Clean win11 install on an M.2 SSD leads to restarting at 79%~

Question

Clean win11 install on an M.2 SSD leads to restarting at 79%~

Andrew Ragan 0

Hello

I have been trying to install win11 on a formatted m.2 ssd. The installation progress goes up to 79% and prompts me that the system is about to restart. After the system restarts, it picks up from the beginning. I have tried removing the USB after the system restarts, and also have the UEFI hard drive, formatted with GPT, as the primary boot option. It seems as if it is not completely installing on the m.2.

Answer accepted by question author

6 additional answers

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Answer 1

Ivan B 87,875 Independent Advisor

Hi,

Change UEFI USB KEY to USB Key Kingston.

Try Install Windows 10

User's image

Thanks

Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-28T22:56:21.5633333+00:00

Hi

This is the installation screen when Kingston is selected as the primary drive.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-28T23:07:07.6666667+00:00

Hi ,

You have to delete the drive and create it again when you get this error.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-28T23:56:00.0233333+00:00

Hi

This is the message I receive after deleting and recreating the partitions.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-29T00:26:56.5266667+00:00

Hi,

On the installation screen, press Shift+F10. In the command prompt, enter the following sequence:

Diskpart

Select disk 2

Clean

Exit

Restart the PC. Check if only disk 2 is listed as unallocated. Click on New and Apply.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-29T01:09:24.55+00:00

Hi

While cleaning the disk I encountered this message. I restarted and it cleaned the disk without any issues.

Unfortunately, the issue still persisted.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-30T04:18:56.9066667+00:00

Hi ,

Did you manage to solve the problem?

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-30T17:14:01.1+00:00

Hi

Unfortunately this did not solve the issue.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-30T20:03:23.8433333+00:00

Hi,

The only option where your SSD is malfunctioning is that you have another computer where we can try installing on the SSD with a different BIOS system?

Thanks
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-02T09:20:27.5733333+00:00

Hi ,

Did you manage to solve the problem?

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-12-03T23:55:42.19+00:00

Hi

Sorry for the delay, I have been quite caught up lately! I will attempt tomorrow and report the results. Thank you very much for your assistance with everything!
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-04T11:01:13.8833333+00:00

Hi ,

I'm happy to help, I'll be waiting for your reply.

Thanks.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-06T03:35:08.6633333+00:00

Hi ,

Were you able to follow the procedure?

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-12-06T22:06:45.7+00:00

Hello, once again sorry for the delay!

I have acquired a second SSD, this one is not M.2. It is registered in the bios, but does not show up in the win10 setup options.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-06T22:33:44.91+00:00

Hi ,

Access diskpart and see if the SSD appears?

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-12-06T23:01:37.2166667+00:00

Hi

It does not show up, but when it is connected, disk 1 changes to disk 3.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-06T23:24:36.57+00:00

Hi ,

This doesn't make sense. Do the following: remove the M.2 and leave only the SATA SSD.

Check if Secure Boot is disabled in the BIOS and set the storage controller to AHCI.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-12-07T21:52:00.9066667+00:00

Hello

The BIOS recognized the new drive (as non UEFI). But upon proceeding to installation windows is unable to find the drive in setup. When using load driver, it does not show up in the results. (X: drive does not show any results for a drive)
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-12-07T22:30:50.22+00:00

Hello

I am going to attempt the process listed in this comment

https://www.reddit.com/r/MSI_Gaming/comments/1f546os/comment/lkthkfo/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-08T02:29:20.73+00:00

Hi ,

Try this procedure if the Reddit procedure didn't work:

In this case, you would disable CSM, keep it with UEFI, and disable Secure Boot.

https://download.msi.com/dvr_exe/mb/AM4_RAID_Driver_WT.zip

You will recreate the drive using the Windows 11 media creation tool, and you will place these drivers and extract them to the same USB drive.

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-12-11T18:32:13.8433333+00:00

Hi

Apologies for the delay once again, the USB drive I was using stopped functioning. I will attempt the posted procedure. For clarification, should I put the linked file above onto the USB as well as the Win11 install files, or just the msi files?

