SSD Became Unbootable? Advice on Recovering Data

An SSD (Solid State Drive) is a type of storage device used in computers and other electronic devices to store data. It offers faster, more durable, and more energy-efficient performance than traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives).

However, many users complain that their SSDs suddenly become unbootable, leaving the data on the drives inaccessible. If you're facing this issue, don’t panic—this article provides essential advice on recovering data from an SSD that won’t boot. By following the steps outlined here, you can retrieve your valuable data and potentially restore your SSD to normal functionality.

Why My SSD Suddenly Became Unbootable?

Before diving into advice on recovering data from an unbootable SSD, let’s first explore the potential reasons why your SSD failed to boot. Here are several common causes for an SSD suddenly becoming unbootable:

➤ Corrupted File System: A corrupted file system can make your SSD unbootable. This can happen because of improper shutdowns, power surges, or malware infections.
➤ Firmware Issues: Outdated or corrupted firmware can cause the SSD to fail. To keep your SSD working well, you should update its firmware regularly.
➤ Hardware Failure: SSDs, like all electronic devices, can fail because of hardware problems. This might happen due to wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or physical damage.
➤ Malware or Virus Infections: Malware or viruses can damage the SSD’s boot sector, making it unbootable. To avoid this, you should scan your system for malware regularly.
➤ Power Surges: Sudden power surges can harm the SSD’s internal parts, causing it to fail. Using a surge protector can help reduce this risk.

SSD Became Unbootable? Advice on Recovering Data

When your SSD becomes unbootable, it can be a stressful experience, especially if you have important files stored on it. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to recover files from an SSD that won’t boot. Below, we’ll explore four effective fixes step-by-step.

Fix 1. Recover Data from an SSD that Won’t Boot

If your SSD has become unbootable, the first step is to ensure your data is safe. Before attempting any repairs, you can use a professional recovery tool to restore your data from the SSD. One of the most reliable tools for this task is AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery. This software is specifically designed to help users recover data from a wide range of devices, including SSDs, HDDs, SD cards, and USB drives.

Key Features of AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery:

Recover 1000+ File Types: Restore documents, pictures, videos, email files, and more.

Handle Complex Data Loss Scenarios: Retrieve data lost due to disk formatting, system crashes, virus attacks, and other challenging situations.

Recover from Unbootable SSDs: Supports data recovery from failed or unbootable SSDs, as long as the drive is detectable and Trim is not enabled.

Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, and 7.

Let’s use AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery to recover files from an SSD that won't boot

Step 1: Install and launch this software; select the SSD that won’t boot normally and click Scan.

Step 2: Then, the software starts to scan your drive. It will execute the “Quick Scan" first to find your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3: Once the scan is completed, all deleted files will be displayed. Select the ones you want to restore and click Recover. It is advised to preview them before proceeding, ensuring you are recovering the right ones.

Step 4: Save the recovered files to a different drive to avoid overwriting data. Wait patiently for this process to end.

Fix 2. Boot into Safe Mode

If your SSD is unbootable due to software issues, such as corrupted drivers or malware, consider booting into Safe Mode and transferring all the data to another device. Safe Mode loads only the essential drivers and services, which can help you bypass the issue causing the SSD to fail. Here’s how to recover data from an SSD that won't boot.

Step 1. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to shut down, then restart. Repeat this three times to trigger Windows Recovery Mode. 

Step 2. In the recovery screen, select Advanced options > Startup Settings.

Step 3. Click Restart located in the bottom-right corner of the following screen, and press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.

Step 4. After entering safe mode, open File Explorer to find your SSD and copy your important files to an external drive, USB, or cloud storage.

Step 5. If system files are corrupted, use tools like System File Checker or Check Disk to repair the drive. If you suspect malware, run a full system scan using antivirus software to fix it.

Fix 3. Check for SSD Firmware

Sometimes, an SSD becomes unbootable due to outdated or corrupted firmware. Firmware is the low-level software that controls the SSD's operations, and updating it can resolve many issues. Follow these steps to recover files from an SSD that won't boot by updating firmware:

Step 1. After connecting your SSD to another desktop, press Windows + X and click on Device Manager.

Step 2. Expand the Disk Drives section and check your SSD model.

Step 3. Go to the official website of your SSD’s manufacturer and search for the firmware update tool to download.

Step 4. Run the firmware update tool and follow the on-screen instructions to check for and install the latest firmware.

Step 5. After the firmware update is complete, restart your computer.

Fix 4. Seek Professional Help

If none of the above methods work, it may be time to seek professional help. Data recovery experts have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from unbootable SSDs, even in cases of severe hardware failure. Contact a reliable data recovery service and provide them with details about your SSD and the issue you’re experiencing. They will evaluate the situation and provide you with a tailored solution to recover your data.

Summary

If your SSD has suddenly become unbootable, don’t panic—this article provides essential advice on recovering data from it. To ensure your data stays safe, it is recommended to use AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery to recover files from an SSD that won’t boot before repairing. This software features a user-friendly interface, advanced recovery algorithms, and comprehensive SSD support, making it an excellent choice for SSD data recovery. Take action today and regain control of your valuable data.

FAQs

Q1: Can I recover data from an SSD that won’t boot?

Yes, you can recover data from an unbootable SSD using tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery or by seeking professional data recovery services.

Q2: How do I know if my SSD firmware is outdated?

You can check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates and compare the version with the one currently installed on your SSD.

Q3: How can I prevent my SSD from becoming unbootable?

Regularly update your SSD firmware, use a surge protector, and avoid improper shutdowns to reduce the risk of your SSD becoming unbootable.