Windows 8.1 – Enabling AHCI After Installing Windows

Joe Computer Tech

I recently upgraded to a SSD drive at home but wanted to get the most out of it by switching to AHCI mode in the BIOS. Now I knew if I just made the swap Windows would just freak out and keep rebooting. I did a bit of research and found this to be the easiest way to accomplish the change. I found a quick and simple guide for enabling AHCI here:

Problem:

I have Windows 8.1 installed on an SSD but my SATA controller in the BIOS has been configured to IDE rather than AHCI ever since Windows was installed.

Solution:

  • Press Ctrl + X and select Command Prompt (A)dmin from the menu and then enter the following command:
bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal
  • Reboot and then enter the BIOS (typically press F1, F2, F10 or Delete)
  • Change the SATA drive setting to AHCI and exit the BIOS save settings.
  • Windows will boot into Safe Mode.
  • Open an Administrator Command Prompt again and enter the following command to disable Safe Mode boot:
bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot
  • Reboot

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