Switch to AHCI Mode in BIOS: No Windows Reinstall

Learn how to enable AHCI mode for SATA in BIOS without the need to reinstall Windows with this comprehensive guide. Discover step-by-step instructions and essential tips to seamlessly configure AHCI mode on your system. Dive deep into the BIOS settings and explore insider techniques to make the transition hassle-free. Don’t let the fear of reinstalling Windows hold you back – empower yourself with the knowledge to enable AHCI mode effortlessly!

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How to Enable AHCI Mode Without Reinstalling Windows, INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE Error 💻🛠️🤔

How to Enable AHCI Mode Without Reinstalling Windows, INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE Error 💻🛠️🤔

IDE and AHCI

The SATA interface can operate in two modes, IDE and AHCI:

  • IDE – a compatibility mode for older equipment and software. In fact, in this mode SATA capcity is no different from its predecessor, ATA (or PATA) interface;
  • AHCI – a new mode for memory devices, where a computer can use all SATA advantages, primarily higher speed of data exchange with SSD and HDD (Native Command Queuing technology, or NCQ), as well as hot swapping of hard disks. When you activate AHCI mode, it increases the speed of access to files in memory devices and improves overall performance of your computer.
Switch to AHCI Mode in BIOS: No Windows Reinstall

Many people can ask quite a logical question: why have IDE mode for a SATA disk, if AHCI mode is natural for it enabling this SATA disk to completely realize its potential? Moreover, many motherboard manufacturers supply products with a default option to support PATA compatibility mode – IDE.

The matter is that operation of disk controllers in AHCI mode is supported in operating systems beginning with Windows Vista. That is, if you connect a disk with Windows XP to the system with AHCI-enabled controllers, you will run into a BSOD error (“the blue screen of death”). On the other hand, any SATA disk can work in IDE mode. Without kowing it, many users will feel no difference. In this way, computer manufacturers are trying to avoid possible problems with compatibility of hardware and software.

Another important difference between IDE and AHCI concerns working with SSDs. Remember that you can’t install an operating system on an SSD in IDE mode – it requires AHCI to be enabled.

Characteristic IDE AHCI
Full Name Integrated Drive Electronics Advanced Host Controller Interface
Performance Lower performance due to data transfer speed limitations Higher performance, supports high-speed data transfer
Feature Support Basic data transfer functions Supports NCQ (Native Command Queuing) and hot-swapping
Compatibility Compatible with older motherboards and drives Modern standard, compatible with new motherboards and SSDs
Hot Swapping Not supported Supported
NCQ (Native Command Queuing) Not supported Supported
Application Suitable for legacy systems and devices Recommended for modern OS and SSDs
Boot Speed Slower OS and program loading Fast OS boot and increased program performance

How to Find out Which Mode the Computer’s Controller is Using?

It is quite possible that AHCI mode is already enabled in your PC. It can be checked in several ways:

Method 1. Device Manager

  • Go to Device Manager
  • Open the section “IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers”
  • If there is a device containing “AHCI” in its name as in our case, it means that AHCI mode is used in this computer.
Device Manager

Method 2. BIOS or UEFI

  • Go to BIOS or UEFI.

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    How to Enter BIOS or UEFI in a Computer or Laptop and Boot from a Flash Drive or a CD, DVD 💽🛠️💻

    How to Enter BIOS or UEFI in a Computer or Laptop and Boot from a Flash Drive or a CD, DVD 💽🛠️💻

  • Find an item with the name «Storage options», «SATA Mode», «SATA Emulation» or anything similar.

  • If the value of such item is «AHCI» then AHCi mode is already enabled.

    Hewlett-Packard Computer Setup. «AHCI Mode»

  • If the value says «IDE», don’t hurry to change it into «AHCI».

