Since this is a .zip file and you cannot browse a zip file during a Windows installation, you must prepare the files beforehand.
Extracting the archive reveals typical driver files:
Total size is usually under 5 MB.
F6flpy-x64-non-vmd.zip is a critical driver package for deploying Windows on systems with Intel RAID or Optane memory configurations that do not use VMD. Understanding its purpose, correct usage, and distinction from the VMD version ensures successful OS installation and storage functionality.
The file Rapid Intel Storage Technology F6flpy-x64-non-vmd.zip is a specialized driver package used during the clean installation of Windows on Intel-based systems. It allows the Windows installer to "see" your storage drives when they are managed by an Intel controller but are not using Intel Volume Management Device (VMD) technology. What is the "Non-VMD" Driver?
This driver is designed for systems where VMD is disabled in the BIOS or for older Intel platforms (typically 10th Gen or earlier) that do not use the VMD controller to manage NVMe lanes.
VMD Version: Used for modern 11th–14th Gen Intel platforms where VMD is enabled to support RAID or Intel Optane Memory. Rapid Intel Storage Technology F6flpy-x64-non-vmd.zip
Non-VMD Version: Used for standard AHCI or NVMe configurations where the drive is directly accessible by the OS without the VMD abstraction layer. Why You Might Need It
Most users encounter this file when their SSD or Hard Drive does not appear during the "Where do you want to install Windows?" step of setup. Without the "F6" floppy-style drivers loaded via USB, Windows lacks the specific instructions needed to communicate with the Intel storage controller. How to Use the Driver
If you are currently stuck at a "No drives found" screen during a Windows installation: F6flpy-x64-Non-VMD.zip and F6flpy-x64-VMD.zip Removed
Technical Overview: Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) F6flpy-x64-non-VMD
The F6flpy-x64-non-VMD.zip is a driver package for Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) designed to be used during the initial stages of a Windows operating system installation. It specifically targets systems where Volume Management Device (VMD) technology is either not present or has been disabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings. Purpose and Functionality
Storage Controller Recognition: This driver allows the Windows installer to communicate with storage controllers (SATA or PCIe NVMe) that are not natively recognized by the standard installation media. Since this is a
F6 Installation Method: The "F6" designation refers to a legacy method where users would press the F6 key during Windows Setup to load third-party storage drivers from a floppy disk or USB.
Drive Visibility: Without these drivers, the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen may appear blank, even if a physical drive is present. Non-VMD vs. VMD Drivers
Modern Intel platforms (starting with 11th Gen) often use VMD to manage NVMe storage.
F6flpy-x64-VMD: Required if Intel VMD is enabled in the BIOS.
F6flpy-x64-non-VMD: Used for older platforms (Intel 10th Gen or earlier) or modern systems where VMD is disabled to use standard AHCI or RAID modes. Implementation Procedures
To use these drivers during a fresh Windows installation, follow these steps as outlined by support communities at HP Support and Dell Support: F6flpy-x64-Non-VMD.zip and F6flpy-x64-VMD.zip Removed Safely Eject: Your USB drive is now ready
Now there is only the option to download the SetupRST.exe. Previously there was a F6flpy-x64-Non-VMD. zip and F6flpy-x64-VMD. zip. Intel Community
This guide explains how to use the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) F6 driver—specifically the non-VMD version—to ensure your storage drives are recognized during a fresh Windows installation. Why You Need This Driver
Modern Intel systems often require these "F6" drivers because the standard Windows installer lacks built-in support for certain storage controllers. If you reach the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen and it is blank, you likely need to load these drivers manually.
Non-VMD vs. VMD: Use the non-VMD version for 10th Gen Intel CPUs or older, or if you have disabled "VMD" (Volume Management Device) in your BIOS. If you have an 11th Gen+ CPU and VMD is enabled, you typically need the F6flpy-x64-VMD.zip instead. Step-by-Step Installation Guide 1. Prepare the Driver
The official driver can be downloaded from Intel’s Download Center or Intel’s official support website under the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) F6 Driver page. Always avoid third-party sources to prevent tampered or malicious files.
Starting with Intel 11th Gen (Rocket Lake) and continuing through 14th Gen (Raptor Lake Refresh), the PCIe storage controllers changed substantially. The inbox drivers in Windows 10/11 media (especially older builds) do not recognize these controllers.
Enterprise IT departments using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) must inject this driver into their boot images to deploy Windows to Intel-based workstations.
| Problem | Likely Fix | |--------|-------------| | "No new devices found" during Windows Setup | Ensure BIOS storage mode matches the driver (RAID or AHCI). Non-VMD driver requires VMD disabled. | | Digital signature error | Use Windows 10/11 64-bit only. Disable Secure Boot temporarily (not recommended long-term). | | Blue screen (0x7B) after install | Wrong driver version – reinstall with correct VMD/non-VMD matching your BIOS. |