Windows 11 Fresh Install Not Seeing Any SSDs. (Also can't find their drivers online.)
Posted by CameraTraveler27@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 32 comments
I've been trying to solve this for 10 hrs straight. Someone please put me out of my misery...
Doing a fresh Windows 11 install on a new MSI gaming laptop and early into the install it asked me to select the drive I want the Windows to be installed on. Unfortunately the USB Windows installer doesn't see the two different SSD drives, It asks me to find and point to their SSD drivers but I can't find them on the manufactures websites. Trying to solve this. Here are the links to all of the elements at play:
SSD Drive:
https://www.techpowerup.com/ssd-specs/teamgroup-t-force-z540-2-tb.d1656
https://images.teamgroupinc.com/products/ssd/m2/z540/spec-sheet/z540-en.pdf
Nothing device model specific on the Manufacturers download page:
https://support.teamgroupinc.com/en/support/download.php
The laptop is the MSI Vector 16 HX A14VIG
https://www.msi.com/Laptop/Vector-16-HX-A14VX/support?sub_product=Vector-16-HX-A14VIG
According to Tech Power Up, the following SSDs are made up of the exact same components so I figure I might be able to use the same drivers from those manufactures? Nevertheless, I can't find the right drivers for those either.
| ADATA Legend 970Aorus Gen5 12000Corsair MP700 Pro SE Hydro XCorsair MP700 Pro SECorsair MP700Corsair MP700 Pro Hydro X |
I also want to update my bios but my version of MSI Click Bios seems to not include the "M-Flash" option on the interface.
Help.
Patrux89@reddit
I had similar issue. Turning off VMD controller in BIOS solved the issue.
Arieltex@reddit
I have to add my experience too. It worked.
I hope it also works for future adventurers too
ElmerDomingo@reddit
Turning off VMD controller --> This also worked for the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 with an old (blue screen) BIOS screen that I'm working on. Thanks!
Pedrithor@reddit
Dude, THANK YOU. Solved for my ASUS Vivobook 15 F1504VA-NJ2402 ✌🏻
JamaikaRap@reddit
Yesss 🙌🏽
Eiker@reddit
Thank you. Solved everything for me as well for several HP workstations (despite the Google search told me HP didn't use this feature, sure enough it was in there.)
EquivalentTear5400@reddit
Legend! Back in business!
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
[removed]
AutoModerator@reddit
Hi there! Thanks for the comment.
We ask that posts and comments be in English so they can be understood by as many people as possible. Translations on Reddit are client-side, and not all apps or browsers support auto-translate. Currently many users (and moderators) aren’t able to read your {{kind}.
Could you please submit a new comment in English?
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
Tomkot92@reddit
Thank you :)
Imaginary-Claim5220@reddit
oh my god thank you! ive been trying to solve this same issue for ASUS TUF F17 (in case anybody has the same problem) for 5 hours now, tried everything on the internet, but your comment was the one to beat all videos and tutorials. Cheers m8!
Y4r0z@reddit
Worked with VivoBook
G_Germzi@reddit
Worked for me thanks lenovo idea pad 3
Capt_Mustache@reddit
Solved for me as well. Thanks. Acer Aspire 5
thejackwildo@reddit
Solved for my Asus Vivobook 15 x1504V
Ashamed_Animal_2909@reddit
This solved the issue for me. Thanks!
CameraTraveler27@reddit (OP)
Looks like VMD controller is currently enabled in the bios but it's the only option that is grayed out (can't be changed). Is there something else on this list I need to turn off first to gain access to it?
Deep_Cash_5607@reddit
For anyone with a Dell Laptop coming here:
That piece of crap changes its Storage setting in bios to a Raid by itself. Just change it back to AHCI, ignore the bluescreen and reinstall through Bootmenu
BlueDragon9976@reddit
savior! thank you!
thomascallahan@reddit
Ugh, thank you! I didn't get a bluescreen though, just switched to AHCI and it worked (was trying to install W11 on a second SSD in my linux laptop to dual boot)
Healthy_Juggernaut_5@reddit
u saved my life
Dazzling-Wash-8441@reddit
I know this doesn't pertain to this exact hardware but since this shows up first in Google search. For Dell and HP devices, SATA is typically configured with RAID and switching to AHCI resolves the issue.
Elbo_Tijas@reddit
Similar problem
Although the SSD is detected by the BIOS, the Windows 11 25h2 installation cannot proceed because it cannot find the SSD. I need the "*.inf" driver for the AMD A520 SATA Chip Controller.
I downloaded the driver from the AMD website, but it's an executable file and I can't extract it on another PC with Windows 8, and I don't have access to the .inf files.
Where can I get the .inf files to add to the Windows 11 installation USB drive?
Thanks
Karban12@reddit
Worked on asus vivosun
IanMo55@reddit
You shouldn't need any additional drivers just to install Windows. Try starting with W10 and upgrade to 11 afterwards. Make the boot usb through Rufus instead of from MS.
CameraTraveler27@reddit (OP)
Thank you. I tried what you suggested and Windows installer still can't see either of the different brand SSDs I've tried. I tried formating them invasions states. Still no change.
I have a older gaming PC tower here that only has SATA drives. I'm going to pick up a SATA to M.2 adapter and try using it temporary to see if I can get Windows installed working on that machine. If it works, I will transfer the SSD back to my new laptop.
It's starting to sound like it might be a Bios update issue. Since I can't find the drivers for the SSDs online, that's all I can think to try next.
IanMo55@reddit
Thanks for the update.
CameraTraveler27@reddit (OP)
The SATA to M.2 adapter trick worked!
IanMo55@reddit
Have you tried the drive in the laptop yet as it's not a great idea to install windows on a different PC first.
op3l@reddit
look for a "legacy mode" in the bios
I had to do that for the SSD drive to show up when I did SSD swap back in 2016 or so on a HP laptop. Might be same issue with yours.
CameraTraveler27@reddit (OP)
Nothing there. I think I'm going to see if I can roll back from MSI "Click Bios" to MSI "Click Bios 5"
battler624@reddit
take a picture of disk management app.
just write disk management in windows search and press enter