Install Driver to show hardware

https://support-en.wd.com/app/products/downloads/softwaredownloads

WD doesn't supply the drivers windows does that if you look at the bottom WD products use drivers that are provided by the Windows and macOS operating systems. The driver will be automatically installed when the drive is connected and detected by the computer if the drivers are not already installed. Newer drivers are not available for manual download from Western Digital and are only available through Windows or macOS updates

I was able to get ubuntu up and running on this box after days of trying to install windows pro 11. I guess I'll just use ubuntu now. How can I get refund for Window Professional? There's no drivers available for nvme from WD and since Ubuntu works and I can see the drive with the diskpart utility it's safe to assume something is lacking on the part of the microsoft installer.

Hello William,

Thank you for your support, i have enabled all the setting in the bios as in the first step is said that i could find, however the second step is confusing, i went onto the website you have sent me a link to but there isnt an option to install any drivers so i am really confused. If you could tell me where i can install it that would be very helpful, thank you

Gol D. Nick

Hello Gol D. Nick,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

It sounds like you're encountering an issue where Windows 11 installation is not detecting your hardware correctly, particularly your storage device (the WD Black SN850X M.2 SSD). This is a relatively common problem that can occur when certain drivers are missing or not installed during the installation process. Let's go through some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this.

1. Check BIOS Settings (Enable NVMe & Storage Controllers)

Since you are using an M.2 NVMe SSD, it might require some specific BIOS settings to be enabled. Sometimes, the default settings in BIOS don’t automatically detect the NVMe SSD, and you might need to adjust some options.

1. Enter the BIOS:
   • Power on your PC and press DEL or F2 (depending on the motherboard) to enter the BIOS settings.
2. Check for NVMe Configuration:
   • In your BIOS, look for settings related to Storage Configuration, SATA Mode, or NVMe Configuration. Specifically, ensure that SATA Mode is set to AHCI (for compatibility with SSDs).
   • For M.2 drives, make sure the M.2 slot is enabled. In some cases, it may be disabled by default or assigned to another function (like SATA).
3. Secure Boot & CSM:
   • If your system is in UEFI mode, make sure Secure Boot is disabled temporarily to allow for the installation of Windows 11.
   • Also, ensure that CSM (Compatibility Support Module) is enabled, as it can sometimes help detect certain hardware during installation.
4. Save Changes and Exit:
   • After adjusting the settings, press F10 to save changes and exit BIOS.
   Disclaimer:  Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and  is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party  linked sites or any support related to technology.   If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please  back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.
5. Load NVMe Drivers During Installation

Windows 11 should natively support most NVMe drives, but sometimes specific drivers may be required, especially for newer SSD models like your WD Black SN850X.

Here's how to load the necessary drivers:

1. Prepare the Drivers:
   • Download the NVMe driver for your WD Black SN850X SSD from the Western Digital support website: WD Black SN850X Drivers. Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.
   • After downloading, extract the driver files to a folder on your bootable USB stick or another USB drive.
2. Install Windows:
   • Boot your system from the USB drive with the Windows 11 installer.
   • When you get to the point where it asks for driver installation, click on the "Load Driver" button (this is the error you're seeing, "Install Driver to Show Hardware").
3. Browse to the Drivers:
   • Use the "Browse" option to navigate to the folder on your USB stick or secondary drive where you copied the NVMe drivers.
   • Select the appropriate driver for your SSD and let Windows 11 install it.
4. Continue Installation:
   • After loading the driver, your SSD should appear in the list of available drives, and you should be able to continue with the installation process.
5. Try Using the Latest Windows 11 ISO

Sometimes, older versions of the Windows 11 ISO might not have full compatibility with newer hardware. To ensure you're using the latest version:

1. Download the Latest ISO:
   • Go to the official Microsoft website to download the latest Windows 11 ISO.
   • Create a new bootable USB using the Media Creation Tool or Rufus. The Media Creation Tool will download the most recent version of Windows 11.
2. Reattempt Installation:
   • Boot from the new USB and see if the issue persists. The new version of Windows 11 might already have the necessary drivers built-in.
3. Check the USB Port and Drive Integrity

Sometimes the issue can be as simple as a faulty USB port or an incomplete Windows 11 installation on the USB stick.

1. Switch USB Ports:
   • Try plugging your bootable USB into a different USB port on your motherboard. Preferably use a USB 2.0 port (usually the ones colored in black) instead of USB 3.0/3.1 ports (colored blue) during installation, as the USB 2.0 ports are more reliable for booting.
2. Check the USB Stick:
   • If possible, create the bootable USB stick again using tools like Rufus or Media Creation Tool. A corrupted bootable USB can also lead to installation problems.
3. Check if the SSD is Detected in BIOS

Before continuing, you should check if the SSD is properly recognized by the BIOS:

1. Enter BIOS Setup (by pressing DEL or F2 during boot).
2. Look for a section like Storage Information or M.2 Information to see if your WD Black SN850X is listed.
   • If it’s not detected, try re-seating the M.2 drive or check for possible hardware issues.
3. Consider Using a Different Installation Method (Legacy Mode)

If nothing works, you can try booting the USB in Legacy BIOS mode instead of UEFI mode:

1. Enable Legacy Mode in BIOS.
2. Boot the Windows 11 installation USB in Legacy mode (this will create a different partition structure, though Windows 11 generally prefers UEFI).

Note that this could affect how your system boots in the future, so it’s worth trying other methods first.

Let me know how things go or if you need further assistance with any of the steps!

Best Regards,

William.Y | Microsoft Community Support Specialist