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How to Fix “No Signed Device Drivers Were Found” Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

When installing or updating Windows 11, you might encounter the error message “No Signed Device Drivers Were Found.” This can be frustrating, especially if you need to proceed with your installation quickly.

This error usually appears when Windows cannot find compatible signed drivers for your hardware during setup.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to resolve this issue without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

In this article, we will walk you through step-by-step solutions to fix this error and get your Windows installation back on track.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure you have the following ready:

  • A stable internet connection – some solutions require downloading drivers or updates.
  • Access to another working computer – useful if you need to download drivers or create installation media.
  • Your Windows 11 installation USB or DVD – keep this handy throughout the process.
  • Basic familiarity with BIOS/UEFI settings on your PC – you may need to adjust boot options.

Step 1: Verify Your Installation Media

Sometimes, the error can occur because the installation media itself is corrupted or incomplete. To ensure your media is not causing the issue, try the following:

  • Use the official Windows Media Creation Tool: Download the tool from the Microsoft website and create a fresh USB installation drive. This ensures all necessary files and drivers are included.
  • Check USB port and drive: Try using a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0) or a different USB drive to rule out hardware issues.

This step is important because a faulty installation media can prevent Windows from detecting the required drivers properly.

Step 2: Load Drivers Manually During Installation

If Windows setup cannot find signed drivers automatically, you can manually load them:

  1. On the error screen, click Browse to locate drivers.
  2. Insert a USB drive containing the correct drivers for your storage controller or chipset. You can download these drivers from your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website.
  3. Navigate to the folder with the drivers and select the appropriate .inf files.
  4. Click Next to load the drivers and continue the installation.

This method works because sometimes Windows setup does not include specialized drivers needed for certain hardware, especially on newer or custom-built PCs.

Step 3: Disable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI

Secure Boot is a security feature designed to protect your system from unauthorized software during startup. However, it can sometimes block unsigned or improperly signed drivers during installation.

To disable Secure Boot:

  1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings. This usually involves pressing a key like F2, Delete, or Esc during startup (consult your PC manual).
  2. Find the Secure Boot option, usually under the Security or Boot tab.
  3. Set Secure Boot to Disabled.
  4. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.
  5. Try running the Windows installation again.

Disabling Secure Boot allows Windows setup to load drivers that may not be digitally signed by Microsoft, which can resolve the error.

Step 4: Enable Legacy Boot or Change SATA Mode

Sometimes, the storage controller mode in BIOS/UEFI causes driver detection problems during installation. Two common settings to check are:

  • Legacy Boot: Enabling Legacy Boot (or CSM – Compatibility Support Module) can help if your installation media or hardware is not fully UEFI compatible.
  • SATA Mode: Switch SATA operation mode between AHCI and IDE or RAID depending on your hardware. AHCI is generally preferred, but switching modes may resolve driver issues.

To adjust these settings:

  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI as described earlier.
  2. Locate Boot options to enable Legacy Boot or CSM.
  3. Find SATA configuration and try switching between AHCI, IDE, or RAID modes.
  4. Save changes and reboot.
  5. Attempt Windows installation again.

Changing these settings can allow Windows to better recognize the storage device and find compatible drivers.

Step 5: Use Windows Troubleshooter to Find Drivers

If you have access to a working Windows PC, you can use the built-in troubleshooter to download and prepare drivers:

  1. Connect your problematic PC’s hard drive to the working PC as a secondary drive (optional but helpful).
  2. Run Device Manager and check for missing drivers on the problematic drive.
  3. Download the latest signed drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
  4. Copy these drivers to a USB drive.
  5. Use the USB in Step 2 to load drivers during installation.

This method ensures you have the correct and signed drivers ready for Windows to use during setup.

Alternative Method: Use DISM to Add Drivers

For advanced users, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can be used to inject drivers directly into the Windows installation image (.wim file):

dism /image:C:Mount /add-driver /driver:C:Driversdriver.inf

This process requires mounting the Windows image and adding drivers, which can help avoid the “No Signed Device Drivers Were Found” error during installation. However, this is recommended only if you are comfortable using command-line tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why does Windows say “No Signed Device Drivers Were Found”?

This happens because Windows setup cannot find the correct signed drivers for your hardware, often related to your storage controller or chipset.

Q2: Can I ignore this error and continue installation?

No, this error blocks the installation because Windows needs signed drivers to safely interact with your hardware.

Q3: Where do I find the correct drivers?

Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s official website. Look for storage controller or chipset drivers compatible with Windows 11.

Q4: Is disabling Secure Boot safe?

Disabling Secure Boot temporarily is generally safe to fix installation issues. Remember to re-enable it after installation for security.

Q5: What if I don’t know how to access BIOS/UEFI?

Check your PC’s manual or manufacturer website for specific instructions. Usually, pressing F2, Del, or Esc during boot works.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face the error, consider the following final options:

  • Contact your PC manufacturer’s support: They can provide the exact drivers or firmware updates needed.
  • Visit Microsoft’s official support: The Windows installation errors page offers advanced troubleshooting guides.
  • Try installing an older Windows version: If Windows 11 drivers are not available, Windows 10 setup might recognize your hardware and allow an upgrade path.
  • Use professional help: Sometimes hardware issues or complex configurations require expert assistance.

Conclusion

The “No Signed Device Drivers Were Found” error on Windows 11 can seem daunting, but it is usually caused by missing or incompatible storage drivers during installation. By verifying your installation media, manually loading drivers, adjusting BIOS settings like Secure Boot and SATA mode, and using proper troubleshooting tools, you can resolve this issue effectively.

Always start with simple steps and gradually move to more advanced options. With patience and the right drivers, your Windows 11 installation should proceed smoothly.

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