windows install

[Don115]

When installing windows 11 from flash drive, I get an error in the 'search for drives'.  Error is: windows can't install on this drive.

[NK_Maverick]

Hello @Don115 ,

When you encounter an error stating that Windows can't install on a particular drive during a Windows 11 installation from a flash drive, it usually relates to issues with the drive's partition format or other compatibility problems. Here are some steps you can follow to resolve this issue:

Ensure the Drive is in the Correct Format

1. Boot from Your Installation Media:

   • Restart your computer and boot from the USB flash drive you created for installing Windows 11.

2. Access Disk Management:

   • When you reach the installation screen, where it asks for a location to install, press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.
   • Type diskpart and press Enter to open the Diskpart tool.
   • Enter list disk to view all available drives.

3. Format the Drive:

   • If the disk you want to install Windows on is listed, you can select it using select disk X (replace X with the disk number).
   • To clear existing partitions and reformat, type clean and press Enter.
   • Then type convert gpt to convert the disk to GPT (GUID Partition Table) format, which is recommended for systems using UEFI.

4. Create a New Partition:

   • Type create partition primary and press Enter.
   • Type format fs=ntfs quick or format fs=fat32 quick depending on your preference and press Enter. NTFS is usually preferred for Windows installations.
   • Type exit to leave Diskpart.

5. Refresh the Installer:

   • Go back to the Windows Setup and click "Refresh". The drive should now be available for installation without the error.

Other Considerations

• Disconnected Drives: Make sure only the target drive for installation and the USB flash drive are connected during installation. Disconnect any secondary drives to avoid confusion and errors.

• UEFI/BIOS Settings: Ensure that the computer's UEFI/BIOS settings are properly configured. Secure Boot may need to be disabled temporarily, and the boot mode should be set appropriately—usually UEFI.

• Check for Hardware Issues: If the problem persists, it might be worth checking the drive for any hardware issues, which could prevent an installation. This can be done using diagnostic tools or by trying the installation with another drive.

If the problem continues despite these attempts, contacting your device manufacturer or a technician for further diagnosis may be beneficial.

Sources

1. HP Business PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Client in Windows 11 and Windows 10

Thank You!