Installing Windows on your old computer is often a routine task that helps keep it new. While formatting, many have observed a severe error, “a media driver your computer needs is missing,” leaving the entire process on hold. Why does it happen? What is the media driver is missing” error? And how to fix it? All these questions will be answered in this post, so read it thoroughly.
As the error conveys, there is a certain media driver that the system cannot fetch from the media source you are using. Drivers are an integral part of any system. These are responsible for smooth interaction between the software and the hardware resources available to the system. After receiving the error message, the first and simplest thought is downloading and updating the missing drivers; however, it’s not that simple!
Let’s get down to the roots of the error and figure out how to fix it!
Why Does the Error “A Media Driver Your Computer Needs is Missing” Appear?
If you have received the error message while installing Windows 10 on your PC via an external device like a DVD or a Pendrive, there can be multiple reasons behind it. The three most prominent reasons behind this error are –
- Missing DVD/USB Drivers
- Malfunctioned DVD/USB Drivers
- An issue with the Installation Media (ISO file)
These issues are not so severe as they will surely not harm any functionality of the system. However, if you are stuck in the middle of the Windows installation process, It might brick your CPU as it does not have a stable OS to run.
What is the Best Way to Resolve A Media Driver is Missing Error?
Struggling with the issue is never the solution. If you have encountered the “a media driver your computer needs is missing” during Windows 10 installation, the primary reason behind it could be missing/ malfunctioning media drivers in your computer. To handle the situation, you must initiate updates for the existing drivers.
The best and most convenient way to fetch updates for all drivers on your computer is by using a tool like Advanced Driver Updater. Yes, a tool can help your system instantly get all the updated drivers. The best part is both free trial and paid versions of the software are available. To get started with it, follow the steps given below!
- Download and install the Advanced Driver Updater.
- Scan Your PC Using Advanced Driver Updater for Malfunctioned/Unavailable Drivers.
- The software will instantly scan your PC for all the drivers. Let it complete the process.
- Once the scan is complete, you can find the number of missing or outdated drivers on your computer.
- Click on the Update driver and let the software work.
Once the software has updated your driver, you are good to go and restart the Windows installation process. This should resolve the issue for you.
Getting Advanced Driver Updater can be fruitful if you find 10+ outdated drivers as you can not sit and manually update each of them; it’s just too time-consuming. Other than the software, there are multiple manual ways that you can apply too.
Manual Methods to Fix the Error
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Check Your Media Connection
When you have connected an external media device to your computer, always ensure that the connection is not loose as it will result in the incomplete installation of the driver, malfunctioning the working of your media device. If your DVD drive or USB drive is loosely connected, you may experience the error. If one of the ports is loose, try connecting it to another port.
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Check for Errors in the ISO file.
The ISO file is often the cause of this error in your system. The ISO file format should be compatible with the BIOS support of your PC. If it is in NTFS format and shows the error, converting it to FAT32 might solve your problem.
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Ensure that BIOS Settings are Accurate
Go through your BIOS menu to understand whether all the permissions are allowed. To enter BIOS on Windows and enable USB 3.0. Follow these steps:
- Press the function key (F10, F2, or F12), depending upon the device’s manufacturer, to enter BIOS. For example, for HP, it is F10. Keep pressing the function key; you will enter BIOS.
- Navigate to the System Configuration tab, look for USB 3.0, and select Enable.
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Check If Install Media Boosts With SATA
Check the SATA mode for your installation media, as the wrong mode can also cause the error to appear. Change it to IDE; if SATA is causing the error, follow these steps:
- Press the function key (F10, F2, or F12) to enter BIOS mode.
- Look for Advanced/Storage Configuration/IDE Configuration/Drive Configuration.
- Check for SATA configuration or Set SATA as and change it to IDE/ATA.
Wrap Up
These are the ways you can fix the “A media driver your computer needs is missing” error easily. Always remember, every problem is resolvable regarding tech, so make sure you do not panic in such situations and use the mentioned steps to get an instant solution. If you have other suggestions in mind that can help resolve the error, feel free to use the comment section below!
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