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Trying to install Windows 10 on a new PC using USB

Anonymous
2021-02-22T22:00:40+00:00

Hi all,

I'm building a PC for someone and the last thing I need to do is install the OS - which has turned out to be the most headache-inducing part of the build.

I went and downloaded the media creation tool and set it up on a new flash drive.  BIOS reads the flash drive as bootable, but when I go to install Windows, it can't find the device.  I've tried reformating it in disk management [deleting any pre-existing partitions and formatting it back to FAT32]  to no avail.  I've used Rufus to create an image and put that on the drive, to no avail.  I've gone into BIOS and turned on UEFI compatibility, still nothing.  The mobo is flashed and everything else is set up. This is just the latest after I've already struggled to boot it from an older external HD which it saw but wouldn't boot from.  

I'm at my wit's end and have no idea what to try next.  I'd appreciate any insight.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade

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  1. Neil D 32,740 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2021-02-23T16:24:01+00:00

    I don't know how it might work, like I said I just thought it might need a driver during install for some reason. Perhaps you can ask on the Gigabyte forum. Reading your last post you don't mean you are trying to install onto the USB but you mean it doesn't show the internal drive to install Windows 10.

    Is that what you mean. Windows 10 install media is already on the USB and you boot from it and then select Language > Install now > Custom install, at custom install you do not see the internal drive?

    I assume if you go into the bios you can see the internal drive listed there. Have you disconnected all other USB storage devices and you only have one internal drive to install onto.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-02-23T14:57:50+00:00

    Hi Igor,

    On my functioning PC, yes it is visible. Or is there a way to view device manager on the new without the OS?

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  3. Igor Leyko 110.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-02-23T14:16:02+00:00

    Is the drive visible in Device manager when connected?

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-02-22T23:31:52+00:00

    Hi Igor,

    Thanks for the response. I reset BIOS back to it's default settings [XMP is disabled by default], and Windows still doesn't see the drive.

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  5. Igor Leyko 110.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-02-22T22:32:38+00:00

    Hi Soma,

    I'm Independent Advisor not Microsoft employee or support person. I have deep enough Windows knowledge and you may trust me. It's a pleasure for me to help others and I'll do all my best to help you.

    This may occur due to hardware problems.

    Turn off XMP mode in BIOS if it is turned on.

    And please check your RAM modes (voltage, frequency, timings) are in compliance with motherboard compatibility list (QVL).

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