Issues Arising From Installing Windows 11 Using a Bootstick
Issues Arising From Installing Windows 11 Using a Bootstick
Updates: I recently attempted to install and boot Ubuntu, and everything is working properly. This might help clarify the problem, though I still need Windows on my computer.
Hello everyone! I just added a Samsung 990 Evo Plus (4TB) to my system and decided to reinstall Windows 11 on a 1TB SSD that I had freed up. Before this change, it was running on a 120GB SSD which was too small. Here are my system details:
- Memory: MSI B650 Tomahawk WiFi
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800x3d
- RAM: 2x32 GB Crucial Pro CP2K32G64C40U5W DDR5 at 6400MHz
- GPU (not connected yet): Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon 7900xtx
- Cooler: NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB
Storage configuration:
- Samsung Evo Plus 990 M.2 SSD (4TB, newly installed)
- Samsung 980 M.2 SSD (500 GB)
- Crucial BX500 SATA SSD (1TB, intended for Windows installation)
- Colorful SL300 SATA SSD (120 GB, previous Windows location)
BIOS version: E7D75AMS.1P5
When I try to install Windows 11 from a bootable USB on the 1TB SSD, it boots up, reaches about 77% completion, then restarts. After restarting, if the USB remains connected, it prompts me to either unplug it or perform a clean installation. If I unplug it, it boots directly into BIOS without recognizing the bootable drive. All drives are visible in BIOS, but none are marked as bootable. The system was functioning normally before I tried reinstalling Windows 11 on a different drive.
I’ve reset the BIOS by removing the battery from the motherboard, flashed the BIOS with a USB stick, switched to CSM mode (system reboots and resets BIOS), installed Windows 11 on the 1TB SSD using another working computer (same issue: 77% progress, then no bootable drive if I unplug the current one).
I’m unsure what steps to take next. On one of my first attempts, I managed to reinstall the system onto the 120GB SSD, but after formatting it, it stopped working too. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! Verify if Fast Boot is turned off. Regarding the drives, it's recommended to disconnect all drives except the one you plan to install the operating system on. You mentioned the Crucial BX500 as the SSD for installation; which SATA port does it connect to the motherboard? Where did you obtain the OS installer?
Thank you! I tested SATA ports 1 through 4. I haven’t tried A1 or A2.
I’m having difficulty finding the Fast Boot option, aside from the "Boot" menu.
I received the installer from microsoft.com and used their media to make a bootable USB.
EDIT: Regarding installing it on the BX500 instead of M.2, I’d be glad if it could be installed anywhere now. If using M.2 is simpler or preferable, I’d also like to try that option.
Disable Secure Boot.
Deactivate Fast Boot.
Ensure a single drive is connected.
Prepare the target drive by cleaning it prior to installing Windows.
Likely the secure boot feature wasn't turned off correctly.
Ensure it stays disabled after rebooting.
During installation - when Windows asks to restart,
access BIOS and configure the first boot device to Windows Boot Manager (UEFI Hard Disk: Windows Boot Manager).
Fast Boot should be found in Advanced Mode/Settings/Boot.
Reference: https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?attac...ng.176630/
It doesn't seem to have the fast boot feature available (refer to the image below). I searched through other tabs but couldn't find it. I double-checked to make sure secure boot was disabled. After the first reboot, I can only select the USB drive as a bootable option. If I remove the USB during startup, there are no valid boot choices left and the PC keeps looping into BIOS (the drive is recognized as steel). Any suggestions?