help I will try this soon, 

[-rascal-]

9 hours ago, mivmiv said:

i have a ryzen 7 5700G , msi B550 apro motherboard and i made the installation media on usb flash drive. do you think i should try make the installation media again? or try a different usb?

That error message CAN come up when then install USB didn't get made properly, or it got corrupted.
Stupid thing, it does happen when using the Media Creation Tool... I've had it happen once with Windows 10, and once with Windows 11 (most recent).

 

What size USB stick are you using, too?

 

Hardware should support Windows 11, no problem.