How to Fix Windows 11 No Device Drivers Were Found Error During Installation

While installing Windows 11, some users encounter a setup error that stops the process before disk selection:

“No device drivers were found. Make sure that the installation media contains the correct drivers.”

Despite the message, this problem is not caused by a broken Windows ISO in most cases. It usually happens because Windows Setup cannot detect your storage controller due to BIOS settings, missing storage drivers, or improperly created installation media.

When Does This Error Appear?

You’ll see this error:

• After booting from the Windows 11 USB
• When the installer asks “Where do you want to install Windows?”
• Before any SSD or HDD is shown

At this stage, Windows Setup cannot see your storage device.

Method 1: Change Storage Mode to AHCI (Recommended Fix)

This solves the issue in most systems.

Steps:

1. Restart your PC
2. Enter BIOS / UEFI
   • Common keys: DEL, F2, F10, ESC
3. Open Advanced Settings
4. Go to Storage Configuration / SATA Configuration
5. Change:
   • RAID / Intel RST / VMD → AHCI
6. Save changes and exit

Restart the Windows 11 installation.

Why this works:

Windows 11 includes built-in AHCI drivers, but it does not automatically load Intel RST or RAID drivers during setup.

Method 2: Disable Intel VMD Controller (Intel Systems)

Many Intel-based laptops enable VMD by default, which hides the SSD from Windows Setup.

Steps:

1. Enter BIOS
2. Navigate to:
   • Advanced
   • Intel Rapid Storage / VMD Configuration
3. Disable VMD Controller
4. Save and restart

Your NVMe SSD should now appear during installation.

Method 3: Load Storage Drivers Manually (OEM & Laptop Fix)

Some laptops require manufacturer-specific drivers.

Steps:

1. Visit your laptop manufacturer’s support page
2. Download:
   • Intel RST / NVMe storage driver
3. Extract the driver files
4. Copy them to a USB drive
5. On the error screen, click Load Driver
6. Browse and select the extracted driver folder
7. Continue setup

Use this only if BIOS changes are not available or do not work.

Method 4: Recreate the Windows 11 Installation USB

Incorrect USB creation is a common cause.

Recommended tools:

• Microsoft Media Creation Tool
• Rufus

Rufus settings:

• Partition scheme: GPT
• Target system: UEFI (non-CSM)
• File system: NTFS
• Image option: Standard Windows installation

Avoid:

• Modified ISOs
• Outdated Windows builds
• Third-party ISO creators

Method 5: Switch USB Ports

Windows Setup may fail to read drivers from certain USB controllers.

Try this:

• Use a USB 2.0 port
• Plug the USB directly into the motherboard
• Avoid front-panel ports
• Avoid USB hubs

This simple fix works on many desktop systems.

Method 6: Update BIOS / UEFI Firmware

Older BIOS versions may not properly support newer NVMe drives.

Steps:

1. Identify your motherboard or laptop model
2. Visit the official support website
3. Download the latest BIOS update
4. Update BIOS following manufacturer instructions
5. Reset BIOS to defaults
6. Retry Windows installation

Method 7: Confirm Drive Detection in BIOS

Before retrying setup, verify that your drive is detected.

Check in BIOS:

• SSD/HDD model name
• Storage capacity

If the drive is not visible:

• Reseat the SSD
• Try another NVMe slot
• Check SATA cable connections

Windows cannot install if the BIOS does not detect the drive.

Recommended Fixes by System Type

Situation	Recommended Fix
Intel laptop	Disable VMD or load RST driver
Custom desktop	Change RAID to AHCI
New NVMe SSD	Update BIOS + AHCI
USB setup error	Recreate installation USB
OEM laptop	Load manufacturer driver

The “No device drivers were found” error during Windows 11 installation is usually caused by incorrect storage controller settings, USB media issues, or BIOS configuration—not a faulty Windows ISO. By adjusting BIOS options, recreating the installation USB correctly, and ensuring your SSD or NVMe drive is detected, you can resolve the issue and complete the setup without errors.

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