    Hewlett-Packard Computer Setup. «IDE Mode»

    The matter us that if you just enable AHCI mode after Windows installation, you will face a BSOD error, INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE (which is known as “blue screen of death”) or your system will refuse to boot, getting stuck in a series of restarts. That is why it is recommended to enable AHCI before installing Windows.

    error INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE

Please take note, that in some computers, there is no BIOS option to change to AHCI mode. In this case, the problem can sometimes be fixed by updating the BIOS.

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How to Update BIOS For ASUS, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Acer, Samsung, Gigabyte, Asrock, AMI, Phenix Award 💽💻🤔

How to Update BIOS For ASUS, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Acer, Samsung, Gigabyte, Asrock, AMI, Phenix Award 💽💻🤔

How to Enable AHCI Mode for SATA on a Computer Where Windows is Already Installed?

There are several ways to enable AHCI mode for SATA on a computer where Windows is already installed, and Windows will work normally after this operation:

Method 1. Registry Editor

  • Run Registry Editor.

  • To do it, press Win + R and type in the command regedit.

  • Go to the section HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SYSTEM\ CurrentControlSet\ Services\ iaStorV

    Regedit. Go to the section HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SYSTEM CurrentControlSet Services iaStorV

  • Double-click on Start element and set its value to 0 (zero).

    Regedit. Double-click on Start element and set its value to 0 (zero).

  • In the next section, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SYSTEM\ CurrentControlSet\ Services\ iaStorAV\ StartOverride set the zero value for the element 0.

    Regedit. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SYSTEM CurrentControlSet Services iaStorAV StartOverride set the zero value for the element 0

  • In the section HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SYSTEM\ CurrentControlSet\ Services\ storahci set the value to 0 (zero) for Start element.

    Regedit. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SYSTEM CurrentControlSet Services storahci set the value to 0 (zero) for Start element.

  • In the subsection, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SYSTEM\ CurrentControlSet\ Services\ storahci\ StartOverride set the zero value for the element 0.
    In our case, there is nothing to see, but you will see it, if AHCI has not been enabled yet.

  • Close Registry Editor.

  • Restart the computer and go to UEFI or BIOS. For the first time after the restart, it is better to boot Windows in safe mode.

    All methods to boot Windows in safe mode:

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    How to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode (All Methods) 👨‍💻⚙️🛠️

    How to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode (All Methods) 👨‍💻⚙️🛠️

  • In UEFI or BIOS, find SATA settings to select the mode for memory devices. Switch them to AHCI, save settings and restart the computer.

    Hewlett-Packard Computer Setup. «AHCI Mode»

  • After the restart, Windows will start installation of SATA drivers, and when it is over, it will ask you for another restart. Do it, and AHCI mode in Windows will be enabled.

If the first method didn’t work for some reason, is another way to to it. To begin with, if you have problems with booting Windows in AHCI mode, go back to IDE and restart the computer.

Hewlett-Packard Computer Setup. «IDE Mode»

Method 2. Command prompt

  • Launch the Command prompt as Administrator.

  • Type in the command prompt: “bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal” and press Enter.

    bcdedit /set {current}

    Type in the command prompt: “bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal” and press Enter.

  • After you see a message that the operation is successful, restart the computer.

  • Before booting your PC, enable AHCI in BIOS or UEFI using the method we have already described, and save the settings.

  • The computer will boot in safe mode and install all necessary drivers.

    Safe Mode

  • Launch the Command prompt as Administrator again and type in bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot.

    bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

    Safe Mode. CMD

  • After the command is executed, restart the computer again. This time, Windows should boot with AHCI enabled and without any problems.

As you can see, these actions can theoretically result in unwanted consequences such as inability to start the operating system. That is why you should do it only if you know why you do it, if you can enter BIOS or UEFI, and if you are ready to fix unforeseen consequences if anything happens. For example, you may have to reinstall Windows in AHCI mode.

If accidental or hurried actions made you reinstall your operating system and lose important data, read this article to learn how to recover them: «I Reinstalled Windows! Can I Recover My Data?».

