If you’re encountering issues while trying to install Windows on your computer and notice that no drives can be found, don’t worry. This problem often arises due to missing storage controller drivers. Luckily, there’s a straightforward solution to get past this hurdle and successfully install your operating system. Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolve the issue and get your system up and running smoothly.
First, you’ll need to obtain the necessary Intel storage controller drivers. I’ve included a zipped file with all the required drivers that are compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Follow these steps to prepare and install:
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Download the Drivers: Begin by downloading the zipped file containing the Intel storage controller drivers. Ensure you save it somewhere accessible on your computer.
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Extract the Files: Once downloaded, unzip the file, and you will find two folders within it. These contain the driver files necessary for the installation process.
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Copy to USB: Take a USB flash drive and copy all the files from both folders into it. This USB drive will be used later to load the drivers during the Windows installation.
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Prepare for Installation: Insert the USB flash drive with the driver files and also have your Windows installation media (another USB or DVD) plugged into your computer.
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Boot Your Computer: Restart your computer and boot from the Windows installation media. You might need to press a key like F12, F10, or ESC (depending on your motherboard) to select the boot drive if prompted.
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Loading the Drivers: When you reach the screen stating that no drives can be found, look for an option labeled "Load driver." Click on it to proceed.
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Select the Driver: A browser window will open. Navigate to the USB flash drive where you copied the Intel storage controller drivers. Select the appropriate drivers.
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Check Compatibility: If there’s a checkbox that indicates “Only include compatible driver,” make sure to check it. This step ensures that only the correct drivers are selected.
- Complete Installation: Click "Next" and let Windows do its magic. The installation should proceed smoothly now that the necessary drivers are in place.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install Windows on your computer without any issues related to missing storage drives. If you run into any additional problems, feel free to revisit each step to ensure that you’ve followed the process correctly. Happy computing!
