HP Spectre Folio - 13-ak0000na - Not detecting storage in fresh install

[AdamWilliams_86]

Title: HP Spectre Folio 13-ak0000na – NVMe Storage Not Detected During Fresh Install (RST/VMD Driver Issues)

Hi everyone,

I’m having a really frustrating issue with my HP Spectre Folio 13-ak0000na and could really use some help.

I’m trying to do a fresh OS install, but the installer is not detecting the internal NVMe storage at all. From what I understand, this model uses Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) / VMD, so I need to load the correct driver during setup—but that’s where I’m stuck.

What I’ve tried so far:

• Checked the official HP driver page for this exact model → no Intel RST driver available

• Downloaded various Intel RST driver packages

• Used SetupRST.exe and attempted to extract drivers manually via Command Prompt

• Located and tried loading drivers from the VMD folder

• Tested multiple versions of the RST drivers

The problem:

None of the drivers I’ve tried are recognized as compatible during installation, so the installer still doesn’t detect the NVMe drive at all.

Questions:

• Does anyone know which exact RST/VMD driver version works with this model?

• Is there a specific method to properly extract the correct driver?

• Alternatively, is there a way to disable VMD/RAID in BIOS on this device (if possible)?

• Has anyone successfully done a clean install on this model and can share steps?

I’m completely stuck at this point and would really appreciate any guidance.

Thanks in advance 🙏

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Looking at the specs for your PC, it comes with an Intel 8th gen core processor and Windows should not need any drivers to install in your notebook.

Clearly it does though, and I have no idea what the problem could be.

I've seen this issue on a few notebooks with Intel 8th gen core processors and NVMe SSDs.

Your PC does not use the VMD driver which is for PC's with newer processors (Intel 11th>13th gen core processors).

I have zipped up and attached the applicable IRST driver for PCs with the Intel 8th gen core processors, below.

The driver for the NVMe SSD is found in the iaStorAC.inf (setup information file).

%PCI\VEN_8086&CC_0108.DeviceDesc% = NVMe_inst, PCI\VEN_8086&CC_0108

This is one of those situations where you may have to bring your notebook to a local PC repair shop and see if they can get Windows to install on your PC.

[AdamWilliams_86]

Thank you for your reply.

After extracting the ZIP file into a folder and transferring it to a USB drive, I attempted to install the driver by selecting “Browse for driver” and pointing to that folder. However, when the “Hide drivers that aren’t compatible” option is checked, no drivers are displayed.

If I uncheck this option, approximately 20 drivers appear, but none of them work.

Do you have any further suggestions?

Thank you in advance.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

It was a long shot that the drivers would solve the problem.

Maybe try disabling the secure boot setting in the BIOS?

[AdamWilliams_86]

Secure boot is already disabled. i had a similar laptop with a no storage detected issue and was resolved by a driver just like how you suggested its just i cannot find the correct one unfortunately as when the tick box is checked to hide drivers that arent compatible then nothing shows up but when i untick that box loads show up but none work 😞 and HP wont help as its out of warranty. I appreciate your time on this but is there anything else you think could try.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately, I don't have any other suggestions for you to try.

I am sure that those are the correct storage drivers that your notebook would use.

You can try others, but I don't believe that's the issue.

I've zipped up and attached two different related versions below.

If you are trying to install W11, try W10 instead, and then take the free upgrade back to W11.

[AdamWilliams_86]

Perfect i will try these drivers now and get back to you. Fingers Crossed!........ and toes!