I'm trying to install Windows 11 on my new Samsung 990 Pro SSD to upgrade from my old PNY CS900. My motherboard is an MSI B850. I completely disconnected my old SSD and created a bootable USB with the Windows media tool. During installation, I select the unallocated new SSD, but when it restarts and I remove the USB, it goes straight back to BIOS. It seems like the BIOS isn't recognizing the SSD as a bootable device. I've checked the command prompt and seen that the System, Reserved, and Primary partitions exist. I've tried every fix I could find and I'm really stuck. I've also verified that my BIOS settings are set to UEFI and AHCI. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Here's a suggestion: Start fresh by downloading the Windows ISO and use Rufus to create a bootable USB. This could help you successfully install Windows. Just remember, the real issue here is ensuring your SSD is set as the boot option in the BIOS.
Check the BIOS settings at the bottom of the MSI interface. It should indicate a boot device like a UEFI Windows disk. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the boot settings to prioritize that device. Just to note, I have the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk myself, so I'm familiar with the setup!
The UEFI Hard Disk is prioritized already, but I noticed that switching to Legacy mode lets my SSD show up, though it's still not recognized as a bootable option. If I try to boot it, I just get the "unable to boot, please insert a valid bootable device" screen.
Exactly, the installation isn't the problem; it's getting the BIOS to recognize the Windows installation as a bootable option that's the main hurdle.