AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) enables native command queuing and hot-plugging through SATA host controllers (Serial-ATA) for your hard drives. In many scenarios, it enables more efficient multi-tasking. Vista was the first Windows OS to support AHCI out of the box, whereas Windows 7 does the same. But an issue with AHCI is that if you install the OS without enabling AHCI in the BIOS, enabling it after installation will render your OS unusable. This is because Windows disable the AHCI driver since it is not needed during the installation.
There is one way to fix this, although you need to have knowledge of registry editing. The detailed steps from Microsoft are as follows:
To resolve this issue, enable the AHCI driver in the registry before you change the SATA mode of the boot drive. To do this, follow these steps:
- Exit all Windows-based programs.
- Click Start, type Regedit in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
- If you receive the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.
- Locate and then click the following registry subkey:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesMsahci
- In the right pane, right-click Start in the Name column, and then click Modify.
- In the Value data box, type 0, and then click OK.
- On the File menu, click Exit to close Registry Editor.
After this you’ll have to restart your computer, go to BIOS and enable AHCI. When you log in to Windows again, you’ll notice the installation of drivers for AHCI. Another restart will be required to finish the driver installation.
I’ve simplified the steps by Microsoft by exporting the registry key. Just download the following file and run it. You’ll still need to go through the steps of restarting your computer and enabling AHCI in the BIOS.
Hopefully, you’ll find a somewhat noticeable improvement in multitasking, especially if you’re a notebook user. Of course with the variety of PC hardware, experience many vary.
Disclaimer:
It works with my Asus M4A79T MB, Windows 7 64bit and a Seagate HDD.
Thanks for the hint!
//XMaster
It works with my Asus M4A79T MB, Windows 7 64bit and a Seagate HDD.
Thanks for the hint!
//XMaster
Amazing!
This is truly amazing, I would have expect Windows 7 to do much better than this! I just had a few blue screens after turning AHCI on. And guess what: Ubuntu, that I run dual boot on the same computer works fine. So we are at this point where Linux actually does better and is more robust than Windows. It used to be different, but times change as I can see. Now I have to jump through hoops to enable AHCI, a thing that is standard nowadays. It shows that Windows is all old and inflexible at a problem like this, and that they badly need to redesign some stuff from scratch!
Amazing!
This is truly amazing, I would have expect Windows 7 to do much better than this! I just had a few blue screens after turning AHCI on. And guess what: Ubuntu, that I run dual boot on the same computer works fine. So we are at this point where Linux actually does better and is more robust than Windows. It used to be different, but times change as I can see. Now I have to jump through hoops to enable AHCI, a thing that is standard nowadays. It shows that Windows is all old and inflexible at a problem like this, and that they badly need to redesign some stuff from scratch!
Hi,
I did the same steps as you have written but i was not requiered to restart my laptop! i restarted it and in BIOS i found nothing about AHCI.
If anyone can help me please i will be thankfull!
regards
Tommy
Hi,
I did the same steps as you have written but i was not requiered to restart my laptop! i restarted it and in BIOS i found nothing about AHCI.
If anyone can help me please i will be thankfull!
regards
Tommy
Hi,
I did the same steps as you have written but it was not requiered to restart my laptop! i restarted it and in BIOS i found nothing about AHCI.
If anyone can help me please i will be thankfull!
regards
Tommy
Great worked perfectly on my system. Did not use your file – followed your instructions and job is done. Thank you
works great! thanks!
dude, worked perfectly (except i had to go into each individual drive in the 'device manager' and select “better performance,” then i got my correct SATA speeds and didn't need the USB cable attached) [win 7 x64, 1 tb external] -thanks and peace!
According to Microsoft it is the first one. The second one might be a mistake
Hi, this isn't working for me. I've tried it a few times and it still hasn't showed up in the bios. I just installed Windows 7 last week.
Please email the solution to
Thanks in advance.
The solution is in the post. Don't leave your email address as spam fodder in the comments.
wooow great its work for my system..thank's