How to Install Intel RST Driver via USB A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up Windows on modern systems needs special care. NVMe drives and RAID arrays often need extra drivers at the start.

The Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver is key for these cases. Without it, your storage might not show up in Windows setup, stopping you in your tracks.

This guide shows how to get and use the software via USB. By following these steps, your hardware will be recognised during OS setup.

Dell users can find extra help in their official support documentation. The steps are detailed but lead to reliable results if done right.

We’ll cover every step, from getting the driver to making it work. Getting ready properly avoids the hassle of unrecognised drives during important setup times.

Understanding Intel Rapid Storage Technology and Its Importance

Intel Rapid Storage Technology is a big step forward in computer storage. It helps make storage faster and safer for many setups.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0ZjabvtBsg

What is Intel RST?

Intel RST is a smart way to manage storage. It makes your computer run better and keeps your data safe. It works in two main ways: AHCI for single drives and RAID for multiple ones.

This tech offers many benefits:

• It makes data move faster with disk striping
• It keeps your data safe with redundancy
• It makes your computer more responsive under heavy use
• It supports different storage setups, like SSD caching

For computers with many drives, Intel RST lets you set up advanced RAID configurations. This means you can either speed up your storage or keep your data safe – or both at once.

Why Install Intel RST Driver via USB?

Installing the Intel RST driver via USB is key in some cases. It’s especially useful when setting up new hardware.

Systems with NVMe support often need this driver during Windows setup. Without it, the setup might not see your storage drives, stopping the OS install.

USB installation is also crucial when:

• Systems don’t have built-in drivers for certain storage controllers
• You need to set up complex RAID setups before installing the OS
• You’re facing storage recognition problems during setup
• You need to update drivers but can’t connect to the internet

This method makes sure your storage works perfectly right from the start of the OS install.

Prerequisites for Installing Intel RST Driver via USB

Before you start installing the Intel RST driver, make sure you have everything you need. Getting ready right can avoid problems and make the process easier. Here’s what you need to check.

Required Hardware and Software

Having the right stuff is key for a successful install. You’ll need a few specific items for the USB method.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Make sure your USB drive has enough space and is formatted right. You’ll need a good internet connection to download the driver from Intel’s site.

Checking Your System Compatibility

It’s important to check if your system can handle the driver. The wrong hardware is a common cause of problems.

Look up your motherboard’s chipset model in Device Manager or system tools. Make sure your storage supports RAID or AHCI, as Intel RST needs.

Check your motherboard’s specs for compatibility details. This step makes sure your hardware works well with the Intel RST driver.

Always get the latest driver from Intel’s site. This ensures the best performance and fixes any issues with your hardware.

How to Download the Correct Intel RST Driver

Finding the right Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver is key to your system’s top performance. The process has three main steps. These steps ensure your driver matches your hardware perfectly.

Identifying Your Intel Chipset Model

Start by finding your chipset model in Windows System Information. Press Windows Key + R, then type “msinfo32”. Look for the “System Model” entry.

Or, use Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button. Expand “System devices” to see your chipset details. This step stops you from installing drivers that might harm your system.

Navigating the Intel Download Centre

The Intel Download Centre is the best place for genuine drivers. Go there from Intel’s support website, not from other sites.

Search with your chipset model number for accurate results. Use filters like product type, operating system, and driver category to find what you need.

Selecting the Appropriate Driver Version

Pick drivers made for Intel Rapid Storage Technology, not generic ones. Version 17.5 or newer is best for NVMe support and better performance.

When downloading, choose “Extract” instead of “Install”. This makes a folder with all files ready for USB transfer, without installing on your system yet.

Always check the digital signature and release date before installing. Newer drivers usually work better with modern storage and offer more security.

Preparing a USB Drive for Driver Installation

Before you can install the Intel RST driver during Windows setup, you need to prepare your USB drive. This step is key to accessing the driver files when needed. You must format the USB drive correctly and extract the driver files for a smooth installation.

