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Fix: Windows 10 Thinks Hard Drive / SSD is Removable
Give a try to these quick methods now
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 24, 2023
updated onOctober 24, 2023
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Key notes
SomeWindows 10users have reported concerns over the system thinking that theirhard drives or SSDs are removable. If you’re experiencing the same, this article will help you resolve the issue.
WhenWindows 10thinks hard drive is removable, it could also show your external USB flash drive in the Disk Drive section. But what is happening there?
This behavior is known to be found in systems where the installed SATA AHCI driver is in conflict with thecomputer’s motherboardand/or BIOS. By default, Windows will install a generic SATA AHCI driver when you install the operating system so that it gives basic functionality across different products.
In this case, the best thing is to install the most current drivers, such as SATA related drivers. For Intel systems, this would be the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver that handles AHCI functionalities, as AMD has its own AHCI driver. The problem at hand is manifested when your internal SATA HDDs or SSDs are displayed as removable media in your taskbar.
Here are solutions you can use whenWindows 10thinks hard drive is removable.
What to do if Windows 10 thinks hard drive is removable?
1. General troubleshooting
2. Update BIOS from device manufacturer
Check and install available BIOS updates, but if none exist, use the steps below to override how the inbox driver surfaces devices on specific ports:
(xcorrespondsto the Bus Number you noted in the previous step).
3. Use Registry Editor
Disclaimer:Before changing anything in the Registry Editor, back up your registry first.
4. Modify in Device Manager
5. Check BIOS
Go into your BIOS and check if the SATA port to which your hard drive is connected to has the Hot Plug enabled. It could mean that your motherboard supports hot-swapping of hard drives, which you can disable the AHCI feature on your motherboard and it will disappear.
Here’s how to enter BIOS settings on yourWindows 10computer:
Here’s what to do if youcan’t hear your hard drive powering up.
6. User suggested solutions
Here are some additional solutions suggested by users on Microsoft’s forum:
Did you know, you can change the serial number of a hard disk. And if you get theUnable to write to this disk in driveerror, changing the file system will do!
Did any of these solutions help? Let us know in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Fix Hard Drive issues,hard drive
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
