I recently replaced my 1TB SSD with a shorter 500GB M.2 SSD in my MSI Katana 15 B12V laptop. However, I'm facing issues since neither the BIOS nor my Windows installation USB can detect the new SSD. I'm using an adapter since my laptop doesn't support short M.2 drives natively. Do I need any specific drivers or controllers for this setup?
4 Answers
Double-check if you're using the correct type of M.2 drive. Sometimes, you can mistakenly try to install a SATA drive in a PCIe slot or vice versa. It’s worth noting that newer PCIe drives can fit into older SATA slots, but they won’t work there. Just make sure the slot matches the drive type!
No need for specific drivers; M.2 is just M.2 as long as the port supports it! Just ensure it’s secured properly with a standoff. You can get creative with solutions if it's not fitting just right; many users have improvised!
I modified a 3D printed extension to fit my case, and it worked perfectly!
There are cool alternatives out there if you're looking for custom solutions!
M.2 drives come with various protocols like SATA, NVMe, and PCIe. Make sure that your laptop's chipset supports the type of SSD you've bought. Compatibility is key here!
Have you tried the SSD in another M.2 slot? The detection issues you're experiencing might indicate that the drive itself is faulty. You might want to test that out before diving into driver issues.
I haven’t tested that yet, but it's definitely my next step.

I see an M.2 connector in your setup, so that’s good. Just ensure compatibility!