This method is more user-friendly and does not require typing commands.
Help you find the driver on (ASUS, MSI, etc.).
| Segment | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | | Refers to the legacy "F6 installation method." Historically, during Windows XP/7 setup, you pressed F6 to load third-party SCSI/RAID drivers from a floppy disk. | | flp | Short for "Floppy." Even today, Intel maintains the floppy-emulation naming convention for these drivers. | | y | Indicates the driver is for the client platform (consumer chipsets like Z690, B660, H610), as opposed to server platforms. | | x64 | 64-bit architecture (AMD64). Essential for modern Windows 10/11 installations. | | nonvmd | Critical: This driver disables Intel VMD (Volume Management Device). VMD is a controller feature that allows NVMe SSDs to be managed directly by the chipset for hot-plug and LED management. However, VMD often hides NVMe drives from standard Windows installers. nonvmd strips that abstraction. | | zip | The file is compressed (ZIP archive). | | top | This is the variable part. "Top" usually refers to the latest, top-of-stack production release available on Intel’s download center for a given chipset generation. In community forums (e.g., Win-Raid, Reddit), "top" signifies the most stable, recommended version as of the current date. |
During the Windows setup screen where it asks "Where do you want to install Windows?", click "Load Driver." rapid intel storage technology f6flpyx64nonvmdzip top
For enterprise users and IT professionals, the use of OEM-supplied drivers and deployment tools like Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) with injected IRST or VMD drivers into the boot image is now considered best practice.
Installing this driver is usually required at the very beginning of a Windows installation (Windows 10 or 11) when the installer cannot detect your NVMe drive. Steps for Installation:
What it is
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Intel RST, why the f6flpy driver is required, how to navigate Intel's shifting software packaging, and the exact steps to make your drives appear during Windows installation. What is Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST)?
Intel’s decision to remove the ZIP drivers has shifted the landscape. The technical community has stepped in with shared archives and extraction scripts, but users must be cautious about downloading drivers from unofficial sources, as this can pose significant security risks. The preferred path forward is the command-line extraction from the official SetupRST.exe installer [5†L29-L34][7†L10-L14].
For a successful installation, always ensure you obtain your drivers from official sources such as or your device manufacturer's website to avoid potential software conflicts or security risks. The keyword "top" is your guide to prioritizing the most recent and effective driver for your specific hardware, turning a frustrating error into a manageable and straightforward process. This method is more user-friendly and does not
: Choose the appropriate driver from the list (typically the one labeled for your controller/generation). If a supported controller is detected, the drive list will refresh and display your SSD/HDD. 3. BIOS Alternatives If you want to avoid loading F6 drivers entirely:
f6flpy-x64-Non-VMD.zip (often misspelled as f6flpyx64nonvmdzip ) is a specific driver package for Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (IRST)