I replaced Linux on a Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 14IMH9 and want to reinstall Windows 11 before giving the laptop to my younger brother. I downloaded the Windows 11 ISO and used Fedora Media Writer to put it on a 32 GB USB drive. The laptop boots from the USB, but Windows Setup stops with the message: "A media driver your computer needs is missing. This could be a DVD, USB, or Hard Disk driver."
I also tried Ventoy, different USB ports, and several BIOS settings, but the same message always appeared. The storage controller is already set to AHCI, and there is no alternative mode available in the BIOS. I previously had the same problem creating Windows installation media on Linux for another laptop, while a USB created from a Windows computer worked immediately. I currently do not have access to a Windows machine, and I am not concerned about preserving any data on the laptop. What is the best way to create installation media that will work?
2 Answers
That message often means Windows Setup cannot access the storage controller, rather than that the USB itself is missing a driver. Intel systems may require the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) or storage-controller driver to be loaded during setup. On AMD systems, the equivalent may be an AMD RAID driver. Since AHCI is already selected and cannot be changed, recreating the installer with another tool is also worth trying before looking for the appropriate Lenovo storage driver.
Try creating the USB with a different Linux tool, such as balenaEtcher, rather than Fedora Media Writer. Some firmware and Windows ISO combinations do not work properly with certain imaging methods, and Ventoy can also have compatibility problems on some systems.
AHCI is already enabled in the BIOS, and it is the only storage-controller option available. I have also tried multiple USB ports and Ventoy, but the installer still gives the same error.