With the M.2 SSD set as a boot drive, you’re now ready to install Windows 10. Navigate through the BIOS menu to the tab labeled “Save & Exit.” Choose “Save Changes and Exit.” Your PC will automatically reboot. Newer motherboards will automatically default to UEFI, but in some cases you’ll need to manually switch from “Legacy” to “UEFI.” If you don’t see an M.2 SSD listed, you may need to manually set the motherboard to be in “M.2 Mode.” Learn how to do that HERE.Ģ.) Set the Storage Boot Option Control to “UEFI” In our case, the ADATA SX8200 SSD is the only drive installed. Turn on your PC and press the “Delete” or “F2” key when prompted to enter BIOS, then confirm or set your M.2 SSD as the first boot option. All images are for illustrative purposes only.ġ.) Enter BIOS to ensure the M.2 SSD is being recognized by the motherboard. For reference, our custom iBuyPower PC featured a Gigabyte Z370 Aorus motherboard. Search URL: How to Make an M.2 SSD a Boot DriveĪuthor’s note: BIOS will look different depending on your motherboard’s manufacturer.

Special thanks to ADATA, iBuyPower, and Microsoft for providing the demonstration materials in this how-to guide! This guide will show you how to setup the M.2 SSD as a boot drive, as well as start the installation process for Windows 10. Installing Windows 10 on an M.2 SSD isn’t difficult, but there are a few things to you’ll need to confirm or configure in order for your PC to recognize the desired drive. Now that you’ve installed a new M.2 SSD (solid state drive) into your PC, the next steps are to make this blazing-fast storage device bootable and also setup Windows 10.

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