Are you looking to install SATA AHCI Controller Driver On Windows? Maybe you have outdated drivers. Missing drivers would mean that your PC can’t read the hard drive you want to use. An incorrect driver can cause a lot of problems, including the loss of data.
But it’s time to look further than the fear. You can manually search and download the appropriate drivers. Whether you have Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, or even Windows 2000, you will find the guide helpful. So get ready to download the appropriate drivers most effectively.
Let’s begin!
Understanding The Technical Terms
Before we dig into the guide, it would be beneficial to learn about the various parts this guide is based on. You will learn a little about Drivers, SATA, AHCI, and such. This will help in providing you with clear insight.
If you have questions like “Are drivers important? Is SATA necessary?” This part of the guide will clarify things for you. Don’t jump into something and get it just because it is popular.
Getting educated or essential knowledge to make an informed decision is necessary. That’s what you will learn here:
A Little Overview On Drivers
Drivers are an essential part of the system. They ensure that your PC can communicate with a new hardware component. From Keyboard to Bluetooth, even Wifi devices use drivers on a Windows PC.
Similarly, having the correct Standard SATA AHCI Controller driver could make an impact. These drives come into play when you own a hard drive. There is a Hard Disk Drive and Solid State Drive, but both use drivers.
What Does SATA Mean?
What is SATA? SATA stands for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. Therefore, it is also known as Serial ATA. It is a technologically advanced way to connect the hard drive to the motherboard.
The new solution provides higher speeds in data transfer and processing. Moreover, it is even more efficient in writing data. Hence, you receive impeccable rates for file transfer, information storage, and much more.
Everything is either stored or installed on Hard Drive. Thus, using a SATA connection can significantly increase the system’s speed.
Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI)
AHCI is a new piece of technology made famous with Windows 10. AHCI helps with the communication between the motherboard and the hard drive. It eases things for your Windows OS.
AHCI has existed since 2004. It is available for Windows Vista and the latest Windows OS.
The task of AHCI is to make it easier to use multiple hard drives. You can use them together on the same Windows OS and platform. Thus, you can expand storage or swap them without shutting down the PC.
What Is SATA AHCI?
Combining the two aspects, SATA AHCI brings you complete control over the storage device. You won’t even have to access the OS. Instead, you can control it through the BIOS interface. In addition, SATA AHCI allows your motherboard and OS to use any hard drive. You can use it with SSD or HDD and even use both.
SATA AHCI makes it efficient for you to transfer data and grants higher speed. Even between HDD and SDD, you will receive significant performance tweaks. You get a better insight into your storage and their understanding.
How To Download Standard SATA AHCI Controller Driver?
This is the roadmap to help you download the driver. It is the instructions, like a manual. You can follow through with these. If you don’t find the answer to what you’re looking for, keep reading. You will find other relevant information after this section.
1. Check Your Processor
Downloading the correct driver file will rely on the type of processor you use. It is easier to check the processor you’re using. Often, Laptops and CPUs have the mark or information on their bodies. If you can’t find it there:
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings window. You can also use the Start Menu.
- Go to the Systems option and click on it.
- Now, from the left panel, scroll down. Find the option ‘About’ in the list. Click on it.
- There, you will find complete information on your system’s specifications.
- You can find the ‘Processor’ field, which will show you which model and type of processor you are using.
2. Find The Relevant Drivers
After searching for the processor you have, you will have to search for the drivers. There is a database given below for you to find the relevant driver. So, you can check that section out.
Once you find the driver files, you will have to download them.
3. Install As Administrator
Once you get the ‘.exe’ file for the drivers, right-click on it. Then, select ‘Run As Administrator.’
This option will make it easier for you to install the driver that changes the PC.
As a failsafe, make sure to backup your system. Create a System Restore Point or Image Recovery. You will still have some chance to revert if you somehow mess with the process.
4. Restart The PC
Once you install the driver, you will have to restart the PC. If the entire system loads, go to the Device Manager and see if you can find the driver there.
How To Make Changes To Standard SATA AHCI Controller Driver?
