Guide: Clean Install Windows 10, After M.2 NVMe SSD Upgrade

Re-Installing Windows 10, after an M.2 SSD Upgrade

This guide was written to help a forum member do a clean install of Windows 10, after upgrading to an M.2 NVMe SSD. That particular laptop was a Dell XPS 15 9550 (late-2015 model). However, this guide should also apply to other Dell XPS 13 / 15 models, released after the late-2015 Intel Skylake CPU refreshes. The only thing that might change is Step 2, where the exact classification / list of drivers may be different.



You'll need at least one 16GB (or larger) USB Flash Drive. USB 3.0 drives make this process a lot faster. Here's a list of steps below:

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Preparing for the Re-Install
1. Go on Microsoft's site to download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. This will automatically download Windows 10 64-bit for you, and create a bootable USB flash drive ( link)


2. Go to http://support.dell.com to download the drivers for your system.


For a Dell XPS 15 9550, you'll want:

• Audio: Everything
• Chipset: Everything
• Modem / Communications: Driver for your card. You probably have a Dell Wireless 1830. Get both WiFi and Bluetooth drivers. They may be in separate files.
• Network: Everything
• SATA: Intel Rapid Storage Technology (save this for later)
• System Utilities: Intel HID
• ST Microelectronics: Everything
• Video: Intel HD Drivers
• Video: Get nVidia 960M drivers directly from nVidia, through the GeForce Experience (link)

Save these to a USB Flash Drive (it can be your Windows 10 Setup USB Flash Drive, in a sub-directory).

Note: Other laptop models may have different driver names, classification categories, etc. In general, you WANT to download drivers for audio, Intel chipset, Intel storage, WiFi card, Bluetooth card, ethernet adapter, SD Card reader, and video drivers. You can safely ignore anything with the word "Dell" in it, except for WiFi and/or Bluetooth drivers.

3. Download any internet-based applications you want (e.g. Google Chrome, Avast Antivirus, Steam, League of Legends client, WinRAR or 7zip, etc). If you have a lot, you may need a larger (or separate) USB Flash Drive.

4. Take the Intel Rapid Storage Technology file. Extract it, and save those extracted files on a USB Flash Drive. It can be either on the root directory, or in a sub-folder. You'll need that for Windows 10 setup to recognize an M.2 NVMe SSD.

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Re-Installing Windows 10

5. Shut down your computer. Remove power cable.

6. Open up the laptop chassis. Install / swap your new hardware upgrades into the laptop (M.2 SSD, RAM, etc). **BE SURE TO REMOVE YOUR MECHANICAL HDD FOR NOW*** Explanation below.

7. Put bottom laptop panel on, secure only 1 or 2 screws (you'll need to come back later).

8. Boot into BIOS (hit F2 during boot process, on Dell logo screen. If it gets to some kind of Windows boot screen, you missed the timing window).

9. Configure:

• System Configuration --> SATA Operation = AHCI
• Secure Boot --> Secure Boot = Disabled.
• Boot Sequence --> Boot List Option = Legacy

10. Exit BIOS. Put Windows 10 USB Flash Drive in. Hit F12during startup (Dell logo) for One-Time Boot Menu. Boot off of the Windows 10 Setup USB Flash Drive.

11. Choose to install Windows 10:

• Product Key: Choose Skip (Windows 10 will eventually automatically read the product key stored in BIOS, or use your hardware fingerprint to validate your Windows 10 license).
• Type of Installation: Custom (not Upgrade)
• If your M.2 NVME drive isn't listed, choose Load Driver. Put in the USB Flash drive where you copied those extracted Intel Rapid Storage Technology files.
• Your drive should be detected. If this isn't a new drive, Delete all partitions on there.
• Install windows on the unpartitioned space.

12. Windows 10 will install, and complete the setup process. Should take about 30-45 min.

13. Power down the laptop. Unplug power. Open the bottom lid. Put your mechanical HDD back in. Close up the lid (fully; all screws) Plug power back in.

The reason for doing this is that Windows will put the bootloader information on the "first" drive it sees in the system. And you don't have any control over what Windows Setup sees as the "first" drive. This may result in a situation where your bootloader is stored on a different drive than your core Windows OS files. This is undesirable.

By having only one drive in the system during Windows Setup, you force everything (bootloader, OS files) to go on one drive.


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13. Copy over all of the Dell Drivers you downloaded in Step 2. Install them. You can choose avoid rebooting until all drivers are installed, and then reboot at the end.

