How to Fix SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD Not Recognized or Detected on Windows 11

Having trouble with your SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD not being recognized or detected on Windows 11? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this guide, we will walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue and get your SSD up and running again. So, let's dive in and fix that problem together!

Restart Your PC

Sometimes, a simple restart can solve many issues. Let's start by restarting your computer and see if the SSD gets recognized. This basic troubleshooting step can help refresh the system and resolve temporary glitches that may be causing the SSD recognition problem. To restart your computer, click on the Start button, select the Power icon, and choose Restart.

Reconnect the SSD

Disconnect the SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD from your computer and then reconnect it firmly to ensure a proper connection. Sometimes, the SSD may not be recognized due to a loose connection or a faulty cable. Unplug the SSD from the USB port, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in. Make sure to connect it securely to avoid any connection issues.

Check the USB Port

Inspect the USB port on your computer for any physical damage or debris that may be preventing proper connectivity. Sometimes, a damaged USB port or accumulated dust can hinder the recognition of external devices. Use a flashlight to check for any bent pins, dirt, or foreign objects inside the port. If you notice any issues, gently clean the port using a soft brush or compressed air. Once clean, reconnect your SSD and check if it is recognized.

Run the Built-in USB Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix problems with USB devices. Let's run it and see if it resolves the issue. To access the troubleshooter, go to the Start menu, type "Troubleshoot settings," and select the matching result. In the Troubleshoot settings, scroll down to find the "Other troubleshooters" section. Click on "USB" and then select "Run the troubleshooter." Follow the on-screen instructions and let Windows diagnose and fix any issues related to your USB devices.

Use the Disk Management Tool

The Disk Management tool in Windows allows you to manage your storage devices. We'll use it to check if the SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD is recognized here. To open Disk Management, right-click on the Start button and select "Disk Management" from the context menu. Look for your SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD in the list of drives. If it appears, it might need a drive letter assignment. Right-click on the SSD, select "Change Drive Letter and Paths," and choose an available letter. Click "OK" to save the changes. If the SSD doesn't appear in Disk Management, move on to the next step.

Run SFC and DISM Scans

System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans can help repair any corrupt system files that might be causing the issue. To run these scans, open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Right-click on the Start button and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the menu. In the Command Prompt window, type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete, and if any errors are found, let Windows fix them. After that, run the DISM scan by typing "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" and pressing Enter. This scan will repair any component store corruption. Once both scans are complete, restart your computer and check if the SSD is recognized.

Update USB Drivers

Outdated or incompatible USB drivers can cause problems with device recognition. Let's update them to ensure compatibility with Windows 11. To update the USB drivers, right-click on the Start button and select "Device Manager" from the menu. In the Device Manager window, expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" category. Right-click on each USB driver and select "Update driver." Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will check for the latest drivers and install them if available. Restart your computer after updating the drivers and check if the SSD is detected.

Uninstall and Reinstall USB Drivers

If updating the drivers doesn't work, uninstalling them completely and then reinstalling them could resolve any underlying issues. To uninstall the USB drivers, follow the previous steps to open the Device Manager. Expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" category, right-click on each USB driver, and select "Uninstall device." After uninstalling all the USB drivers, restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers upon startup. Check if the SSD is recognized after the drivers are reinstalled.

Reformat Your SSD

Formatting the SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD can help eliminate any file system errors that might be preventing its detection. Please note that reformatting will erase all data on the SSD, so make sure to backup any important files before proceeding. To format the SSD, open the Disk Management tool as mentioned earlier. Locate your SSD, right-click on it, and select "Format." Choose a file system (usually NTFS) and a volume label. Uncheck the "Quick Format" option for a more thorough format. Click "OK" to start the formatting process. Once the format is complete, check if the SSD is recognized.

Update Windows

Keeping your operating system up to date is crucial for optimal performance and compatibility. Let's make sure Windows 11 is updated to the latest version. To check for updates, click on the Start button, select the Settings icon, and choose "Windows Update" from the menu. Click on "Check for updates" and let Windows search for any available updates. If updates are found, download and install them. Restart your computer after the updates are installed and check if the SSD is now recognized.

Disable USB Selective Suspension

USB Selective Suspension is a power-saving feature that can sometimes interfere with device recognition. Disabling it may solve the problem. To disable USB Selective Suspension, go to the Power Options in the Control Panel. You can access it by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Power Options." In the Power Options window, click on "Change plan settings" next to your selected power plan. Then, click on "Change advanced power settings." Expand the "USB settings" category and set "USB selective suspend setting" to "Disabled." Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes. Restart your computer and check if the SSD is now recognized.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to fix the issue of your SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD not being recognized or detected on Windows 11. Remember, if one method doesn't work, move on to the next until you find a solution that works for you. Good luck!