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How to Recover Data After Resetting Windows 10, Resetting a Laptop to Factory Settings 📁🔥⚕️

How to Recover Data After Resetting Windows 10, Resetting a Laptop to Factory Settings 📁🔥⚕️

Vladimir Artiukh

Author: , Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: , Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • Why is it important to enable the AHCI mode for SATA in the BIOS?

    AHCI mode is important for SATA because it allows the computer to take advantage of advanced features such as hot-swapping, native command queuing, and power management. It also allows the computer to recognize and configure SATA devices more efficiently, resulting in improved performance.

  • What are the possible consequences of not enabling AHCI mode?
    1. Reduced performance: AHCI mode allows for the best performance from modern hard drives and SSDs, as it enables features such as Native Command Queuing (NCQ) and Hot-Plugging. Without AHCI mode enabled, these features will not be available, resulting in reduced performance.
    2. Increased risk of data corruption: AHCI mode ensures that data is written to the disk in an orderly manner, reducing the risk of data corruption. Without AHCI mode enabled, the risk of data corruption increases.
    3. Inability to use advanced features: AHCI mode enables features such as Native Command Queuing (NCQ) and Hot-Plugging, which are not available without AHCI mode enabled. This means that users will not be able to take advantage of these advanced features.
  • How can you check if AHCI mode is already enabled on your computer?

    To check if AHCI mode is already enabled on your computer, you can open the BIOS setup menu. Depending on your computer's BIOS, the option to enable AHCI mode may be located in a different section. Once you have found the option, you can check to see if it is enabled or disabled.

  • What are the steps to enable AHCI mode in the BIOS?
    1. Reboot your computer and press the BIOS key (usually F2, F10, or Del) during the boot process to enter the BIOS settings.
    2. Navigate to the Advanced tab or Advanced Mode and select Integrated Peripherals or Onboard Devices.
    3. Locate the SATA Mode option and select AHCI from the list.
    4. Save your changes and exit the BIOS.
    5. Your computer will now boot in AHCI mode.
  • Can AHCI mode be enabled on any computer or are there specific requirements?

    AHCI mode can be enabled on any computer that has a SATA hard drive, as long as the computer's BIOS supports AHCI mode. The specific requirements for enabling AHCI mode vary depending on the make and model of the computer.

Comments (36)

