No changes to BIOS were required. The non-VMD driver worked perfectly.

To ensure you get the exact version for your hardware, let me know your or motherboard model . I can also help you check if VMD needs to be turned off in your BIOS settings. Share public link

To fix the missing drive error during a fresh Windows setup, follow this structured process. Step 1: Prepare the Files

This mode maps PCIe storage controllers directly into the processor root ports. It allows advanced features like hardware-level RAID management, hot-plug support, and power management optimization without relying on individual motherboard BIOS settings.

Most users do not need to install this manually within a working Windows environment. It is almost exclusively used for:

The version is ideal for:

When in doubt, try the version first. It is less restrictive and works on a wider range of hardware, especially if you are not using RAID or Optane.

With this guide, you can confidently handle the “missing drive” error and complete your Windows installation without frustration. Next time you see that cryptic filename, you will know exactly what it is—and exactly what to do with it.

Note: Disabling VMD will force the motherboard to expose the NVMe storage drive directly to the Windows installer via standard NVMe protocols, which Windows natively understands without external drivers. Method 2: Switching SATA/Storage Mode to AHCI On slightly older Intel systems or mixed-drive setups:

Intel splits its installation files into two core categories: and Non-VMD . Selecting the wrong version will cause the driver setup process to fail. www.dell.com

Your BIOS is set to RAID/IRST mode rather than AHCI, but VMD is disabled or not present. Why You Need This Driver (The "Missing Drive" Problem)