Windows 11 installation problems: no drives found, TPM and Secure Boot, USB won't boot
The most common problems when installing Windows 11 on a new computer, and the fixes the manufacturers recommend.
Setup cannot find the drive ("no drives found")
Symptom: the Select location to install Windows 11 screen shows no disk at all.
Cause: especially on new Intel computers, the disk is attached to Intel's VMD / Rapid Storage Technology (RST) controller, and Windows setup cannot see the disk without that controller's driver. Intel documents this officially for devices with 11th and 12th gen processors.
Intel's recommended fix:
- On another computer, download the Intel RST (Rapid Storage Technology) driver for your model from your computer manufacturer's support page. (Intel says to use the manufacturer's driver if Intel's own does not work.)
- Extract the driver files and copy them to a USB drive (it can be the installation drive).
- On the disk selection screen in setup, select Load driver, then Browse to the driver folder on the USB drive.
- Select the driver in the list and continue; the disk appears.
According to Intel, if VMD is not enabled the disk appears in setup without an extra driver. Changing the VMD setting in the BIOS is another way, but which setting to change depends on the model; if unsure, load the driver instead.
"This PC can't run Windows 11"
Windows 11 requires UEFI with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support. Many computers have these features but they may be turned off in the BIOS, especially on self-built desktops.
Turning on TPM: according to Microsoft the setting is in the UEFI/BIOS and may appear under different names depending on the manufacturer: Security Device, TPM State, AMD fTPM, Intel PTT or Intel Platform Trust Technology. It is usually in an Advanced, Security or Trusted Computing submenu.
Secure Boot: Microsoft requires the PC to be Secure Boot capable in the UEFI/BIOS for Windows 11, and recommends checking the PC manufacturer's support information for where the setting is.
To check the status when Windows is installed: Windows + R, tpm.msc, OK. If it says "Compatible TPM cannot be
found", TPM may be turned off; Specification Version under TPM Manufacturer Information should be 2.0.
BIOS key: boot menu and BIOS keys.
Ventoy USB shows a blue screen or does not start
According to Ventoy's documentation, if Secure Boot is enabled in the BIOS, Ventoy shows a blue screen at first start and asks for a one-time key enrollment (Enroll Key); this is done once on each computer. From Ventoy 1.1.13 on, a new key enrollment is also needed for this.
- Some computers require turning on Allow Microsoft 3rd Party UEFI CA in the BIOS.
- If Ventoy still does not start, the easiest way for Windows 11 is a USB drive prepared with the Media Creation Tool or Rufus. Turning off Secure Boot is also an option, but remember to turn it back on after installing Windows 11.
The USB drive is not in the boot menu
- Prepare the USB drive with the GPT / UEFI scheme; new computers start in UEFI mode.
- Try another USB port, and shut the computer down fully before starting again.
- If the key does not respond, see the Fn key and Fn Lock section.
No internet during first setup (Wi-Fi not working)
According to Microsoft, Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use require an internet connection during first setup. The driver for a very new Wi-Fi card may not be included in setup.
- If possible, connect the computer to the internet with a cable (Ethernet); if the laptop has no Ethernet port, a USB Ethernet adapter can be used.
- Before installing, download the Wi-Fi driver from the manufacturer's support page on another computer and put it on a USB drive; install it once Windows is up.
Other steps: Windows 11 clean install.