How to Fix SSD Showing RAW File System on Windows 11/10

Why is my SSD showing up as RAW?

When a partition appears as RAW in Windows, it indicates that the operating system cannot recognize its file system. This often happens when a drive formatted for macOS is connected to a Windows PC. Additionally, if a partition or volume becomes corrupted, it may also display as RAW.

There are various reasons for SSDshowing RAW file system, either abruptly or gradually due to file system changes. Understanding the causes can help in preventing and resolving RAW drive issues on Windows PCs.

➻ Bad sectors: A bad sector is a damaged section of the storage unit where data becomes unreadable. Any information stored in that area is lost, and the operating system bypasses it when scanning or reading the drive.

➻ Virus or malware attacks: If a hard drive is compromised by a virus, it may lead to improper formatting, converting the file system to RAW.

➻ File system errors: A RAW drive lacks a recognizable file system, making it unreadable to Windows.

➻ Improper usage: Mishandling storage devices can contribute to file system corruption. Physical impact, overheating, power surges, and sudden shutdowns can all damage the drive.

Now that the potential causes are clear, let’s explore effective methods to resolve RAW drive issues and restore access to your data.

How to fix SSD showing RAWfile system issue

A RAW or damaged hard drive doesn’t always mean it’s beyond recovery. Unless there is physical damage, the issue is usually fixable. However, restoring the RAW drive may come at the expense of losing some or all data. There are four methods to resolve this error—let’s explore them in detail.

Way 1. Fix a RAW SSD using Chkdsk

Your PC comes equipped with built-in tools to diagnose and repair SSD errors, one of which is Chkdsk—a command-line utility accessible through Command Prompt. If you're unfamiliar with running commands, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Open the Start menu, type Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2. In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk C: /f /r (Replace "C" with the actual drive letter of your RAW SSD.)

Chkdsk will scan the RAW partition, inspect the file system and metadata, and attempt to repair both logical and physical errors. However, this method doesn’t always work for SSD showing RAW file system. If Chkdsk fails, proceed to the next solution.

Way 2. Fix the issues with Disk Check tool

Microsoft’s Check Disk tool is another built-in utility designed to scan for disk issues and repair system errors. Unlike Chkdsk, this tool doesn’t require command-line input, making it easier to use. Follow these steps to run Disk Check from File Explorer:

Step 1. Open File Explorer and locate your RAW SSD.

Step 2. Right-click the drive and select Properties.

Step 3. Navigate to the Tools tab and click Check, then confirm by selecting OK.

Step 4. Choose either Repair drive or Scan drive, depending on the available options.

Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully to complete the process.

Once the scan finishes, restart your computer and try accessing your RAW SSD again. If the issue persists, it means Disk Check couldn’t repair the partition. Don’t worry—there are still two more options to try, but be aware that both involve formatting the SSD, which will erase all stored data.

Way 3. Format the RAW partition using DiskPart

You can manually format a RAW hard drive using Command Prompt, but be aware that this method will erase all data. To proceed, follow these Diskpart commands and Windows utilities.

Step 1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges. Alternatively, search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2. Once Command Prompt is open, enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

diskpart

list disk

select disk 1 (Replace "1" with the actual number of your RAW SSD)

list partition

select partition 1 (Replace "1" with the actual volume number of the RAW partition)

format fs=fat32

This process will format the RAW SSD to the NTFS file system, making it accessible again. However, since formatting erases all data, consider backing up important files before proceeding.

Way 4. Format the RAW partition via AOMEI Partition Assistant

A reliable way to fix RAW drive issues in Windows is by using AOMEI Partition Assistant. This powerful tool simplifies disk and partition management, allowing users to repair RAW drives efficiently. With an intuitive interface and a straightforward process, it provides a hassle-free solution for handling various disk-related tasks. AOMEI Partition Assistant offers both a free trial and multiple pricing plans, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their needs.

Step 1. Download AOMEI Partition Assistant, install and launch it. Right click the RAW partition and select Format Partition.

Step 2. Select file system from the drop-down menu.

Step 3. Click Apply to start the process.

Conclusion

When your SSD showing RAW file system, it means the operating system cannot recognize its file format, rendering the data unreadable. This issue can arise from various factors, such as corrupted sectors or bad sectors. While recovery is possible, it typically results in data loss.

This article explores four methods to resolve the RAW drive issue on Windows. One of the most effective solutions is using AOMEI Partition Assistant, which simplifies the entire process. It can also help solve other SSD problems such as “SSD not showing up”, “SSD not booting”, and “SSD initialize does not work”.