Windows setup on the latest build isn't working properly, and I've talked to Microsoft for more than two hours.
Windows setup on the latest build isn't working properly, and I've talked to Microsoft for more than two hours.
The error occurred because a USB was recreated using the operating system. It had already been mostly installed before you stopped and created a new installation image.
Are you certain you spoke to a genuine Microsoft representative, or could it be a scam?
If I were you, I would begin anew with the instructions provided earlier. Avoid activating the product key initially and complete the setup first. Windows will function adequately without activation for some time, though there may be minor restrictions (such as dark mode on the desktop or changing wallpapers – these can still be handled via third-party applications).
Once you have a working key later, if the call was legitimate, there’s no rush. Allow them time to respond.
It appears you are confusing the boot menu with the BIOS settings.
According to your motherboard manufacturer’s website, the BIOS is accessed by repeatedly pressing the "Delete" key during startup.
To reach the Boot-Menu, keep pressing (repeatedly) "F12" throughout the startup process and you should arrive at it. At that point, choose the desired drive and press Enter to begin booting. You would then need a freshly prepared USB drive with your Windows 11 24H2 ISO and select it for reinstallation.
Regarding BIOS settings, leave them unchanged. The Boot Option Priority is not critical at this stage, as you will manually select the boot device from the menu (which you enter using F12).
Hello, thank you for your message. Initially, it seemed like a genuine Microsoft agent, but it turned out to be just customer service. She likely followed a predefined process. I received the product code via email earlier today, which matched what she provided over the phone.
Regarding next steps: I have cleared my USB drive and created a fresh Windows installation media from the official website. What should I do now? You suggested using F12 at startup to access the boot menu and selecting the desired drive. I noted in a previous post that the only boot option available is the USB drive when it's inserted. When I remove it and check the boot menu, no drive appears. My M.2 drive shows up only under "peripherals." Is this normal at this stage?
Additionally, it only boots correctly in the BIOS upon turning on or restarting. Even with the USB connected and pressing any key like F12, deletion, or others, it immediately jumps to the BIOS main page. I plan to update this note with a screenshot for clarity. There are many tabs involved. Please let me know if you need anything else.
Update: I now have error code A6 on my motherboard, which indicates a likely boot drive issue—possibly due to a faulty or improperly seated M.2 SSD. Online suggestions recommend clearing the CMOS to reset BIOS settings. I’m in a cluttered space with boxes and packaging, and I’m struggling to locate my motherboard manual. Do you know someone who has done this before?
I’m sure you can infer the approach I took by watching those "build guide" videos. Instead of carefully studying the manual, I relied on shortcuts and assumed certain details were obvious. That’s the lesson I learned. Now, I’m going through the motherboard manual again. Based on what was mentioned, clearing CMOS and beginning from scratch should cover chapters 3 and 4 about BIOS setup and OS installation. Still unsure about the timing for inserting the USB with the Windows media. Should I place it before checking the SSD in the BIOS menu, or after confirming it’s in the right position? I’m certain a restart and pressing F12 will let me enter the boot menu to adjust the boot order so the USB comes first. I think this should be a one-time action, and after that it should revert to using my SSD again. As long as I keep hitting delete or F12, the system won’t boot from any connected drives yet.
Hi again.
The USB stick must be connected before powering on your PC, then press the matching button quickly to enter the boot menu. According to the Gigabyte website, F12 is the expected key. If it doesn’t work, another button might be needed (like ESC on my system). Since Gigabyte makes the mainboards, F12 likely isn’t the right one.
It’s mentioned that after installation it should boot from SSD automatically. It won’t start until you press the correct button. Right now, just skip the BIOS and look for the Boot menu to begin Windows setup. Some motherboards let you reach the Boot menu directly from BIOS, which could be useful if you can’t get there otherwise.
Please keep in mind the current situation regarding the boot sequence. (usb not yet connected) Isn't your ssd supposed to appear? Shouldn't it be included? Also, regarding the CMOS issue—what are the potential risks or disadvantages of resetting it and beginning fresh, especially with the goal of doing everything correctly this time?
You can reset the Bios, shouldn't be a problem. Another option to reset is just remove the motherboard battery and reinsert it.
No risk as far as i know. If you feel better then just try it, I would say
😉
There is also no risk in just trying to install Windows. If the drive really has any issues, then it won't be found there either. And we can come back to the drawing table.
That the nvme-ssd is not showing as boot option is probably because the Windows Boot Loader is not yet installed, which should come with a full Windows Installation.
Various battery holders carry the chance of damaging the tab securing the battery, which can lead to further issues. Your SSD might not appear since EFI is enabled, displaying only boot devices with EFI files—likely just the USB port at this stage (perhaps because those were written initially, while without EFI the old boot files would remain visible). If it still doesn’t show after resetting or a reboot, even within the BIOS, there’s usually an option to reset all settings back to defaults, which could cause similar problems as shorting the pins or removing the battery.
Ok, so if I'm understanding the majority opinion here, there's no concern about the ssd not showing up in the boot sequence yet, and I should just attempt to install windows again. I shouldn't need to hit F12 or delete to change the boot priorities because the usb is the only thing showing up anyway, right?
Well.... I don't know what to do. I tried starting up with the usb inserted. It just immediately opens to the screen below. As you can see, the usb is listed in the boot sequence menu, and is the only drive listed in the boot menu, but it's not trying to boot. It just goes to this screen.
Also, according the motherboard manual, the code A6 displaying on the motherboard states, "Detect and install all currently connected SCSI devices."
Anyone know what that means and how I can do it?
https://imgur.com/RDeHN7a