Question SSD doesn't show up during Windows install ?

[DivneBloodline]

I'm trying to upgrade my SSD in my Zenbook 14 Model: Q409ZA. (maybe important info is that is has only one M.2 slot) So I'm trying to install Windows 11 to a 2TB Solidigm P41 Plus NVMe SSD. However, I can't get it to show up during the Windows install. The drive is detected in the BIOS, but never during the Windows install. I've downloaded the drivers from Solidigm and loaded them during the Windows 11 Install, and still nothing, it just won't get detected.

Edit: Has nothing to do with the P41 Plus, I tested a old 128GB NVME I had, and it didn't show up either. Has something to do with Windows 11 Install, drives show up everywhere else they are supposed to.

Solved: Apparently on 11th,12th, 13th Gen Intel CPUs you need an the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver which I got here: https://www.asus.com/supportonly/irst/helpdesk_download/ to detect drives during the Windows Install.

 

[Colif]

try running an ubuntu Live USB - just run off USB, don't install.

See if it can see the drive. It might be bad one - https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/try-ubuntu-before-you-install

you shouldn't really need drivers for windows to see it.

 

[Lutfij]

Can you see if your laptop is pending any BIOS updates? You can follow through this guide;

View: https://youtu.be/UUXrTExXDes

and source the latest BIOS version here;

Q409ZA - Support

www.asus.com

 

[DivneBloodline]

Can you see if your laptop is pending any BIOS updates? You can follow through this guide;

View: https://youtu.be/UUXrTExXDes

and source the latest BIOS version here;

Q409ZA - Support

www.asus.com

Yes, I have the latest BIOS installed.

 

[DivneBloodline]

try running an ubuntu Live USB - just run off USB, don't install.

See if it can see the drive. It might be bad one - https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/try-ubuntu-before-you-install

you shouldn't really need drivers for windows to see it.

Well, it is shows up in the BIOS, and everywhere else it is supposed to show up at. Only not detected able in the Windows 11 Install. I'll try linux when I get the time, I'm so confused.

 

[DivneBloodline]

try running an ubuntu Live USB - just run off USB, don't install.

See if it can see the drive. It might be bad one - https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/try-ubuntu-before-you-install

you shouldn't really need drivers for windows to see it.

I ran Linux, the P41 was detected in the Linux OS as a volume, and was an eligible candidate for an Linux install. I also plugged the P41 into my desktop (Windows 10) it showed up as a normal volume, and made sure the drive's firmware was up to date. Ran Solidigm's diagnostics test, and looked for any issues on Crystal Mark, no issues whatsoever. As far as I can tell it just the Windows Install where it will not detect, and I have no idea way. I even redownload, and recreated the Windows 11 boot drive just encase there was an error in first creation, but still the same issue, P41 Plus isn't detected.

 

[milleron]

Windows installation should detect an unformatted HD, but I'd try formatting or reformatting (as the case may be). In fact, if it's already formatted, I'd also try deleting any partition it has, if any.
Have you checked to see if the manufacturer has newer firmware for the SSD?

 

[DivneBloodline]

Solved: Apparently on 11th,12th, 13th Gen Intel CPUs you need an the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver which I got here: https://www.asus.com/supportonly/irst/helpdesk_download/ to detect drives during the Windows Install.

 

[milleron]

That is a revelation. Because I was perplexed to find that the needed driver wasn't included in the Windows installation environment, I nosed around and found some YouTube videographers who demonstrated enabling RST in BIOS by disabling VMD in BIOS. After that adjustment, the NVMe drive was readily recognized in Windows Setup without needing to load the Intel driver during installation.