Alex Ruben
How to Fix the “No Device Drivers Were Found” Error During Windows Installation
If you’re encountering the “No Device Drivers Were Found” error while attempting to install Windows 11, you’re not alone. This issue arises when your installation media lacks the necessary drivers for your hardware, preventing the setup from proceeding. This guide will walk you through a series of steps to troubleshoot and resolve this problem efficiently, allowing you to complete your installation without further interruptions.
Before starting, ensure you have a compatible Windows 11 installation media (USB or DVD) and access to another computer to download any necessary drivers if needed. Make sure your hardware is compatible with Windows 11 and that you have administrative permissions to make system changes.
Step 1: Start the Installation Process
Begin by booting your PC from the Windows installation media. When you reach the installation screen, click on Next to proceed.
Step 2: Access Repair Options
When on the installation screen, locate and click on the option labeled Repair your computer. This will redirect you to a menu with several troubleshooting options.
Step 3: Open Command Prompt
In the troubleshooting menu, select Troubleshoot, and then choose Command Prompt. This will allow you to run commands that can help fix the installation issues.
Step 4: Use Diskpart to Prepare Your Drive
Once the Command Prompt window opens, type in diskpart and press Enter. Wait for the Diskpart utility to load. Once loaded, enter the following command to list all disks:
list disk
This command will display all connected drives. Identify the disk where you want to install Windows (usually labeled as Disk 0).
Step 5: Select the Appropriate Disk
Type the command select disk X, replacing X with the number of your drive (e.g., select disk 0), and hit Enter. This selects the target disk for the installation.
Step 6: Clean the Selected Disk
To prepare the drive for installation, type clean and press Enter. This will erase all data on the selected disk, so ensure you have backed up any important information.
Step 7: Create a New Partition
After cleaning the disk, create a new partition by entering the command create partition primary and pressing Enter.
Step 8: Format the New Partition
To format the newly created partition, type format fs=ntfs quick and press Enter. This formats the partition to NTFS, which is compatible with Windows installations.
Step 9: Exit Diskpart
Once the formatting is complete, type exit and hit Enter to close the Diskpart utility.
Step 10: Restart Installation
Now, turn off your PC and remove the installation media. Restart your computer and press any key when prompted to boot from the installation media again. When you reach the installation screen, click Next and then Install Now to continue the installation process.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
To ensure a smooth installation, consider the following tips:
- Ensure your installation media is created correctly and contains all necessary files.
- Check that your BIOS settings are configured correctly for UEFI or Legacy mode based on your system’s requirements.
- Use a different USB port if you’re using a USB drive, especially switching between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “No Device Drivers Were Found” error and successfully install Windows 11. If you encounter further issues, consider seeking help from forums or professional support to address specific hardware compatibility problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I still get the error after following these steps?
If the error persists, ensure that your hardware is compatible with Windows 11. You may also need to download specific drivers from your hardware manufacturer’s website.
Can I use a different installation media?
Yes, using a different USB drive or DVD may help if the current media is corrupted or incomplete.
Is it safe to clean the disk?
Cleaning the disk will erase all data on it. Ensure you have backed up any important files before proceeding with this step.