Need to reload windows 11 on new XPS 8960

Question

I used to be relatively computer knowledgeable, but I fear that technology has passed my buy.
I recently purchased a Dell XPS 8960. I purchased it pretty barebones, intending to upgrade along the way.
I want to install a new Lexar NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4x4 hard drive as my OS drive.
I downloaded the Windows 11 system to a USB thumb drive as a recovery drive.
I installed the new Lexar disk in slot 1, installed the usb thumb drive, and turned on the computer. I get into the installation setup, but the system tells me that there is no hard drive installed.
Will the XPS not recognize na M.2 2280 device? What do I know longer know?

Thanks for your help

redxps630 · Accepted Answer

enter bios if SATA operation is set as RAID, change it to AHCI. save change exit try again

SATA/NVME Operation mode

Sets the operating mode of the integrated storage device controller.

Default: RAID on

KevinBanes · Accepted Answer

Never mind.  I figured it out.Actually, I didn't figure it out, CoPilot figured it out.  It told me that I needed to go into BIOS, and change the SATA operations mode from RAID to AHCI.  After that, it worked like a champ.  Win 11 is now loaded on the Lexar NM790 as the OS Disk.I've never used CoPilot (or any AI app) before.  I guess I will need to start.

user_127353 · Answer

You can easily reload Windows 11 on your new XPS 8960 using a USB installer or the built-in recovery tool — it’s pretty quick and smooth.

XPS Desktops

Need to reload windows 11 on new XPS 8960

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