How to Fix "A Required Device Driver is Missing" Error During Windows Installation

During the installation of Windows, users may encounter the error message: “A required device driver is missing.” This usually indicates issues with USB or SATA drivers that are preventing the operating system from installing. Let’s explore the reasons behind this error and how to resolve it.

Why Does the "A Required Device Driver is Missing" Error Occur?

This error commonly appears due to the following reasons:

  • Installation is being performed from a USB drive connected via a USB 3.0 or USB-C port, which may not have the necessary drivers in the Windows installer.
  • The ISO image used is corrupted or improperly created.
  • BIOS limitations or the SATA controller set to AHCI/RAID mode.

Methods to Resolve the Issue

Try the following steps to fix the error.

1. Connect the USB Drive to a USB 2.0 Port

If you’re using a USB 3.0 port to install Windows, try plugging the USB drive into a USB 2.0 port instead. Older Windows versions may not be fully compatible with newer USB ports, and USB 3.0 drivers may not load during the initial setup phase.

2. Use a Different USB Drive

In some cases, the issue may be related to the USB drive itself. Try creating a bootable USB on another USB drive and restart the installation.

3. Verify or Recreate the Windows Installation Image

Sometimes, the error is caused by a corrupt or incorrect Windows image. Download an official ISO from Microsoft’s website and create a bootable USB using tools like Media Creation Tool or Rufus.

4. Add USB 3.0 Drivers to the Installation Image

If you are installing Windows on a newer device, you might need to manually integrate USB 3.0 drivers into the Windows ISO image. This can be done with software like NTLite, which allows you to add drivers to the image.

5. Modify BIOS (UEFI) Settings

Enter your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings and try adjusting the SATA controller mode:

  • Disable RAID and set it to AHCI mode, if available.
  • You can also try resetting BIOS to its default settings, which may resolve compatibility issues.

6. Install Drivers from an Alternate Source

On the error screen, click “Browse” and select a folder containing the drivers, if available on a separate storage device. You can download the necessary drivers in advance from the motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website if you know the required model.