Install Windows 11 on m.2 ssd / ssd not detected in windows installer

• Visit the https://support.hp.com/us-en for your specific laptop model (HP Victus 16.1" Gaming Laptop).
• Enter your laptop's model number and navigate to the "Drivers & Software" section.
• Look for a storage driver, often listed as an "Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) driver" or an "NVMe driver." 2. Download and Save the Driver:
• Download the appropriate driver file and save it to another USB drive. You could also extract the contents if it comes in a compressed format (ZIP or EXE). 3. Integrate the Driver During Windows Installation:
• Insert both the USB drive containing the Windows installation media and the USB drive with the storage driver into your laptop.
• Boot from the Windows installation USB and proceed with the installation setup.
• When you reach the screen asking for the drive where you want to install Windows, and no drives are listed, click on "Load driver."
• Browse to the USB drive that has your downloaded storage driver and select it.
• Once the driver is loaded, your M.2 SSD should appear in the list of available drives for installation. Additional Considerations: | Aspect | Information | | BIOS Settings | Ensure that your BIOS is set to AHCI mode rather than RAID mode for better compatibility with Windows setup. | | Driver Version | Use the latest version of the storage driver compatible with Windows 11 for best results. | | Installation Media | Confirm that your Windows installation media is properly created and up to date. | Helpful Links:
• https://support.hp.com/
• https://downloadcenter.intel.com/ If you follow the steps outlined, you should be able to install Windows 11 on your NVMe M.2 SSD without issues. If you continue to face issues, please feel free to provide additional details or ask further questions! Best regards!

Why the SSD Is Not Detected:​

• Missing NVMe or AHCI Drivers:
• Windows installation media may lack the necessary NVMe or RAID drivers to detect modern SSDs.
• BIOS Configuration Issue:
• Incompatible SATA or storage settings (e.g., RAID instead of AHCI) might prevent detection.
• Outdated Firmware or Drivers:
• The SSD or motherboard may require updated firmware for proper recognition.

Solution Steps:​

1. BIOS Settings:​

• Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Esc, F2, or Del during boot).
• Change the following settings:
• Storage Configuration: Set it to AHCI (instead of RAID or Intel RST) for a single drive.
• Secure Boot: Try disabling it temporarily.
• CSM Support: Enable Compatibility Support Module if available (helps with older storage drivers).

2. Download Intel RST or NVMe Drivers:​

• For HP laptops with Intel chipsets, you may need the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) drivers. These help the Windows installer recognize the SSD.
• Go to the Intel RST Driver Support Page:
• https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/55005/Intel-Rapid-Storage-Technology-Intel-RST-
• Download the appropriate driver. Look for one labeled F6 Floppy Driver—it's meant for use during installation.

3. Prepare the Driver for Installation:​

• Extract the Driver:
• Extract the downloaded Intel or NVMe driver to a USB drive.
• Reconnect During Installation:
• Plug the USB drive containing the driver into your laptop.
• Boot into the Windows Installer and use the Load Driver option when it doesn’t detect a drive.
• Navigate to the USB drive and select the driver.

4. Check HP’s Support Page for Drivers:​

• Navigate here for your HP Victus Laptop Drivers:
• https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/victus-by-hp-16.1-inch-gaming-laptop-pc-16-e0000/2100371512
• Enter your exact model number/profile, then locate the Storage or F6 RAID drivers. If they aren’t listed:
• Categorize Drivers:
• Browse under “Storage” or “Chipset” categories.
• If you can't find model-specific drivers, try the general Intel NVMe/storage drivers mentioned earlier.

5. Perform BIOS Update:​

• Ensure your laptop’s BIOS is updated to the latest version, as outdated firmware may cause incompatibility.
• Find the update under BIOS/Firmware on the HP Support page.

Additional Troubleshooting:​

• Check SSD is Properly Connected:
• Ensure the M.2 SSD is seated firmly in its slot and screwed in securely.
• Test the SSD in Another Device:
• If possible, check if the SSD is detected on another computer to rule out a hardware fault.

Let Me Know!​