Thanks again
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-12-12T01:23:23.41+00:00

Hi

I have found the solution. All I had to do was press F11 on startup.

🤦‍♂️

Thank you so much for your patience and assistance all this time!
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-12-12T02:59:32.5333333+00:00

Hello again

It turns out all I had to do was press F11 on startup.

Thank you so much for your patience and assistance!

Answer 2

It sounds like you're experiencing an issue with the installation of Windows 11 on your M.2 SSD, where the process restarts at around 79% completion. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can consider:

Check BIOS Settings: Ensure that your BIOS is set to UEFI mode and that Secure Boot is enabled. Sometimes, incorrect BIOS settings can prevent a successful installation.
Verify SSD Health: Make sure that the M.2 SSD is functioning properly. You can check this by connecting it to another system or using diagnostic tools if available.
Use Diskpart to Clean the SSD: Before attempting the installation again, you might want to use the Diskpart utility to clean the SSD completely. This can help remove any partitions that may be causing conflicts. You can do this by booting from the Windows installation media, opening a command prompt (Shift + F10), and running the following commands:
```
   diskpart
   list disk
   select disk <disk number>
   clean
   exit
```
After cleaning, try the installation again.
Installation Media: Ensure that your installation media (USB or DVD) is not corrupted. You can recreate the installation media using the Windows Media Creation Tool to ensure it is up to date.
Check for Compatibility Issues: Make sure that your hardware meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consult the Microsoft support documentation or forums for further assistance.

References:

Answer 3

Ivan B 87,875 Independent Advisor

Hi ,

What are your desktop specs or motherboard model?

Can you try installing Windows 11 by disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS and then try the installation again?

Thanks

Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-22T15:58:51.82+00:00

Thank you for your response! The motherboard I am currently using is the MAG B550 Tomahawk max wifi. I have also tried installing with secure boot disabled before but with no success.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-22T18:24:17.6933333+00:00

Hi,

Update your BIOS, then disable TPM, restart your PC, enable it again after the BIOS update, and try installing Windows 11.

Bios: https://download.msi.com/bos_exe/mb/7C91vAK1.zip

How to update bios: https://storage-asset.msi.com/files/pdf/How_to_flash_the_BIOS.pdf

Be careful when updating the BIOS; it's recommended because you can't make mistakes in the instructions. If you fail, it could prevent the BIOS from booting and the motherboard from working.

Without Secure Boot enabled.

Recreate a USB installation drive using Microsoft's Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2156295

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-23T01:06:13.5566667+00:00

I have updated my BIOS to the latest version (E7C91AMS.2AO) and have used the windows media creation tool on another USB drive. I had to turn on my TPM setting on and it proceeded as before, getting to 79% and restarting. This time, it notified me that an upgrade has been started and to remove the media and select yes to proceed with installation. I did that and the system still just boots to the BIOS same as before.

I have tried switching the TPM settings on/off and restarting and enabling/disabling secure boot to no avail.

I also noticed the BOOT debug LED is on. Additionally, I will occasionally receive the error code 0x8004240B-0x4002F

Answer 4

Ivan B 87,875 Independent Advisor

Hi,

Here's what you'll do: boot into Windows 11, use the "select setup options" option on the installation screen, and select "previous version of setup."

It will revert to the previous installation method. Select the keyboard layout, then "next," and then "install now." Select the Windows version (usually Home), then click "next," and accept the terms on the screen where you choose to install. You can take a picture and post it here.

Thanks

Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-23T17:22:42.6833333+00:00

Hello

I chose custom installation and selected drive 3. I selected the one that is properly formatted and I intend to use. The process of installation goes smoothly and restarts, but once the system restarts it still boots to BIOS.

I also tried the express installation option but still no results.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-23T20:01:54.2666667+00:00

Hi,

That's wrong, you'll have to delete all 3 partitions and leave it marked as unallocated, then click next to install.

Give feedback if the information was useful or not.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T05:26:19.9366667+00:00

Hello

I tried deleting the partitions in both the older version and the current version of windows setup and it did not change anything.

