Installing Windows 11 should be a straightforward process, but many users encounter an error message during setup:
“We couldn’t find any drives. To get a storage driver, click Load driver.”
This issue occurs when the installer cannot detect your hard disk or SSD because the required hard disk drivers are missing. In this guide, we’ll explain why this happens, how to fix it, and answer common questions.
What Are Hard Disk Drivers and Why Are They Important?
Hard disk drivers are essential software components that allow Windows to communicate with your storage devices, such as HDDs and SSDs. Without these drivers, the operating system cannot recognize your disk, making installation impossible.
Common reasons for missing hard disk drivers during Windows 11 installation include:
- Unsupported Storage Controllers (Intel RST, VMD, RAID)
- NVMe SSD Compatibility Issues
- Corrupted Installation Media
- Incorrect BIOS Settings (AHCI vs RAID)
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How to Fix Missing Hard Disk Drivers During Windows 11 Installation
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Download the Correct Drivers
Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s official website and download the latest storage controller drivers. For example:
- Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) drivers for Intel-based systems.
- AMD RAID drivers for AMD platforms.
- NVMe drivers for certain SSD models.
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Prepare the Drivers
- Extract the downloaded files.
- Copy them to a USB drive for easy access during installation.
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Load Drivers During Installation
- Boot from your Windows 11 installation USB.
- When you see the “No drives found” message, click Load driver.
- Browse to the folder containing the drivers and install them.
- Once installed, your hard disk should appear in the list.
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Check BIOS Settings
- Enter BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Set SATA mode to AHCI instead of RAID (unless you are using RAID).
- Disable Secure Boot temporarily if needed.
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Use Official Media Creation Tool
Always create your installation USB using Microsoft’s official Media Creation Tool to avoid missing components or corrupted files.
Tips to Prevent Future Issues
- Keep your storage drivers updated regularly.
- Use the latest Windows 11 build (24H2 or newer) for better hardware support.
- Avoid third-party tools for creating installation media.
FAQs About Hard Disk Drivers for Windows 11
Q1: What are hard disk drivers?
Hard disk drivers are software that enables Windows to detect and interact with storage devices like HDDs and SSDs.
Q2: Why does Windows 11 show “No drives found” during installation?
This happens when the installer lacks the correct storage drivers for your hardware.
Q3: Where can I download hard disk drivers?
From your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s official support page (Intel, AMD, Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.).
Q4: Can I install Windows 11 without loading drivers?
Yes, if your hardware is supported by default drivers in the Windows installer. Otherwise, you must load them manually.
Q5: Do NVMe SSDs need special drivers?
Some NVMe SSDs require manufacturer-specific drivers for detection during installation.
Final Thoughts
Installing Windows 11 can be frustrating when your hard disk isn’t detected, but the solution is simple: download and load the correct hard disk drivers during setup. By following the steps above, you’ll ensure a smooth installation and avoid future compatibility issues.
