My laptop doesn't find my USB Stick when I try to install windows

[STEFANL2000]

Hello guys, my new laptop just arrived today, I bought a Windows 11 USB Stick that came with the key, or the other way around :). My issue is that when I try to install Windows 11 it doesn't work, I checked the settings in the boot menu and everything seems to be alright? But it doesn't find my USB stick when I can choose what I want to boot from. I also get an error, plase help me out.

 

 

 

[STEFANL2000]

Also, forgot to mention it's a Windows 11 Pro

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I agree.  Everything appears to be correct to me except your boot options menu is not showing the USB flash drive, even with Secure Boot disabled.

See if this works:

Download the W11 ISO file for the language you need from the link below. (3rd option).

Download Windows 11 (microsoft.com)

Use the free Rufus utility to transfer the ISO file to an 8 GB or larger USB flash drive so that it is bootable.

Set up the Rufus menu the way you see it in the illustration on the Rufus website for Windows installations.

Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way

Rufus loads some (U)EFI script so, hopefully, the flash drive will show up and you will be able to install Windows.

You will be able to activate Windows with the product key you have.

If you get past that roadblock, I'm afraid you will have another one to overcome.

Since your notebook has an Intel 12th Gen Core processor (I assume), you need to install the storage controller driver at the screen where Windows can't find a drive to install on.

You should be able to use the Intel RST storage controller drivers that I zipped up and attached below so W11 can find the drive.

[STEFANL2000]

Can't I just return the laptop and get a replacement? I talked over the phone to a representative from HP and the lady came to the conclusion that it's a hardware issue. 

One more thing, I have no spare USBs in my house and no other PC.

I'm sorry, but I'm just lost...I have no idea what and how to do so this thing will work, from the website I ordered this laptop from people said it's easy to install Windows, that they just stick the USB in and the process it's starting. What's going on my side?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

This is a peer-to-peer forum.

We do not work for or represent HP.

Unfortunately, I would be unable to help you with your request.

You will have to contact HP customer service for further assistance.

Contactaţi Asistenţa oficială HP® - Romania | Asistenţa HP®

My advice to you would be to order a PC that comes with Windows already installed.

It would have been less expensive than buying one with FreeDOS and paying the full price for a Windows license.

[STEFANL2000]

I mean, I already to talked over the phone with an agent, they guided me here and there and came to the conclusion that I need to replace this unit as it's faulty. 

Now, I don't know if that's the only option.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Sorry, but I gave you the only option that I know of, and it will require you to have another Windows PC.

If you have a friend or relative that can let you use their PC or follow my instructions to make a bootable USB flash drive with Rufus, then you can give that a try before returning the notebook.

[TzortzisG]

Hi!

Paul, in the European Union Windows product keys are sold at a very low price and can be sent via e-mail or copied as an appropriate text file on a USB stick for a small extra charge. These are NOT bootable drives, they only have a file with the 25-digit key on them. Somewhere, somehow, STEFANL2000 and the store that sold him the USB got their wires crossed.......

STEFANL2000, Paul_Tikkanen EXPERT Level 21 has given you the correct and ONLY procedure to install Windows on a machine that came without an OS. These machines are generally meant for experienced users that want to install Linux on them. They are not a good purchase option for beginners. Your laptop doesn't appear to have a hardware issue. However, the European Union has specific laws protecting the consumer, and you are entitled to a 14-day cool off period with every purchase. You should try to take advantage of this:

Your Europe - guarantees and returns 

European Consumer rights 

I should warn you that you will have to fight over this, but since you're willing to buy another laptop (hopefully one with Windows this time), there's a strong chance you will get lucky.