My NVMe SSD stopped being detected shortly after a Windows update last month, causing a boot loop. I tried switching disk modes, reinstalling Windows, and resetting the CMOS. After the CMOS reset and reinstall, the drive worked again, but the problem returned after another update. Removing the latest update temporarily fixed it, but the computer later restarted unexpectedly and the SSD disappeared from the BIOS completely. I unplugged, cleaned, and reseated the drive, but it still isn't recognized. The system is using AHCI rather than RAID. The SSD is a PNY NVMe drive purchased around 2022 or 2023, and I don't currently have another computer available to test it. What could be causing this?
2 Answers
The SSD may be failing, with the large Windows update simply exposing an existing problem rather than directly damaging it. Since the drive is missing from the BIOS, this is probably below the Windows level. Try shutting the computer down, disconnecting power, holding the power button for about 30 seconds, then reconnecting power and checking whether the BIOS detects the drive. Keep the storage mode set to AHCI, not RAID. If possible, test the SSD in another system or with an NVMe adapter, and check whether PNY has a firmware diagnostic or warranty utility.
There have been reports of certain SSD controllers and firmware versions behaving badly around major operating-system updates. It’s worth checking whether your exact PNY model has a firmware update or known compatibility issue. However, if the SSD remains absent from the BIOS after reseating and a full power discharge, the more likely explanation is a hardware or firmware failure in the drive itself. Windows updates generally cannot make a healthy drive disappear from BIOS.
A controller or firmware issue could explain why the problem appeared after an update, but the drive should still be tested independently before blaming Windows. A second computer, an NVMe enclosure, or a repair shop’s diagnostic test would help distinguish an update problem from a dead SSD.
It is already set to AHCI, and I believe the CMOS reset restored the default settings. The drive is a PNY NVMe SSD from around 2022 or 2023, and it is currently installed in the motherboard.