The error occurs due to hardware compatibility, boot mode mismatch, or missing storage drivers; ensure boot mode (UEFI/Legacy) matches the drive’s partition style (GPT/MBR). 2. Enter BIOS/UEFI, confirm boot mode, and boot installation media in the same mode. 3. Delete all partitions on the target drive during installation and let Windows automatically recreate them to ensure correct partition structure. 4. Use Rufus to create installation media with GPT for UEFI or MBR for Legacy. 5. Load necessary storage drivers during setup, especially for NVMe, RAID, or older SATA configurations, by clicking “Load Driver” and providing the required driver files.

The error "Windows Setup could not configure Windows to run on this computer's hardware" typically appears during Windows installation — often near the end, when Setup is finalizing the configuration. It’s frustrating because it halts the process right before completion. This issue is usually related to hardware compatibility, boot mode mismatch, or driver issues, especially with storage controllers.

Here’s how to fix it, step by step:

? 1. Check and Match Boot Mode (UEFI vs Legacy/CSM)

One of the most common causes is a mismatch between the partition style (GPT vs MBR) and the firmware boot mode (UEFI vs Legacy BIOS).

• If your system uses UEFI, the drive must be formatted as GPT.
• If your system uses Legacy BIOS (CSM), the drive should be MBR.

? Fix:

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, Del, or F12 during boot).
2. Check your boot mode setting:
   • If it's set to UEFI, ensure the installation media is also booted in UEFI mode.
   • If it's set to Legacy/CSM, boot in Legacy mode.
3. Delete all partitions on the target drive during installation — this forces Windows to recreate the correct partition structure.
4. Let Windows automatically create partitions (this ensures GPT/MBR alignment).

? Tip: Use a tool like Rufus to create your USB installer and explicitly choose GPT for UEFI or MBR for Legacy.

? 2. Load Storage Drivers (Especially for NVMe, RAID, or Older SATA)

Some motherboards (especially older ones or those with RAID/NVMe support) require additional storage drivers that Windows Setup doesn’t include by default.

? Fix:

1. Download the correct storage or RAID drivers from your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website.
   • Look for: Intel RST, AMD RAID, or NVMe drivers.
2. Extract the driver files to a USB drive.
3. During installation, when you see the error or before proceeding to install, click "Load driver" on the bottom-left.
4. Browse to the USB drive and select the appropriate driver folder.
5. Let Windows install the driver, then retry installation.

?? Example: On ASUS, Dell, or HP systems with RAID enabled, failing to load Intel RST drivers causes this error.

?? 3. Disable Secure Boot and RAID (Temporarily)

Secure Boot or RAID mode can interfere with Windows Setup.

? Try this:

1. Enter BIOS.
2. Disable Secure Boot (temporarily).
3. Change SATA mode from RAID to AHCI (if no RAID array is needed).
   • ?? Warning: If you're dual-booting with another OS using RAID, this may cause issues later.
4. Save and reboot into Windows installer.
5. Retry installation.

Once Windows is installed, you can re-enable Secure Boot or switch back to RAID (but may require additional driver setup).

? 4. Clean the Drive Completely Before Installing

Sometimes corrupted partition tables or leftover data prevent proper configuration.

? Steps:

1. In Windows Setup, instead of clicking “Install Now,” press Shift F10 to open Command Prompt.
2. Run these commands:

   diskpart
   list disk
   select disk X    (replace X with your target drive number)
   clean
   convert gpt      (or "convert mbr" if using Legacy BIOS)
   exit
   exit

3. Close the Command Prompt and proceed with installation.

This wipes the drive and sets the correct partition style.

? 5. Use Correct Windows ISO and USB Creation Method

A corrupted or incompatible ISO can cause configuration failures.

? Best practices:

• Use Microsoft’s official Media Creation Tool (for Windows 10/11) to create the USB.
• Avoid third-party tools unless you know they support UEFI properly.
• Verify the ISO checksum if downloading manually.

?? 6. Hardware Compatibility Issues

Older or unsupported hardware (especially CPUs without PAE, NX, SSE2, etc.) may fail during configuration.

? Check:

• Is your CPU supported by the version of Windows you're installing?
  • Windows 11 requires 8th Gen Intel or Ryzen 2000 officially.
  • Older systems may need Windows 10 or registry bypasses.
• If forcing install on unsupported hardware, you may need to bypass checks (e.g., via SetupOverride.ini or registry edits in winpe).

?? This error can occur silently if the CPU lacks required features.

Summary: Quick Fix Checklist

• ? Boot in correct mode (UEFI ? GPT, Legacy ? MBR)
• ? Use proper USB creation tool (e.g., Media Creation Tool or Rufus with correct settings)
• ? Load storage drivers (Intel RST, NVMe, RAID) if needed
• ? Clean the drive with diskpart and reformat
• ? Disable RAID → use AHCI; disable Secure Boot temporarily
• ? Ensure hardware meets Windows requirements

Fixing this error usually comes down to boot mode driver clean install environment. Most users resolve it by switching SATA mode to AHCI and ensuring UEFI/GPT alignment.

Basically, it’s not always a Windows problem — it’s Windows saying, “I can’t talk to your hardware properly.” Fix the communication, and the install will go through.

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