Question Problems with installing Windows 10 on M.2

[Sepppuku]

I am currently having issues with installing Windows 10 to my new M.2 SSD. Here are my specs:

Motherboard: ASUS TUF Z270 Mark-1
SSD: Samsung Evo 970 NVMe

When I start the Windows 10 installation from the USB drive, everything seems to work fine. I delete all the M.2 partitions, then choose that drive for installing the OS. When the installation is done, my computer restarts, but instead of continuing the installation, it goes straight back to booting to the USB-stick, and wants to start a new and fresh install.

Here is what I have already tried:

Change the boot priority so the M.2 is first, and USB is second. Results in not wanting to boot or going straight to BIOS.

Remove the USB before continuing the installation process. It then tries to boot to the M.2, which gives the message "Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key."

After the first installation process is completed, I can go to BIOS and boot right to the M.2, which gives me nothing but rebooting to BIOS.

Any suggestions?

 

[Ori0n]

I am currently having issues with installing Windows 10 to my new M.2 SSD. Here are my specs:

Motherboard: ASUS TUF Z270 Mark-1
SSD: Samsung Evo 970 NVMe

When I start the Windows 10 installation from the USB drive, everything seems to work fine. I delete all the M.2 partitions, then choose that drive for installing the OS. When the installation is done, my computer restarts, but instead of continuing the installation, it goes straight back to booting to the USB-stick, and wants to start a new and fresh install.

Here is what I have already tried:

Change the boot priority so the M.2 is first, and USB is second. Results in not wanting to boot or going straight to BIOS.

Remove the USB before continuing the installation process. It then tries to boot to the M.2, which gives the message "Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key."

After the first installation process is completed, I can go to BIOS and boot right to the M.2, which gives me nothing but rebooting to BIOS.

Any suggestions?

Hello there.

Don't quote me on this but I believe most (if not all) MB's come with an option to tap a function key which enables you to select what device to boot from.

So order your devices like this M.2 first, then the USB.
Hit the function key for the initial install to boot from USB then let it go through the restart. Maybe that'll sort your issue as it will then go to M.2.

 

[Ori0n]

Just a quick question.

Have you gone through the BIOS settings to turn the appropriate options off/on?

 

[Sepppuku]

Just a quick question.

Have you gone through the BIOS settings to turn the appropriate options off/on?

Yes, I think so. Are there any specifc options you have in mind?

 

[Calvin7]

You don't need to choose a boot drive. You need only the NVMe drive connected.

There is a guide in this thread - second post:

Can't boot from M.2 NVMe SSD

I had a Samsung 850 SSD (SATA) with Windows 10 on it. I bought Samsung 970 SSD (M.2). Turned off the computer, plugged it in, inserted a bootable USB stick with Windows 10 on it. Went directly to BIOS and changed boot priority to boot from the stick. Then, I installed Windows 10 on the new drive...

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[Ori0n]

Yes, I think so. Are there any specifc options you have in mind?

I believe you have to disable CSM (compatibility support module) before trying to install. and..... yes follow that link posted by Calvin7

 

[Sepppuku]

I believe you have to disable CSM (compatibility support module) before trying to install. and..... yes follow that link posted by Calvin7

When I turn CSM off, my M.2 does not show up in boot nor bios.

 

[Ori0n]

When I turn CSM off, my M.2 does not show up in boot nor bios.

Did u turn secure boot off?

 

[Sepppuku]

Did u turn secure boot off?

I cant turn secure boot off, only change OS Type or key management for secure boot keys.
The Secure Boot State is greyed out and im unable to change it.

 

[Ori0n]

I cant turn secure boot off, only change OS Type or key management for secure boot keys.
The Secure Boot State is greyed out and im unable to change it.

I'll have a look at ur MB manual.

 

[Ori0n]

I cant turn secure boot off, only change OS Type or key management for secure boot keys.
The Secure Boot State is greyed out and im unable to change it.

Try changing to Other OS non-UEFI Mode. then clear secure boot keys and try again.

 

[Ori0n]

If that works make sure to turn secure boot back to uefi mode a install default secure boot keys.

 

[karenjoly]

Ignore that stuff about secure boot and obscure keys and "other OS". It is irrelevant and certainly not required to install windows. If you are installing onto an UEFI mboard, CSM does not matter one way or the other. In fact leaving it on will duplicate the drives recognized by the board but only one will be bootable in any event by an UEFI system.

Here are the steps to take.

Create an up to date USB install media by following the steps outlined here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10
Then disconnect or disable all hdd /ssd drives but the one where you will install windows.

Insert the USB media tool, with the windows install files, into the board. Next startup and go to the board setup and ensure the board is configured to use UEFI boot settings and SATA mode set to AHCI.

On the motherboard boot device menu, select the command that identifies both the firmware mode and the device. For example, select UEFI: USB Drive or Windows Boot Manager: USB and list that device in the first boot slot on the board.
Reboot. Install begins.

When choosing an installation type, select Custom. On new disks, the drive will show a single area of unallocated space. If there are partitions, select each one and then "delete".

Select the unallocated space and click Next. Windows detects that the PC was booted into UEFI mode, partitions the drive using the GPT and begins the installation.

NOTE: Any data on the drive will be lost

 

[Sepppuku]

Try changing to Other OS non-UEFI Mode. then clear secure boot keys and try again.

Still not able to boot from the M.2 after initial windows install.

 

[Ori0n]

Still not able to boot from the M.2 after initial windows install.

Karenjoly might want to jump in here. They clearly have more experience in these matters. I'm happy to continue to help if your problem doesn't get solved.

 

[Sepppuku]

Ignore that stuff about secure boot and obscure keys and "other OS". It is irrelevant and certainly not required to install windows. If you are installing onto an UEFI mboard, CSM does not matter one way or the other. In fact leaving it on will duplicate the drives recognized by the board but only one will be bootable in any event by an UEFI system.

Here are the steps to take.

Create an up to date USB install media by following the steps outlined here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10
Then disconnect or disable all hdd /ssd drives but the one where you will install windows.

Insert the USB media tool, with the windows install files, into the board. Next startup and go to the board setup and ensure the board is configured to use UEFI boot settings and SATA mode set to AHCI.

On the motherboard boot device menu, select the command that identifies both the firmware mode and the device. For example, select UEFI: USB Drive or Windows Boot Manager: USB and list that device in the first boot slot on the board.
Reboot. Install begins.

When choosing an installation type, select Custom. On new disks, the drive will show a single area of unallocated space. If there are partitions, select each one and then "delete".

Select the unallocated space and click Next. Windows detects that the PC was booted into UEFI mode, partitions the drive using the GPT and begins the installation.

NOTE: Any data on the drive will be lost

Thanks for the detailed explanation. After following your steps, I end up in the same roadblock as earlier. When the first installation is complete, and the computer restarts, it goes straight back to the USB-sticks' installation, where I have to choose between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. It will not continue the installation after restarting, just loops back into the first Windows Setup.

 

[karenjoly]

Can you try the drive in another machine to verify that it works, ie, is recognized by windows , gets initialized, etc.? I would take it to a shop if necessary because otherwise, I suggest you return the drive under warranty.

 

[Sepppuku]

Can you try the drive in another machine to verify that it works, ie, is recognized by windows , gets initialized, etc.? I would take it to a shop if necessary because otherwise, I suggest you return the drive under warranty.

Tried it in a mates' pc, same issue when installing. When I boot my pc regulary from my SSD boot drive, the M.2 appears to be working, can move files in and out from it. I will contact the seller tomorrow.

 

[karenjoly]

ok
if you reinstall windows again, remember to disconnect any other drive before the process starts.