Experiencing slow boot times or unrecognized SSDs on your ASUS X515EA? Learn how to install the correct Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) driver for optimal performance.
Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) is a driver that allows Windows to communicate properly with the motherboard’s SATA and NVMe controllers. For the X515EA, it manages power saving for your SSD and enables faster read/write speeds.
Always keep a copy of the IRST driver on a separate USB stick before reinstalling Windows on ASUS X515EA.
If you try to install Windows from a USB drive without loading the IRST driver first, the setup will usually display an error like “We couldn't find any drives” or ask you to “Load a driver to show hardware”. Because the Windows installation media does not natively include the specific drivers for the X515EA's storage controller, you must manually load the IRST driver. This is a standard requirement for Intel 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen platforms running retail versions of Windows. asus x515ea irst driver top
For the ASUS X515EA, which typically ships with an Intel Celeron, Pentium, or Core i3/i5 processor and an NVMe SSD, the IRST driver is —it is the bridge between Windows and your physical storage drive.
Ensure your operating system (Windows 10 or Windows 11 64-bit) is selected correctly in the dropdown menu.
Always create a before updating.
The step-by-step guide below details how to download, extract, and load the IRST driver, alongside an alternative BIOS workaround to complete your installation smoothly. Step 1: Download the ASUS X515EA IRST Driver
If you do not have access to a second computer to download the driver, temporarily bypass the need for the IRST driver by disabling the Intel VMD controller directly in the system BIOS. Turn off your laptop completely.
: Your drive should now appear, allowing you to create partitions and continue the installation. 🛠️ Alternative: Disabling VMD in BIOS Experiencing slow boot times or unrecognized SSDs on
Installing the ASUS X515EA IRST driver is a relatively straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:
If your drives are missing during installation, follow these steps to load the driver manually: Extract the Driver : Download the IRST driver on a working PC. Run the file and choose
