I'm trying to install Ubuntu alongside Windows on my SSD but it doesn't recognize the SSD disk. I'm trying to install it on my Acer Nitro 5 AN515-52-71X7 with windows 10.
1 Answer
This is an overview of how I solved a similar issue on an Acer Aspire 3 (A315-56-533A), but it is rather brief since I don't have access to the laptop to check all the small details. Sorry! I still hope this helps someone else with this issue.
The underlying issue is similar to this answer. But on at least some Acer laptops there is an Acer specific trick to it.
In my case I don't remember how I set up the Kubuntu 20.04 USB thumb drive (possibly the dangerous dd method). I suspect multiple thumb drive solutions will work. Also I didn't need to meddle with secure boot and such.
Some of my sources had photos: 1, 2, 3, 4
- Disable "fast startup" from Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > System Settings. Alternatively this can maybe be done outside Windows as well - see step 7.
- Update BIOS (probably only possible from within Windows).
If I understood user egydiocoelho correctly, step 3 helps keep Windows functional. I didn't try it, since I went Ubuntu only. If you also don't need Windows, you can continue from step 4.
- Win + r and type
msconfig. Go to system startup and activate safeboot. - Press F2 at boot time to get to the boot menu.
- Navigate to the "Main" tab and press CTRL+s to reveal the hidden option.
- Change the newly revealed "SATA Mode" to AHCI.
- At the bottom, disable "Fast Boot" if you didn't do step 2.