14. Install all of the applications you downloaded in Step 3.

15. Install / configure any other software, applications, games, etc you want. Put them on your SSD, for speed.

 

This is awesome. Thanks!

One question, does this tutorial also apply to non NVME M.2 SSD's?

 

Legacy is the one path to follow but should you want secure boot the same way as it arrives from Dell then you need a custom ISO. Easy enough to pull off using nlite and the correct drivers, I created an ISO that will see an nvme drive, allow you to install without any extra work and install al but 3 drivers that get pulled from windows update once you reach desktop.

I will be updating my ISO's in the next few days to hopefully a combined home/pro multi language once I get the time!

My sig has the current ISO's created a couple of weeks ago,

 

The Dell Command - Update download doesnt work to keep drivers up to date does it?

 

One thing you should add to this is that if you are using your own ISO for Windows like I was, it is paramount that the USB drive installer be created using FAT32 and UEFI. Not all tools that can make a bootable flash drive from an iso can do this. The Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool cannot. Seems like the Windows 10 utility does it, but assuming that you want to install Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise or Education instead of Home, you'll need to make your own bootable drive using something like rufus.

 

I'm not sure. But it's not worth it, for two reasons:

1) You can always just go and manually download drivers yourself.
2) Drivers don't change much, except for the nVidia GPU drivers. And those are updated (automatically) through GeForce Experience, which should be running anyway.

A Dell driver update utility just eats up system resources, and is an annoyance.

 

Does changing it to AHCI cause any issues? What if you wanted it to stay as a cache ssd?

 

It is not possible as caching with an SSD is a RAID only option.

 

Had to edit this. Different question:

If you want the Windows Installation to be on the 32GB SSD, do you follow the same steps for the entire guide? Do you still have to change it to AHCI?

 

Considering my 2 week old install has 47gb in the windows folder you may as well chalk that one up as a bad idea and move on!

 

Yeah, i figured that out.

 

Why must you select these options in the BIOS:

• System Configuration --> SATA Operation = AHCI
• Secure Boot --> Secure Boot = Disabled.
• Boot Sequence --> Boot List Option = Legacy

Question:
Is this needed when using an M.2 SSD with NVME?

Advise:
Install the M.2 NVME SSD with the NVME SSD driver and disabled the AHCI support in the BIOS, no issues when booting.
AHCI must be enabled when installing a secondary HDD/SSD on the S-ATA connector, and no INTEL RST install is needed, only use the driver.

 

No need to disable secure boot or enable legacy mode so long as your install media is EFI compliant.

I did have n issue on this new build where my custom install wouldn't show in the boot menu, it worked fine on the other 9550 with secure boot on / legacy off.

A BIOS default fixed that!

AHCI mode is better as it allows the BIOS to read the nvme drives temp and also lets windows use it's nvme driver.

I get full speed out of my 1tb toshiba m.2 nvme drive this way.

 

Did you install the NVME drive with special driver for windows to detect the drive or default NVME windows 10 driver.
My plan is to clean install windows 10 with the Samsung NVME driver so it will detect my 950 Pro, this will also result in greater speeds, I Hope!!!

 

The ISO in my sig is UK english and has everything needed to install to NVME in RAID or AHCI. if you want a go yourself then follow the guide here http://www.win-raid.com/t2f23-Intel-RST-RSTe-Drivers-newest-v-WHQL-v-WHQL.html using the drivers >64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v14.8.1.1043 WHQL<

You can use my installs to get to desktop with wifi so it signs straight into a microsoft account + it has most drivers up to date as of a month ago, the missing ones install before you get to desktop once you sign into a wifi network so it is an easy way round a DIY install.

You can install further language packs once you get to desktop.

FYI i went back to the windows driver as the samsung one caused extended restart times as it hung for up to a minute, speeds were the same.

 

I reinstalled Windows 10 on my XPS 15 9550, but did not change the boot settings... I kept it UEFI AND secure boot on. This allows the computer to even boot faster.

Usually, when you try to install Windows 10 with NVME SSD drive, it won't recognize the drive through the Windows 10 setup. What you must do, is to add some drivers from RST from Intel (Rapid Storage Technology) downloaded directly from the Intel's Website.
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25165/Intel-Rapid-Storage-Technology-Intel-RST-RAID-Driver

Extract the folder into a new folder in your Windows 10 USB install flash drive, and when you don't see a SSD drive pop up during install, click on "have driver" and direct it to the extracted folder of the RST file you downloaded from Intel's website. Then, your SSD drives will be recognized and you can do a clean install from there.

