I'm having some trouble installing Windows 11 on my cousin's new PC. I created a USB with the Windows 11 installation media, and I can start the installation process correctly. However, I get stuck at the first restart. The installer prompts me to remove the USB stick and boot from the SSD where I want to install Windows, but the SSD isn't detected as a boot drive in the BIOS. I can enable CSM in both Legacy and UEFI modes to recognize the SSD, but when I try to boot from it, I just get told to reinsert the USB. If I attempt to install with the USB while CSM is enabled, it says the PC doesn't meet system requirements. I'm considering installing Windows 10 first and then upgrading, and I've already confirmed the SSD is formatted to GPT, not MBR. Here are the specs for the PC:
- Mobo: ASUS TUF Gaming B650E-E Wifi
- RAM: G.Skill 32GB DDR5 6000 CL36
- CPU: Ryzen 5 7600x3D
- GPU: GTX 1060 6GB
- PSU: Cooler Master 600W
- SSD: Samsung 870 1TB
2 Answers
Have you checked if there’s another drive connected? If there’s more than one, try unplugging all the other drives and just leave the SSD connected. After that, go into the BIOS and perform a secure erase on the SSD. Once done, clear the CMOS and then try reinstalling Windows.
Yeah, go ahead and try the install again with the USB! It might just need a fresh start after those steps.
If you're still having trouble, consider just installing Windows 10 first. Sometimes that can clear up weird install problems, and then you can upgrade to 11. Just a thought!
I did all those steps, but it's still not showing up in the boot menu. It does appear in the storage info, though. Should I attempt the Windows 11 install via USB again?