  • 2cr5battery com
    2cr5battery com 30.10.2023 01:10 #
    Bravo, your idea simply excellent
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 30.10.2023 10:56 #
      We were happy to help)
      Reply
  • Saint Fresh
    Saint Fresh 20.08.2022 15:56 #
    so i have a lenovo ideapad 330-15IKB with the intel core i3-8130 @ 2.20GHz and 8GB ram. The laptop originally came with a 1TB HDD. I just recently replaced the HDD with a hyundai 120gb SSD and am trying to get the SSD all set up and optimized so it is working to its full potential. The issue is the laptop has a broken screen so I use an HDMI cable to my tv when i use, which is honestly preferred for the way i use the laptop. I followed all the instructions on how to enable achi without going into bios and have gotten to the step where it says to close the registry and restart the laptop. It then says to enter uefi/bios and change to change a few setting in the bios screen but the problem is that when the laptop is on the bios screen it does not display the bios screen on my tv, and since the laptop screen is broken i cant see the bios screen. so i need some help on what i would need to do in this case? is there a way to make it so the laptop dipllays the bios screen on my tv through the hdmi cable or what do i need to do next? any helpful information on possible solutions would be greatly greatly appreciated!! i thank you for your time and help in advance.
    Reply
  • alan
    alan 10.08.2022 20:00 #
    I don't have a iaStorAV in registry as indicated. ???
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.08.2022 11:13 #
      Are you sure you did everything right? Check again if you entered the correct path
      Reply
  • Lee Banks
    Lee Banks 26.07.2021 06:38 #
    It was the 2nd method using the command prompt and “bcdedit” to restart in safe mode that worked for me. Got an older PC given to me and I was trying to update with new SSD. Was going nuts trying to get AHCI - SO THANK YOU!!!
    Reply
  • Glenn T.
    Glenn T. 22.02.2021 20:24 #
    I am running a Dell Inspiron 9010 Win10 with a 2TB internal SATA drive. Looking in BIOS under SATA settings it shows my system is set to "ATA". No setting for "IDE" is shown in list. It does have a setting box for change to "AHCI" however. I do not currently have a SSD internally but have used a SDD as an external storage device with a StarTech external HUB adaptor. I have not seen anyone saying that they have found they system showing "ATA" setting existing instead of "IDE". Should I change to "AHCI" and move away from the "ATA" setting or not . Tech Support Guy System Info Utility version 1.0.0.9 OS Version: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro, 64 bit, Build 19042, Installed 20210204072927.000000-300 Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3770 CPU @ 3.40GHz, Intel64 Family 6 Model 58 Stepping 9, CPU Count: 8 Total Physical RAM: 16 GB Graphics Card: Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000 Hard Drives: C: 1861 GB (1696 GB Free); F: 149 GB (40 GB Free); Motherboard: Dell Inc. 0M9KCM, ver A00, s/n /8S3HWV1/CN7220027F011Q/ System: Dell Inc., ver DELL - 1072009, s/n 8S3HWV1 Antivirus: Windows Defender, Disabled
    Reply
  • Josh
    Josh 6.02.2021 19:08 #
    Thanks so much!
    Reply
  • Daedelus20
    Daedelus20 23.01.2021 20:15 #
    Thanks for this. It saved my proverbial bacon. Much appeciated.
    Reply
  • Pantelis Margetis
    Pantelis Margetis 4.12.2020 12:57 #
    What about Windows 7 64 bit. Do you use the same method?
    Reply
  • Tim
    Tim 16.09.2020 04:10 #
    Hi, i used the second idea and got into safe mode and didnt see drivers being stalled as such should i see that on the screen? anyway went out and now the boot drive works in AHCI so we are making progress. Problem- i added 2 drives to sata 3+4 and it still dosent see them and i couldnt even get into Bios this time, it took some time and clicked those drives a bit and then into windows where i still cant see the extra drive and only boot drive and DVD player on 1&2 is there.
    Reply
  • Gourav
    Gourav 23.08.2020 12:04 #
    My BIOS is not having storage option (HP Pavilion G6 1301tx) , BIOS version Insyde F.66
    Reply
    • Igor Khomenko
      Igor Khomenko 25.08.2020 17:17 #
      Some notebooks have limited BIOS, it's a manufacturer restriction
      Reply
  • Hassan Bajwa
    Hassan Bajwa 4.12.2019 12:32 #
    I dont have storage option in my bios (bios version F.16) hp omen 15 please help i am having trouble installing mac os on ubuntu(qemu/kvm )
    Reply
    • Andrey Mareev
      Andrey Mareev 19.12.2019 09:23 #
      All notebooks have limited BIOS, it's a manufacturer restriction
      Reply
  • Emerson Sogen
    Emerson Sogen 28.11.2019 20:51 #
    It was the second method that worked for me, thanks.
    Reply
  • Rich
    Rich 2.06.2019 23:46 #
    Your last suggestion is the one that worked for me. Thanks for the tutorial.
    Reply
  • Rob
    Rob 27.02.2019 04:59 #
    Thank you so much for this write up. Super easy to follow and got me on AHCI without having to reinstall!
    Reply
  • Lance
    Lance 7.12.2018 19:49 #
