These files are the "holy grail" for anyone trying to install Windows on a modern Intel-based laptop. The "story" is one of frustration, hidden drives, and a significant shift in how Intel manages storage. 💾 The "Missing Drive" Mystery
The story usually starts when a user tries to clean-install Windows on an 11th Gen (or newer) Intel laptop. Upon reaching the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen, the list is completely empty. Even though the SSD is clearly visible in the BIOS, Windows acts like it doesn't exist. 🛠️ The Protagonists: VMD vs. Non-VMD
This happens because of Intel Volume Management Device (VMD), a technology designed to handle high-speed NVMe storage and RAID more efficiently.
F6flpy-x64-vmd.zip: This contains the drivers required if VMD is enabled in your BIOS. Modern laptops (like those from ASUS, Dell, and Acer) usually have this on by default to support features like Intel Optane or RAID.
F6flpy-x64-non-vmd.zip: This is for older systems or cases where VMD is disabled, and the controller is running in standard AHCI mode. 📉 The "Gone Forever" Twist
For years, Intel provided these two distinct ZIP files on their Intel Download Center for easy use during Windows setup (the "F6" refers to the old floppy disk prompt for drivers).
However, in 2023, Intel removed these separate ZIP files. They replaced them with a single .exe installer (SetupRST.exe). This created a major problem: you can't run an .exe while you're in the middle of a Windows installation. 💡 The Solution (How the Story Ends)
To see your drives again, you now have to "extract" the story yourself:
Download the SetupRST.exe from Intel or your laptop manufacturer like Dell or ASUS.
Use a command prompt to extract the raw drivers (e.g., SetupRST.exe -extractdrivers C:\RST). Put those extracted files on your Windows installation USB. F6flpy-x64-non-vmd.zip And F6flpy-x64-vmd.zip
Click "Load Driver" during the Windows setup and browse to that folder.
⭐ Pro-Tip: If you don't want to mess with drivers at all, you can often go into your BIOS settings and disable "VMD Controller" or switch from "RAID/VMD" to "AHCI". Windows will then see your drive immediately using its built-in drivers, though you may lose specific Intel optimization features.
During a clean installation of Windows 10 or 11, users often encounter a "No drives can be found" error. This occurs because modern Intel platforms (11th Gen and later) use Intel Volume Management Device (VMD)
technology, which requires specific storage drivers that are not included in the standard Windows installation media. Intel Community
Below is a guide on the two primary driver packages used to resolve this: F6flpy-x64-vmd.zip F6flpy-x64-non-vmd.zip Understanding the Driver Packages F6flpy-x64-vmd.zip : This package is for systems with VMD enabled
in the BIOS (typically 11th Gen to 14th Gen Intel CPUs). It contains the drivers necessary for Windows to communicate with NVMe SSDs managed by the VMD controller. F6flpy-x64-non-vmd.zip : This package is for older systems or those where VMD is
or not supported (typically 10th Gen Intel CPUs or earlier). It provides the standard Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) drivers. Intel Community How to Load Drivers During Installation
If your SSD is not appearing during the "Where do you want to install Windows?" step, follow these instructions: F6flpy-x64-Non-VMD.zip and F6flpy-x64-VMD.zip Removed
F6flpy-x64-non-vmd.zip F6flpy-x64-vmd.zip files are essential "F6" pre-install drivers used during the Windows installation process to allow the installer to "see" your hard drive or SSD on modern Intel systems. Intel Community Purpose & Usage These drivers are specifically for Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) These files are the "holy grail" for anyone
. Without them, you might encounter a "no drives found" error when trying to select a partition for a fresh Windows install on a laptop or desktop with 11th Gen to 14th Gen Intel CPUs. F6flpy-x64-vmd.zip : Used for systems where the Intel VMD (Volume Management Device)
is enabled in the BIOS. This is the standard for most modern Intel-based laptops. F6flpy-x64-non-vmd.zip
: Used for older systems or those where VMD is disabled in favor of standard AHCI or older RAID modes. Intel Community Review: Why They Are Necessary Critical for Fresh Installs
: These files are a "lifesaver" if your BIOS is locked to VMD mode and Windows doesn't include the driver out-of-the-box. Compatibility
: They allow you to manually load the storage controller driver by clicking "Load Driver" on the Windows setup screen. Portability : Being in
format makes them easy to extract onto the same USB drive as your Windows installer, which is much more convenient than using the full installer. Intel Community Important Note: Removal by Intel Recent reports indicate that Intel has removed the direct
downloads for these drivers from their official site, forcing users to download the larger SetupRST.exe
and manually extract the drivers using a command line (e.g., SetupRST.exe -extractdrivers Intel Community Recommendation:
If you are installing Windows on a modern Intel system and can't see your drive, you likely need the version. If you can find these archived Error 1: "No new devices were found" Cause:
files from a trusted source like your motherboard manufacturer's support page (e.g.,
), they are far more convenient than the standard Intel installer. Intel Community Are you currently facing a "no drives found" error during a Windows installation? F6flpy-x64-Non-VMD.zip and F6flpy-x64-VMD.zip Removed
Now there is only the option to download the SetupRST.exe. Previously there was a F6flpy-x64-Non-VMD. zip and F6flpy-x64-VMD. zip. Intel Community F6flpy-x64-Non-VMD.zip and F6flpy-x64-VMD.zip Removed
Follow the prompts to continue and complete the installation. Best regards, Jocelyn M. Intel Customer Support Technician. ... Oh.. Intel Community F6flpy-x64-Non-VMD.zip and F6flpy-x64-VMD.zip Removed
This guide explains the difference between these two driver packages and how to choose the correct one for your Windows installation.
These files are Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) F6 Floppy Drivers. They are primarily used during a clean installation of Windows 10 or Windows 11 when the installer cannot see your hard drive or NVMe SSD.
Cause: You have a genuine driver mismatch. Fix: Try the other ZIP file. If neither works, check if your SSD is dead or unplugged.
Many OEMs rename VMD to something else in BIOS. Look for:
Set these to match the driver you plan to use.