At one point I was able to remove drive 0.

Answer 5

Ivan B 87,875 Independent Advisor

Hi ,

Now you're going to click "next" on Driver 3, using this Driver 0 (I don't know which unit it is, but you're going to create it) and click "next" on unit 0 of this option.

User's image

After it restarts, you'll access the BIOS, take a picture of the boot order, and post it here.

Thanks

Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T18:14:49.0466667+00:00

I was unable to proceed on Drive 0, but I could create another partition, but it did not work. Doing so allowed me to delete drive 0. I proceeded with Drive 3 and it went the same as before. Included is the photo of my BIOS. I can provide images as needed.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T18:26:36.3166667+00:00

Hi ,

You will do the following: access the BIOS > Settings > Advanced > Windows OS configuration

Take photo here.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T18:58:52.76+00:00

Here is my windows OS screen as well as the secure boot information. TPM 2.0 is also enabled.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T19:33:12.1933333+00:00

Hi ,

Disable secure boot, save in the Acess BIOS again, go to the boot tab > Hard disk BBS Driver priority > It's probably empty, check if it is.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T19:48:09.64+00:00

Hello

The Hard disk BBS driver priority is not present.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T20:07:43.12+00:00

Hi,

Now you will boot from the Windows USB flash drive. On the installation screen, press Shift+F10. In the command prompt, enter the following sequence:

Diskpart

Select disk 3

Clean

Exit

Restart the PC. Check if only disk 3 is listed as unallocated. Click on New and Apply. See if it creates 3 or 4 partitions screenshot post here.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T20:24:28.6333333+00:00

Here are the locations before and after creating new partitions
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T20:41:52.0733333+00:00

Hi,

In this case, driver 0 might be the problem. Press next, then select Driver 3 partition 3.

Wait for the process to finish. When it's finished, go to the BIOS, to the boot tab, and check if it says UEFI Hard Disk: SSD or UEFI Hard Disk: Windows boot manager.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T22:31:56.7233333+00:00

The BBS Priorities option is now present for the flash drive.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-25T05:32:15.3433333+00:00

Hi,

It's strange, what's showing up in UEFI USB BBS?

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-25T15:36:22.4266667+00:00

Good morning!

It simply lists the flash drive that is inserted.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-25T16:29:08.21+00:00

Hi ,

It's strange that it doesn't create a boot partition because it's probably partition 0. Go to the SATA Configuration tab on Bios and see if there are any other drives.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-25T18:53:37.98+00:00

Here is the list of drives, I removed the other inactive drive. Also provided is the SATA Configuration screen
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-25T19:03:56.43+00:00

Hi ,

Do the following: create a Windows 10 installation drive and try to install it without secure boot. Delete the partitions and create them again. See if it recognizes and starts Windows.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-25T19:11:00.9166667+00:00

After removing the drive, drive 3 (now displaying as drive 2) is the only option available. I will now setup the windows 10 installation drive.
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-25T20:14:25.51+00:00

Hi

After starting the installation process I am met with these messages. I retried the installation process and it allowed me to proceed. I deleted the partitions and recreated them. I also ensured secure boot is disabled. Upon completion, it begins the reinstallation process over, and when I remove the USB it boots to BIOS.

It still reads the primary boot option as UEFI Hard disk instead of windows boot manager.
Ivan B 87,875 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-25T21:03:29.6266667+00:00

Hi,

It's possible the SSD is having a problem right now. You should activate CSM and change the boot from UEFI to Legacy and try installing Windows 10 again to see if the same problem occurs.

Thanks
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-25T21:22:16.4033333+00:00

I will try this and get back to you, thanks!
Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-25T21:57:46.7+00:00

These are the messages I receive after switching to Legacy + UEFI.

Also, in the boot section of the BIOS, Hard disk drive BBS priorities is now present. It displays Boot option #1 as my primary drive, Samsung 990 EVO 1tb. I also updated the firmware of my SSD.

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Clean win11 install on an M.2 SSD leads to restarting at 79%~

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