Outdated drivers may pose some issues. But, the same can apply to the updated driver. You should know how to update or roll back the driver if a situation ever calls for it.
After installing the drivers, follow these steps to keep up in the loop.
- Press the Windows Key and search for Device Manager. You can also use Windows + R key and type devmgmt.msc, then hit enter.
- See if you can find the ‘IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers’ option in the device manager. If you can’t find it, then find the ‘Disk Drives option.
- Once you expand the list, you will see the drivers installed.
- Right-click on the driver you want to update. Go to properties and then open the driver tab.
- You will find plenty of commands like Update Driver, Roll Back Driver, and so on.
- Click ‘Update Driver’ and then select ‘Search Automatically For Updated Driver Software.’
- Windows will automatically download the latest version. If it fails, then you will have to download it manually.
To manually download, you will have to visit the manufacturer site of the driver you have. Then find the latest version and install it. The manual process is the same as installing the drivers for the first time.
Now, as you can see, there was a roll-back option in the drive tab. The rollback option would be handy if you updated to the latest driver. If you don’t have the hardware or software capacity to support the newest driver, it is wise to roll back the driver.
How To Replace AHCI Drivers With Microsoft SATA Drivers?
Some people prefer to use Microsoft drivers. They work better with Windows Operating System. If you don’t want to use the default AHCI Drivers, there is a way for you to change that.
- Open the Device Manager and go to IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers option again.
- Right-click on the controller driver entry in the list. Select Properties and go to the Driver tab. Find Update Driver Software option.
- Select ‘Browse My Computer For Driver Software.’ And then ‘Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.’
- Once you click the Model list, you will see the list of drivers.
- Select ‘Standard AHCIL0 Serial ATA Controller’ if it is available. This is the one that Microsoft manufactures and uses.
- If this doesn’t work, you can try to uninstall the driver and go back to the device manager. Click on ‘Search For Hardware changes’ and see if it installs the drivers automatically.
Unfortunately, if there isn’t that option, there is no AHCI mode for your Windows PC. Instead, you will have to launch or set an AHCI mode, an entirely different procedure.
Where To Find Standard SATA AHDI Controller Drivers To Download?
You’re in luck. This guide also provides a gateway to download all the SATA drivers for your Operating System. That’s right! You won’t have to look anywhere else at all.
1. Windows Update Catalog
This is the best place to find any updates related to Microsoft Windows. It is a verified platform owned by Microsoft. So, if you’re looking for any essential driver, not just SATA, you will find it here. This goes for SATA controllers, RAID controllers, driver updates, mSATA SSD, HBM SATA, and more. Just click here to download
2. Lenovo Website
It is another excellent website to check if you own a Lenovo laptop or motherboard. You might not necessarily find Microsoft-based drivers. But it will have some of the best drivers for SATA and other hardware. So, it is worth checking out.
3. Sony Drivers
Sony also brings you updates for SATA drivers for Intel and other processors. If you’re using a Sony HDD or SSD, it is worth looking at. You can significantly boost performance. Click here for more.
Remember that there are many other websites. You can easily find the drivers today. But, try not to get anything from untrusted platforms or websites.
Can You Install SATA Controller Driver In Older Windows?
Many manufacturers like Seagate don’t offer a driver for older Windows. For example, Windows XP and 2000 aren’t supported anymore. You won’t find much for Vista either. But, you can still find drivers for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and other latest additions.
It also means you won’t find the latest updates for Windows XP and the drivers.
1. SATA Controller Via Setup
While installing the OS via CD, the SATA controller might get recognized. In this case, you won’t have to do anything manually.
2. For Windows XP And 2000
These Operating Systems are still supposed SATA to a level. You must press the F6 key and find the ‘Install additional controller drivers’ option. That’s how you will install SATA drivers to these Windows.
3. For Windows 7 And Vista
While using the CD or DVD, ask, ‘Where do you want to install the windows?’ See if SATA Hard Drive is showing or not. If not, click on Load Driver and find the driver.
4. Visit The Manufacturer’s Website
You will have to get the driver from the manufacturer’s website if none of these work. That is if they support the operating system in which you’re trying to install the driver.