I would NOT do a legacy boot. Do a UEFI, like what the XPS 9550 comes with. Legacy is the older generation of boot, which takes a longer time.

 

After I have done a clean install of Windows 10, should I install all the Windows updates before or after I have installed all the drivers from the Dell website?

 

I say 1st, others say after in the grand scheme it shouldn't matter.

 

Thanks. Just looking at your new ISO and might try this instead.
I have a i7/16gb/512gb/FHD.
Do you have your system set up as AHCI. Don't think whether to leave mine in RAID or install in AHCI?
How stable is AHCI? I don't want any BSODs or failure to find SSDs.

 

Very stable in AHCI, it uses the native NVMe microsoft driver. I have had 1 BSOD for store exception that may have been my AV as Kaspersky's been doing some big updates requiring reboots in the past 2 weeks.

Raid is only meant for systems with cache drives on this laptop but Dell are lazy so one configuration fits all.

 

Ok, thanks. It's all been useful information.
Did you use the Samsung NVME driver at all, Would you recommend just using the Microsoft?

Also, can I ask what specs you have in your 9550?

Chris

 

No, when I had the standard samsung drive and my 950 pro I used the windows drivers as the samsung one has a reboot but causing a long delay.

Now got a 32gb ram 1tb toshiba SSD model.

 

I am going to put a Samsung 950 Pro in an XPS 15 9550, the unit I have does not have an additional HDD...are there an additional BIOS settings that I will need to change? I found THIS step by step page as well, but I'm not so sure it applies to my situation

 

You don't have to change anything in the bios, however I recommend you set it to AHCI mode and use the Samsung NVMe driver after windows is installed.

 

So i followed the instructions and it allowed me to install the windows onto partition 4 which is my SSD, it went through everything and finished, but now when i try to reboot the computer it says "No boot device found. press any key to reboot the machine."

what went wrong?

it will only boot when i plug in the USB, but with the USB plugged in, the computer will boot into the window install screen, if i try to go through all of it again, it wont allow me to install it into partition 4 again, it gives me

windows cannot be installed on this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style.

 

1, maybe the bootable USB isn't setup like the guide, it has happened several time so far.
2, you didn't delete the partitions until you have a blank drive as you said you installed to a partition, well that's not in my guide.

 

What is the difference if I have a XPS 9343 (with SATA M.2)?

 

It should work fine.

 

I did a reinstall of Windows 10 on a SM951 512GB SSD. All worked and works fine except on every other / random reboot / startup, I get a hang on the Dell screen, the rotating dots won't come.
I have to press the power button for a few seconds to force a full off and start again, and then it usually succeeds this or the the next time.

I think I heard something about some AHCI or something else? It almost seems like something (the drive?) is not initialized or found quickly enough and so it just halts... Annoying.

 

put the laptop in ahci mode (search the forums for the procedure as I have quoted it enough times) then install the Samsung 950 PRO NVMe driver.

 

Thanks will try that later tonight Does it do anything to performance or stability otherwise? I think I tried doing the Samsung NVMe driver before but it did not recognize any Samsug drive, I assume by your post that ahci mode might help with that.

 

Performance is the same and it needs to be in AHCI mode.

 

Okay so I changed to AHCI in the bios and it wont boot like that, I assume I have to do something with a bootable USB drive or something. So back to RAID it was for now - with only starting randomly from a cold boot.

 

Google how to do it. It's been mentioned many times in this forum m8

Sent from my SM-G920F

 

The new bios fixed this for me without having to change to AHCI. When I reboot it always manage to get pass the Dell logo now. Yay.

 

No new BIOS for two months?

 

Sorry I have the XPS13. Got new bios 2 days ago.

 

Hello,

I know this thread is dedicated to clean install, but i'd figure this be a great place to post.

I am trying to upgrade my 9550 in the following ways: swap out the m.2 nvme stock 256 for a 1tb SATA m.2. My first question: Is this possible? Should be compatible right? Second, any noticeable difference seen after installing an intel AC8260 wireless card in comparison to the 3x3 Broadcom stock card? And third, has anyone upgraded to the bigger 85Whr battery and ditched out their 56hwr? Thanks ya'll.

 

I installed a 256gb Sata m.2 into my xps15 no problem. I'm upgrading the battery this week although the 56 whr works pretty good since I only have the 1080p screen.

