Question Windows 11 Pro on a new build, multiple drives

[Sportsshooter]

Question for anyone that has done a recent install of Windows 11 Pro on a new build.

On every previous build using SATA drives, I always wait to connect all but the OS drive until after installation. This prevents windows from making drive and partition decisions I don’t want and minimizes potential problems even if minor.

With the ASUS motherboard and the option to install up to five M.2 SSD’s this isn’t as convenient. First, my CPU does not have graphics and I need to install the GPU in order to first upgrade the BIOS and second to install the OS.

The five M.2 slots have a cover that I need to remove to install the M.2 SSDs. I plan on installing three. The GPU once installed blocks the M.2 slots.

To install Windows OS my preferred plan is installing a single M.2 SSD, leave the M.2 slot cover off, install the GPU, upgrade the Bios, install Windows, remove the GPU, install the other two M.2 SSDs, put the M.2 cover back on, re-install the GPU, turn system on and initialize the additional SSDs.

Unless, Windows 11 Pro is now smart enough to allow safe installation of all SSDs with the ability to only initialize the single M.2 SSD in my desired M.2_2 slot. I would then initialize the additional drives after Windows is successfully installed on the desired C drive in M.2_2. (M2_1 will be left empty since it is shared with the two PCIx16 slots which I don’t want to do).

Thank you.

 

[Steltek]

Can you deactivate any of the m.2 slots in the BIOS so any nvme drive installed in them won't be detected by Windows during the install?

Supposedly, Win10 and Win11 are smart enough to be able to install on a single drive only in a multi-drive system. I'll believe it when I actually experience it for myself (which, likely won't ever happen as I plan to move strictly to Linux after Win10 support expires).

 

[Sportsshooter]

Can you deactivate any of the m.2 slots in the BIOS so any nvme drive installed in them won't be detected by Windows during the install?

Supposedly, Win10 and Win11 are smart enough to be able to install on a single drive only in a multi-drive system. I'll believe it when I actually experience it for myself (which, likely won't ever happen as I plan to move strictly to Linux after Win10 support expires).

With 8 years since my last build, I am not familiar with and haven't seen the BIOS of my new board since I'm not to that point in my build yet.

The BIOS Manual for ASUS ROG Z790 series motherboards does mention a BIOS option under M.2 to enable or disable but the text mentions selected SATA ports. It may be a typo since the paragraph heading states M.2 (Page 73).

Thank you.

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1700/ROG_MAXIMUS_Z790_DARK_HERO/E22758_ROG_Z790_Series_BIOS_Manual_Intel_14th_EM_WEB.pdf?model=ROG%20MAXIMUS%20Z790%20DARK%20HERO

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Not exactly directly related, but I just got a MiniPC with 11. Box has a NVME drive. After install and full updates, I've added another internal SATA-III SSD and a few removable drives.

Boots fine. So far.

Probably a worthless post though.

 

[manly]

I'm no expert, but Windows setup doesn't automatically make arbitrary partitioning decisions in a multi-drive configuration. Assuming M2_2 and M2_3*, there is some potential for you to flip the drives (say you put your OS drive in the M2_3 slot). You're still in control of drive partitioning, although the bootloader gets dropped onto the first drive if I'm not mistaken.

I would install all your M.2 SSDs right away. Use the BIOS and other tools to ensure your desired OS drive is in M2_2 (and any subsequent ordering that you need). When you're convinced it's correct, then Windows setup should "do the right thing."

Presumably you could manually partition M2_3, for example with a single Linux partition. You wouldn't even need to format a filesystem, but I suspect Windows setup is not going to nuke a "foreign" partition unless you purposely do so. But I don't think this step is actually necessary; all the installed drives can be "blank" and unpartitioned. I do agree that for logical sake, you want your OS drive to be installed in M2_2 .

* Just noticed you're leaving M2_1 empty, so I had to adjust the numbering.

 

[In2Photos]

When I built my PC about 2 years ago I installed all 3 of my drives. They were all brand new and had no formatting or partitions on them. During the Windows install I created the partition on the drive I wanted as my OS drive and completed the installation. Windows left the other 2 drives alone.

That being said I don't think your plan is a bad one. I've often wondered if I should change my methodology when installing Windows. I always build the system outside of the case and test it before putting it in the case. Installing Windows during this test would make it easier to only install the single OS drive to absolutely ensure the whole Windows install only goes on the one drive.

 

[Sportsshooter]

I went ahead and installed Windows with a retail Windows 11 Pro USB on a single NVMe M.2 SSD. Windows install would not go past "connect to the internet". My build is using an ASUS Z790 ROG Maximus Dark Hero. Some searching and I found this was common with this motherboard and advised I load the Intel network drivers on a second USB, do a clean install, and manually install drivers from the selected, (Drivers on a 2nd USB), source.

Install went as expected after that step, one I have never had to do before.

The way the board is arranged, it was not easy to remove the GPU or install it again after installing the additional two NVMe M.2 SSDs and putting the SSD cover back but everything is in, initialized, and working well. Still wouldn't have minded eliminating the extra steps but at least I know everything is installed where I want it to be. I have a few more SATA drives I still to to connect.