If you’re trying to install Windows 11 on your MSI laptop but your NVMe drive isn’t being recognized, you’re not alone. Many users face this issue due to the Intel VMD (Volume Management Device) controller, which requires specific drivers to detect NVMe SSDs.
While disabling the VMD controller in the BIOS might seem like the easiest solution, some MSI laptops don’t allow this option, leaving users stuck. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix: installing the correct Intel RST VMD drivers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to resolve this issue and get your NVMe drive recognized during the Windows 11 installation process.
What Causes the NVMe Drive Detection Issue?
The Intel VMD controller is a feature that enables the CPU to directly manage NVMe SSDs, allowing advanced configurations like RAID and Intel Optane. However, this feature requires Intel’s Rapid Storage Technology (RST) VMD drivers to function correctly.
Without these drivers, the Windows 11 installer cannot detect your NVMe SSD, resulting in errors like:
- “No drives found” during the installation process.
- The installer failing to display your storage devices.
Additionally, some MSI laptops don’t allow users to disable the VMD controller in the BIOS, preventing a quick workaround.
The Solution: Install Intel RST VMD Drivers
The easiest way to resolve this issue is to load the correct Intel RST VMD drivers during the Windows 11 installation. These drivers enable communication between the operating system and the VMD controller, allowing your NVMe drive to be detected.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the Issue
1. Download the Intel RST VMD Drivers
Use the following link to download the Intel RST VMD drivers:
Download Intel RST VMD Drivers
It’s for Intel RST VMD Controller A77F https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XYMmHaiXdHAIasrPwn-8eEs5Y-CFPFJD/view?usp=drive_link
2. Prepare the Drivers
- Once downloaded, extract the files to a USB drive or a folder on your computer.
- Ensure the drivers are accessible during the Windows 11 installation process.
3. Install Windows 11 with the Drivers
- Boot your MSI laptop using the Windows 11 installation media (USB or DVD).
- When you reach the screen where no drives are detected:
- Click on Load Driver.
- Browse to the folder where you saved the Intel RST VMD drivers.
- Select the appropriate driver, and your NVMe drive should appear.
- Continue with the installation as usual.
4. Complete the Installation
Once the driver is loaded, Windows 11 will detect your NVMe SSD, allowing you to proceed with the installation without further issues.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your NVMe drive is still not recognized after loading the drivers, try these additional steps:
1. Check BIOS Settings
Ensure your BIOS is configured to RAID or Intel RST mode, as these settings are required for the VMD controller to function.
2. Update BIOS
Visit MSI’s official website to download and install the latest BIOS firmware for your laptop. A BIOS update may improve compatibility with your NVMe SSD and resolve related issues.
3. Verify the Drivers
Double-check that you’ve downloaded the correct drivers for your Intel platform and laptop model. Using the wrong drivers may prevent the system from recognizing your NVMe drive.
Why This Works
The Intel RST VMD driver bridges the gap between the operating system and the VMD controller, enabling proper communication with NVMe SSDs. By loading the driver during installation, Windows 11 gains access to the storage devices managed by the VMD controller, resolving the detection issue.
Conclusion
If your NVMe drive isn’t recognized during the Windows 11 installation on your MSI laptop, the issue is likely related to the Intel VMD controller. Instead of disabling the VMD controller in the BIOS (which may not be possible on some MSI laptops), you can resolve the problem by installing the Intel RST VMD drivers.
Follow the step-by-step guide above to load the drivers during installation, and your NVMe drive should appear, allowing you to complete the installation process. With the right drivers, you’ll be up and running in no time!