Why did my SSD 'disappear' from my system?

A sudden loss of power or rare software events can cause a system to fail to recognize an installed SSD. If your desktop does not recognize your SSD, it can be returned to normal operating condition by completing a power cycle procedure in most cases. The instructions detailed below will only take a few minutes and should be followed by optimizing your power settings for SSD use. This process is non-destructive, and your data will be intact if the event that triggered the SSD malfunction does not affect your file system as well.  

Apple® and Windows® desktop users follow the same steps.

1. If possible, connect to the SSD via a hard drive enclosure or USB adapter, then plug it into a USB port (preferably a different system, if possible, to rule out system-level malfunctions). Whether the drive is visible or not, let it sit in this state for a minimum of five minutes to allow the SSD to rebuild its mapping tables, then reboot the system and see if the drive is restored.
2. If a USB adapter is not available, reseat the drive and boot into your system’s BIOS or UEFI with the drive connected normally for a minimum of five minutes to allow the drive to attempt this same rebuild, then reboot the system and see if the drive is restored. Note: This mode may be less effective than a USB connection, as some systems will cut power to an attached device if the drive does not mount normally.  
3. If the above steps do not help, try the SSD in another system (if you haven’t already) to rule out the original cables and ports as a potential cause of the behavior.  
4. If the drive is restored and functional, it is recommended to update the firmware to the latest revision (if applicable). The page with the latest firmware revisions can be found on our SSD and firmware page.  
5. If this procedure does not resolve the issue, a replacement may be needed. Please contact us for more assistance. 

A dead SSD is unlikely. A disappearing SSD is far more likely to be caused by a software, cable or power supply issue. All of these can be easily fixed. 

Although rare, there are several reasons why a SSD might vanish from your system during normal operation.   

• Overheating: Overheating issues are common causes of system crashes and hardware problems. Make sure your system cooling is sufficient. If you have a desktop, check that your cable management is not impeding airflow. 
• Faulty installation: A drive that has not been properly installed could have an intermittent or weak connection to your cable or motherboard. Check your hardware has been seated and installed properly. Ensure the connections are securely in place. 
• Incompatible: Most devices are widely compatible, but there are exceptions. Use the Crucial System Scanner next time you upgrade to guarantee a compatible component. 
• System firmware: Is your system firmware (BIOS) up to date? Some compatibility issues or known bugs can be resolved by making sure you are running the latest versions. 
• Drive firmware: Likewise, is the firmware of your SSD up to date? Make sure to use the Crucial Storage Executive tool on your Crucial hardware. You can also find firmware updates on our SSD support page. 
• Not enough power: It’s possible that your system’s power supply is not up to the task of delivering enough power to all your installed devices. Demanding components like graphics cards can draw a lot of power when in use, so it’s possible that upgrading your power supply unit (PSU) is the answer. Unplug other components from the PSU first and see if the problem disappears. If it does, maybe a PSU upgrade is what you need.  
• Bad cables: Bad cables can be another cause of disappearing SSDs. Low-quality, old or damaged cables may not be delivering the secure power and data connections that your device needs, even if they have been connected properly. 
• Bad drive: It’s possible that you simply have a bad drive. Hardware can fail. Check your warranty and make a claim if it is still valid. 
  

Data at rest on the device is unlikely to be lost if your SSD disappears. If you were copying or moving data at the time the SSD disappeared, then it’s possible this could be lost or corrupted. Remember, a good backup strategy is your friend.