Installing Windows using Ventoy with Intel Rapid Storage Drivers

This guide addresses the issue of disks not showing up during Windows 11/10 installation on laptops with Intel hardware, particularly those requiring Intel Rapid Storage Drivers. The Lenovo V15 G2 is used as an example, but this guide may apply to various laptop models.

Problem

• Disks don't appear during Windows installation
• Cause: Intel Rapid Storage Drivers are not included in the Windows installer

Solution Overview

1. Download Intel Rapid Storage Technology drivers
2. Extract drivers from the executable file
3. Add drivers to Ventoy USB stick
4. Load drivers during Windows installation

Detailed Steps

1. Download Drivers

• Visit the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver page
• Download the SetupRST.exe file

2. Extract Drivers

• On a working Windows machine, open a command prompt
• Navigate to the directory containing SetupRST.exe
• Run the following command:

  SetupRST.exe -extractdrivers <target-dir>
  

  Replace <target-dir> with the desired extraction location

3. Prepare Ventoy USB

• Copy the extracted driver files to a directory on your Ventoy USB stick

4. Windows Installation

• Start the Windows installation process
• When prompted, select "Load driver"
• Browse to the Ventoy USB and select the extracted driver folders
• Install all drivers from the subfolders
• One of these drivers should allow Windows to recognize your disks
• Proceed with the Windows installation as normal

Note

While this guide uses the Lenovo V15 G2 as an example, because this is the one I had this problem with, the process may be similar for other laptop models that use Intel hardware and require Intel Rapid Storage Drivers. Always check your specific laptop model's requirements and any available documentation from the manufacturer.