 

Why did you install a SATA 256 M.2 drive? Didn't your XPS come with a NVME 256GB? Didn't like write speeds or something? My decision is purely for more storage and to remove my 2.5" drive and get a bigger battery.

 

It has been answered before and you may note some of us got the 9550 with a 1tb NVMe drive as a stock order option before they removed it. We have a dedicated thread on this forum for battery swaps as people want to ditch a a bigger battery and will happily do a direct swap for the smaller battery & HDD tray with cable.

As for the wifi the obvious thing it a 1/3rd speed drop but it does fix some wifi related issues you can read about on here as well. It is a busy forum but the search button will get you to the threads you need eventually

 

Hi Gonzo, I found the thread on the battery swap topic. Thanks for the tip. I don't quite understand what you mean by "a 1/3rd speed drop" comment. Do you mean if I switch out the stock card with an intel I will see a 1/3rd speed drop? As far as the M.2 Sata drive question I was just curious why he ditched his stock NVME drive for a SATA m.2 drive. I am basically trying to get as much storage for my money. I don't think I have seen this particular M.2 NVME/SATA conversation on this thread. I have seen a lot of talk about settings in BIOS, but not any chat about downgrading to a SATA M.2 drive from a NVME. Maybe I missed it. Thanks.

 

You won't find anything about a SATA m.2 drive but it will work fine, just slower than a NVMe drive.

The wifi swap, to point out the obvious.

Dell 1830 = 3x3 1.3Gbps
IntelAC8260 = 2x2 867 Mbps

You can buy NVMe bases 1tb+ cards now so it may be worth considering paying more for a (up to) 4x speed boost

 

The DW1830 is 3x3 while the 8260 is 2x2 rated 867mbps (5GHz band), so is the Killer in the new XPS 15 9560.
The assumption for the 1/3rd speed drop is that you actually had a 3x3 connection with the router and a fast link further to whatever you connect to.

One card replacement guide here:
http://www.windowscentral.com/upgrade-wifi-dell-xps-15

 

As always, thanks for the input ya'll. @GoNz0 The price difference between a 1TB SATA m.2 and a 1TB NVME Drive is still substantial. A noticeable amount actually. At the the time of writing this comment a 1TB EVO is roughly about $300 while the superior 1TB NMVE, at least on paper, drive is going for about $600.Enough that I don't think I will see a real world difference between the two drives. I am sure this has been debated more than enough already though. Again, i emphasize that I want to expand storage as much as possible on a budget. The current stock Pm951 256GB as you know has horrible write speeds. I can see why some folks would opt out for a more balanced SATA m.2.

• Capacity: 256GB
• Form Factor: M.2
• Model: PM951
• Sequential Read: Up to 1000 MB/s
• Sequential Write: Up to 280 MB/s

Last, I don't think I will be fiddling with the wifi card. There doesn't seem to be a consensus that points to a clear winner or that swapping cards is a better choice over stock. What is the obsession nowadays with speed? I mean what is the point of having a faster 3x3 set up if it has reportedly giving users problems? I am looking for a stable connection. That should be priority first. I have observed that sometimes I have to restart the damn laptop to get wifi connection because the card doesn't wake up or something.

 

Rock solid connection here, I use decent Asus AC68u routers with merlins firmware, I think you need a really up to date router to get a stable connection with the 1830 card. I sit between 1 and 1.3Gbps kinda smack back between both routers (they sit on opposing corners of the house)

 

If you choose to run a smaller battery and the 2.5" bay then you may get the best of both worlds. nmve speeds and huge storage in the 2.5" bay. That said, someone reported the 2.5" bay was running at 50% speed (not 6 Gb/s) so that is something to review and confirm-deny.

There is no current SSD offered by Dell. SSD type is a crapshoot based on their whim

 

No mine came with a 32gb m.2 cache drive + 1tb sata mechanical drive. I removed both and put in an inexpensive m.2 sata drive. For what I use it for the nvme drives were not worth the double in cost.

 

Oh!!!!!!!!!! I am sorry. I totally forgot about the 32GB Cache (embarrassed). Totally makes sense now. I have a PM 256GB NVME and I want to swap it out for a larger capacity drive. I am still looking at what is out there. I may just leave what I have. I also have a 2.5" SATA Drive. So many options for storage expansion. What is the max we can install? 2tB m.2 and 2tb 2.5"?

 

I think so. the 2.5" needs to be the 7mm version to fit iirc.