Choosing the Right USB Drive and Formatting It

Choose a USB drive with at least 4GB capacity for the driver files. While bigger drives are fine, avoid using drives under 4GB as they’re too small.

Plug in your USB drive to a working computer. Then, format it using these steps:

• Open File Explorer and right-click on your USB drive
• Select “Format” from the context menu
• Choose either FAT32 or NTFS file system
• Ensure “Quick Format” is selected
• Click “Start” to begin the formatting process

FAT32 is good for most systems, but NTFS supports bigger files. For Intel RST, FAT32 is usually enough.

Transferring the Intel RST Driver to the USB

After downloading the Intel RST driver, you must extract the files. This step prepares the files for installation during Windows setup.

Here’s how to extract the driver:

1. Double-click the downloaded .exe file to launch the extraction tool
2. When prompted, choose your formatted USB drive as the destination
3. Ensure you select “Extract” rather than “Install”
4. Wait for the extraction process to complete
5. Verify the driver files appear on your USB drive

The extracted files include .inf, .sys, and .cat files needed for installation. Your USB drive is now ready for the Intel RST driver installation.

Configuring BIOS/UEFI Settings for Driver Installation

Setting up BIOS/UEFI settings is key for installing Intel RST drivers via USB. These settings help your system find storage devices and decide what to boot first. Getting them right lets your system find the driver files during Windows setup.

Accessing BIOS/UEFI on Your System

To get into your computer’s BIOS/UEFI, you need to press certain keys when it starts. Common keys are F2, Del, or Esc, but it depends on who made your computer. You must press the key over and over again right after turning on your device.

Modern computers start up fast, so you might miss the prompt. If you do, just restart and try again. Some computers show logos that tell you which key to press.

Modifying Storage and Boot Settings

Inside BIOS/UEFI, go to the storage settings. Look for the SATA operation mode, usually under Advanced or Storage tabs. Change it to AHCI or RAID based on your setup.

Then, change the boot order to allow USB booting. Go to the Boot tab and put USB devices at the top. Make sure secure boot is off if you’re using old installation media.

Save your changes and exit using the right key (usually F10). Your system will restart with the new settings. These BIOS tweaks are crucial for driver recognition during Windows setup.

How to Install Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver on USB During Windows Setup

When setting up Windows on systems with Intel storage, you might hit a snag. The setup can’t find your storage drives if the Intel RST drivers are missing. To fix this, you need to load these drivers during the Windows setup.

Booting from Windows Installation Media

Start by putting in your Windows USB or DVD and restarting. Press F12, Esc, or another key to get to the boot menu. Choose the Windows media to start the setup.

When you can’t see your drives, it’s time to add the Intel RST driver. This lets Windows see and talk to your storage controller.

Loading the Driver from USB When Prompted

At the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen, if no drives show, you need to add the Intel RST driver. This is because Windows can’t find your storage without the right drivers.

Step 1: Insert the USB Drive During Windows Setup

When the screen is empty, click “Load Driver” below the list. Make sure your USB with the Intel RST driver files is in a port. Windows should find the USB.

Use USB 2.0 ports if you can. They work better in the setup phase. Don’t use USB hubs and plug directly into motherboard ports for best results.

Step 2: Browse to the Driver Location on the USB

After clicking “Load Driver,” a window opens. Go to your USB and find the Intel RST driver folder. It should have the iaStorAC.inf file and other drivers.

If you have different driver versions, pick the right one for your chipset and Windows. The folder should have an INF file for Windows to install the driver.

Step 3: Select and Load the Intel RST Driver

Choose the iaStorAC.inf file or the right INF file for your controller. Click “OK” to start the driver installation. Windows will then install the needed components.

Once installed, your drives should show up. You can then set up partitions and finish the Windows installation. This ensures your storage works right during and after setup.

The driver you load is only for the setup. The final driver installation will happen after Windows is installed. This can be through Windows Update or by installing from your USB drive.

Installing Intel RST Driver on an Existing Windows System

If your Windows system is already set up, you might need to install or update the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver. This is helpful when you add new storage or fix performance problems without a full system reinstall.

