I've just built a fresh PC and I'm running into a major issue. I created a bootable USB using the Windows 11 media creation tool and it allows me to install Windows without a hitch. Everything seems fine after installation; I can use the system and browse normally. However, when I reboot or shut down the PC, Windows just disappears. It doesn't even make it past the BIOS screen. I'm only using one M.2 SSD where I installed Windows. I've downloaded the Windows 11 files about six times now and each time the same problem happens. Does anyone have an idea of what might be going wrong?
4 Answers
Just to double-check, after the install, are you unplugging the USB drive before rebooting? I know it seems obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. If you’ve tried both ways, it might not be the issue. Still, worth confirming!
What you're experiencing seems to relate to how Windows 11 interacts with Legacy mode in BIOS. Changing the M.2 drive settings to UEFI should help. After you make that change, give the installation one more try and see if it stays this time.
It sounds like something might be off with your BIOS settings. Make sure to check if your M.2 drive is set to UEFI mode instead of Legacy. If it’s set to Legacy, that could mess with the installation. Change it to UEFI and then try reinstalling Windows.
I noticed you mentioned using the media creation tool. Just ensure that it actually flashed the bootable ISO correctly to your USB. If that's not done properly, it can create installation issues. How long does the whole installation process typically take for you?
It usually takes about half an hour. I followed the steps carefully.
Yes, I initially forgot to unplug the USB, but now I always do. Still having the same problem, though.