So you finally got an SSD and booted Windows to it.
But after restarting the computer, the OS fails to load.
You get an error showing Windows cannot load from the gadget.
So what has really gone wrong?
Without further ado, lets start.
For USB drives, the BIOS first recognizes the USB 2.0 ports first.
And hence any operating systems loaded into it will fail to start.
Also, the boot priority order can prevent booting from a USB SSD.
If the USB gear is not set to the highest priority, it will not load up Windows.
So, how can you fix these issues?
Its quite simple, actually.
Just go through the solutions below one by one in the same order and implement them on your system.
Check our latest post oncan SSD cause blue screen?
Put SSD in the Highest Boot Priority
Typically the BIOS gives the internal drives the most priority.
Since you need the SSD to boot, change its position and bring it right to the top.
Boot priority is typically found in Boot prefs.
If not, move on to the next step.
Are you stuck entering the BIOS?
This article goes in-depth to show you how toenter BIOS or UEFI in Windows 11.
However, this also has a downside in the fact that the BIOS sometimes unrecognizes external drives.
As a remedy, you might disableUSB Legacy Devicesfrom the BIOS.
Look out forLegacy Supportand disable it.
When you are done, press theF10key and save the changes.
Also, change the Internal USB 3.0 controller fromEnabledtoAuto.
This makes sure the USB 3.0 ports remain active and your BIOS detects any connected devices.
Disable Fastboot
Fastboot was first used with Windows 8 to bring quick boot-up in computers.
This disables any USB drives connected as well as the optical and web connection drives.
Hence, disable it, and this should make the BIOS recognize the USB drives.
you’re free to disable Fastboot inside Windows and from the BIOS as well.
Now Fastboot will be turned off for your rig.
The BIOS also contains options to turn off Fastboot.
This is the Fastboot prefs inside an ASUS motherboard, which happens to power my rig.
Dont have Secure Boot or TPM?
Dont let these hold you back from embracing Windows 11.
Learn how tofix secure boot errors to update to Windows 11.
If secure boot is turned on, you cannot run softwares such as trainers.
It is advised to enable secure boot so that the overall security of the computer increases.
If you do not find the controls, consult your motherboard manufacturers manual.
The prefs for every motherboard differ from one manufacturer to the other.
Windows 11 requires you to have Secure Boot turned on.
And you did exactly that.
But what to do when Windows 11 fails to recognize it?
It is a good practice to repair the BCD if you cannot load Windows in the first place.
But to do that, first boot into the internal drive that contains a working Windows.
Then enter the recovery mode to start fixing the boot code.
It can be eitherMBRorGPT.
For MBR disks, the GPT column will be empty.
So we know our disk key in.
And we will use the command prompt too in this step.
Wait for all processes to complete.
Press theYkey when the system asks to add the drive to the boot list.
Here is my external drive showing up after Windows identifies it correctly.
Related contents you should read aboutuse old SSD on a new computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why wont my computer boot from the SSD?
If the SSD is not set at the highest boot priority, it will not boot.
To change this, enter the BIOS and go toBoot>Boot Priority>Ist Boot gear>SSD.
Can we boot from an external SSD?
Yes, both Windows and macOS support booting from an external USB machine.
Why wont my BIOS recognize my SSD?
If the SSD is not correctly formatted, the operating system will fail to recognize it.
Additionally, it needs to be correctly connected for the BIOS to detect it.
Conclusion
Thats it.
Now it’s possible for you to boot from the external SSD and enjoy the fast speeds.
The best part is, you dont even have to open your rig.
Just plug and play the drive.
Until next time, its goodbye.
