Windows 10 install not detecting hard drive

In this article, we will explain, Windows 10 install not detecting hard drive, problem. This issue is typically associated with a system cable link error or may also be triggered because the Windows 10 installer does not have the appropriate drivers, but these issues are usually easy to fix. I will clarify how to solve this problem step by step via various methods in this article.

Part 1: Effective Fixes for Windows 10 install not detecting hard drive error

It does not necessarily mean that your hard drive is broken if the Windows installation program is unable to identify any devices during the installation process. It is important to note that if the disk that is not detected was previously used to store Windows data, due to the disparity between the residual files and previous installation settings, the error may be produced, on the other hand, if the hard drive that is not detected is fresh, the error is more likely to be generated by a wrong firmware configuration (BIOS or UEFI). Luckily, there are a few approaches that can help you find out where the issue is and even repair it.

Some techniques can solve problems with drive detection while installing Windows 10. About each one below, I’ll tell you.

Windows 10 install not detecting hard drive, Use a different SATA port:

As I stated earlier, because of the physical link between the computer and the motherboard, the root of the issue is likely. If the cable is in good shape and properly connected, try connecting the cable to another port on your motherboard. You can verify that the SATA cable is properly connected and that it is not damaged, broken, or worn. Usually, motherboards have 2 – 6 SATA ports.

Windows 10 install not detecting hard drive, Load a RAID Driver:

If the disk not found by the Windows installer is a Raid Array, you should bear in mind that this error is relatively normal and can be overcome by using a USB or CD/DVD to install a modified version of the RAID driver based on your motherboard model and its AMD or Intel socket. Note that you will need to connect it to a 2.0 port to load the RAID driver from a USB, as the BIOS is unable to use 3.0 technologies.

Check your Hard Drive in your BIOS:

If a disk that is not recognized by the Windows Installer is a normal disk that is not a Raid Array, it is important to know whether or not the disk is recognized by your computer’s firmware (BIOS / UEFI). When turning it on, the firmware of your motherboard will show the keys you need to press to access the BIOS/UEFIFI to find out (F1, F2, F8, F10, F12, or DEL). You can now look for a segment relevant to Boot Devices and check whether or not the BIOS detects a disk that is failing. If the disk is not found by the firmware of your computer, there could be four potential explanations for this.

There are damaged parts of the HDD PCB that prevent disk activity.

The firmware on your computer is obsolete.

The firmware of a disk is obsolete

The SATA port that the disk is attached to is destroyed.

These three problems are sadly difficult to fix and the process

can jeopardize the integrity of the system or even your machine.

Windows 10 install not detecting hard drive, Help from your Manufacturer

Keep in mind that companies often offer technical assistance for this type of problem, in most cases, they will offer to replace the product with a new one. However, it is important to remember that there are policies that limit this privilege to specific cases where the product has factory defects.

If you have chosen to replace the corrupted disk with a new one you will be concerned about retrieving the data that you have saved on the disk that you are replacing. I suggest the use of advanced data recovery tools, such as Recoverit. This program is capable of recovering and repairing hard disk information through complex processes of data reconstruction based on the residual data and parity segments created by previous versions of the same file. It’s going to be enough to make a few clicks and the app is going to take care of your data recovery. The app is free to download from its official website, Wondershere I will teach you how to use it below.

Choose your drive to scan

If the program has been activated and opened, select the drive where the data to be retrieved is stored.

Select files to be restored/recovered

All you have to do now is pick the folder or folders that you want to restore/recover and press Recover.

Now you know why a disk is not identified by the Windows installer and as you might have found, this issue is typically extremely easy to solve, but there are cases where the root of the problem is corrupted due to the disk and if you want to restore the data you had stored on it you may use Recoverit to recover and fix any file you had stored on the disk in a very quick and easy way.