Using Device Manager to Update Drivers

Windows Device Manager is a simple way to install drivers. It automatically finds your hardware and the right drivers for it.

To update your Intel RST driver through Device Manager, follow these steps:

• Right-click the Start menu and select “Device Manager”
• Expand the “Storage controllers” section
• Right-click your Intel storage controller
• Choose “Update driver”
• Select “Browse my computer for drivers”
• Navigate to your downloaded Intel RST driver folder

The system will then find and install the right driver files. This method often fixes compatibility problems without needing a lot of technical know-how.

Manual Installation via Executable File

If you want more control over the installation, using Intel’s executable file is a good choice. This way, you can make sure you’re installing the exact driver version you want.

The manual installation process is as follows:

1. Download the correct Intel RST driver package from Intel’s website
2. Find the downloaded executable file (usually a .exe file)
3. Double-click the file to start the installation wizard
4. Follow the prompts to finish the installation
5. Restart your computer when asked

This method lets you see and agree to license agreements. It also gives you access to extra utilities and settings not found in other ways.

Both methods can update your Intel RST drivers on existing Windows systems. Device Manager is easy to use, while manual installation gives you more control.

Verifying Successful Intel RST Driver Installation

Checking your Intel RST driver installation is key to top storage performance. Driver verification makes sure your storage controllers work right. This step stops system crashes and data loss.

Checking Device Manager for Proper Recognition

Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu. Then, select it from the options. Look in the “Storage controllers” section for your Intel RST drivers.

A good installation shows no warning icons or error symbols. Look for “Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology” or similar names. No yellow exclamation marks mean everything is recognised well. This is the first part of your driver verification.

Confirming RAID or AHCI Mode Functionality

If you have RAID, open the Intel Rapid Storage Technology app. It’s in your system tray or Start menu. The app should show your RAID array details.

Make sure all drives are healthy and the array is in good shape. For AHCI mode, check if Native Command Queuing works. This shows your system is stable and working well.

You can also check storage mode in System Information. Look under “IDE Channel” descriptions. Good RAID functionality means your storage system works as expected.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Even with careful preparation, you might still face challenges when installing Intel RST drivers via USB. Knowing these common problems and their solutions can save you a lot of time and frustration. This is especially true during the troubleshooting installation process.

Driver Not Recognised During Windows Setup

When Windows Setup can’t find your driver, it’s often because of file extraction or USB formatting issues. The installer might not see compressed files. So, make sure you’ve extracted the driver folder correctly to your USB drive.

Here’s how to fix recognition problems:

• Reformat your USB drive using FAT32 format
• Extract driver files directly to the root directory
• Check file integrity by verifying SHA checksums
• Try a different USB port, preferably USB 2.0

Compatibility Errors and Version Mismatches

Compatibility errors usually happen when you use the wrong driver version for your hardware. These mistakes can lead to installation failures or system instability after installation.

To avoid version conflicts:

1. Double-check your chipset model using Intel’s identification utility
2. Download drivers specifically matched to your hardware generation
3. Verify driver digital signatures before installation
4. Consult Intel’s compatibility matrix for confirmed working versions

Resolving BIOS/UEFI Configuration Problems

Incorrect firmware settings are another common problem. Your storage controller mode must match your driver requirements for successful detection.

Fix BIOS/UEFI issues with these methods:

If you’re still having trouble, try resetting your BIOS to its default settings. This often fixes subtle configuration conflicts that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Conclusion

Installing the Intel RST driver via USB is key for boosting your system’s storage. It makes sure NVMe drives and RAID setups work their best. This leads to quicker data access and better reliability.

By following this guide, you can avoid common problems. It covers everything from downloading the right driver to setting up BIOS/UEFI. This ensures your hardware is recognised and your system stays stable.

If you run into trouble, check the troubleshooting section or Intel’s official help. A well-installed Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver improves performance. It works great for new setups and existing systems alike.