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

Andrew Ragan 0 Reputation points
2025-11-22T01:37:37.2366667+00:00

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.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-11-22T01:37:48.3666667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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:

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  2. Ivan B 86,955 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-22T02:42:10.3433333+00:00

    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


  3. Ivan B 86,955 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-23T06:49:27.44+00:00

    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


  4. Ivan B 86,955 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-24T11:09:14.5533333+00:00

    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


  5. Ivan B 86,955 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-26T09:52:06.1566667+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for the information.

    Change to Legacy mode, only put the USB Key as the first partition and Hard Disk as the second.

    You will delete the partition and create a new one on the installation screen and try to install Windows 10. See if Windows starts to confirm if it's not a problem with the M.2 SSD.

    User's image

    User's image

    Thanks


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