    I didn't have StorAHCI on my Windows 7 system. YMMV, but, if you have it, you may also try modifying the MSAHCI/Start value to 0. I also created the StartOverride entry for IAStorV (it wasn't there, either), but I probably didn't have to.
    Reply
  • cis
    cis 15.10.2018 14:19 #
    I would like to use AHCI mode for my SSD but standard IDE for my hard disk... or at least be able to enable SMART for the hard disk... or at least have decent tools to monitor the health of the hard disk...
    Reply
  • Nona
    Nona 26.08.2018 04:53 #
    What if the SATA is running RAID - how do you remove RAID? Changing BIOS only does not accomplish removal.
    Reply
  • Robin Watson
    Robin Watson 14.06.2018 09:14 #
    Just tried this method and it turned my reasonably functional VAIO into a purple pumpkin that rolled over and started singing The Blue Ridge Mountains, after which it let out a plume of green smoke and croaked. Nice.
    Reply
    • Marko Vukovic
      Marko Vukovic 20.06.2018 20:55 #
      Sorry for your pain but that was hella funny.
      Reply
  • Lincoln Madgwick
    Lincoln Madgwick 18.05.2017 00:57 #
    Can AHCI mode be disabled after it has been enabled, and if so, what are the steps to do so?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 18.05.2017 01:23 #
      Yes, AHCI mode can be disabled after it has been enabled. To do so, you will need to enter the BIOS setup of your computer and locate the AHCI setting. Depending on your computer's BIOS, you may need to change the setting from “AHCI” to “IDE” or “Legacy IDE”. Once this is done, save the changes and exit the BIOS setup. Your computer should now be running in IDE mode.
      Reply
  • Wilfried Waddilove
    Wilfried Waddilove 17.05.2017 20:43 #
    What are some other tips for optimizing SATA performance?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 17.05.2017 21:18 #
      1. Use a Solid State Drive (SSD) instead of a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). SSDs are much faster than HDDs, so they can significantly improve SATA performance.
      2. Enable write caching. Write caching allows the hard drive to store data in its cache before writing it to the disk, which can improve performance.
      3. Upgrade your SATA cables. If you’re using an older version of SATA, consider upgrading to the newer SATA III cables for improved performance.
      4. Use a RAID array. A RAID array can help improve SATA performance by allowing multiple drives to be combined into a single storage device.
      5. Check your disk defragmentation. Regularly defragmenting your disk can help improve SATA performance by reducing the amount of time it takes to read and write data.
      6. Check your disk for errors. If your disk has errors or bad sectors, it can affect SATA performance, so make sure to check it regularly.
      Reply
  • Swaine Hollinworth
    Swaine Hollinworth 17.05.2017 18:36 #
    Is it necessary to reinstall Windows after enabling AHCI mode?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 17.05.2017 19:11 #
      No, it is not necessary to reinstall Windows after enabling AHCI mode. However, you may need to reinstall certain drivers and update your BIOS to ensure that your system is fully compatible with AHCI mode.
      Reply
  • Reynold Hill
    Reynold Hill 17.05.2017 16:51 #
    What are some common issues that can occur when enabling AHCI mode?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 17.05.2017 17:08 #
      1. Windows may fail to boot after enabling AHCI mode.
      2. The operating system may not recognize the hard drive in AHCI mode.
      3. Devices connected to the SATA ports may not be recognized.
      4. Drivers for the SATA controller may not be installed or updated.
      5. The BIOS settings may need to be adjusted for AHCI mode.
      6. Data corruption or loss of data may occur due to the change in SATA mode.
      Reply
  • Coloman Hascall
    Coloman Hascall 17.05.2017 12:56 #
    What is the difference between IDE and AHCI mode?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 17.05.2017 13:22 #
      IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) mode is a legacy mode of hard drive communication that was used prior to the introduction of SATA. IDE mode uses a single set of commands to control both the hard drive and the interface. AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) mode is the modern standard for SATA hard drives. AHCI mode provides faster communication between the hard drive and the interface, as well as support for advanced features such as Native Command Queuing and hot-swapping.
      Reply
  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 20.07.2018 12:34 #
    Read how to enable AHCI Mode for SATA in BIOS without reinstalling Windows and recommend it to friends. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.
    Reply
    • Pankaj
      Pankaj 9.10.2020 12:47 #
      Hello Sir/Ma'am, I am Pankaj, my problem is did not enable AHCI mode on acer aspire 5733 after installing windows 7 and how enable Advance options, AHCI mode and UEFI on... Please tell me Sir/Ma'am.Thank you
      Reply
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