2 TB SSD upgrade for the ROG Flow Z13 GZ301VU (2023)

[Ultrabook]

I recently got a new WD_BLACK SN770M NVMe™ SSD - 2TB!

Runs great and feels snappier and faster compared to the OEM 1TB Micron SSD. Plenty, plenty of storage now!

Please remember to update your BIOS to the newest version (311) and after the update go into BIOS and load optimal default settings (F9) and then save and exit. Loading optimal settings is important because it will get rid of any RAID arrays  and disable   VMD / Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

Yes, do yourself a favour and disable VMD in the BIOS settings!  This will prevent possible random freezing and stuttering. Hence loading Asus optimal default BIOS settings will disable it. 

Also I would recommend to do a clean ASUS factory cloud install directly from within the BIOS. This will install a fresh factory image on your new SSD.

Below the SSD that I have purchased:

https://www.westerndigital.com/products/internal-drives/wd-black-sn770m-nvme-ssd?sku=WDBDNH0020BBK-W...

[Diaryzall]

My Z13 2023 using sn770m 2tb, always freeze frequently, and i cant disable VMD, if I disable it, the windows wont boot up and BSOD. Can you help me with this??

[Ultrabook · Accepted solution]

Please be aware that my recommendation will wipe your disk completely clean and you will get a fresh install of the latest Windows 11 build.
Any OEM created partitions and software will be wiped and cleaned off and recovery partitions deleted as well. All data will be deleted!

I know some people want to keep the OEM recovery partition but to be honest it is already several years old software and it takes up approx. 26GB of your SSD. A fresh and clean instalment will achieve a better and more stable system.

If you still have the OEM eSupport folder on your drive I recommend making a back-up up of this folder, it will help with the reinstalment of a few core Asus component drivers. If you don't have it then you should download them from the Asus Z13 support page.

The eSupport folder contains the Asus Install Wizard auto tool which will automatically install core driver components.
This wizard is not necessary, but it will make it a little faster to install the core driver components because it will reboot the system and continue with the instalment automatically until it is done.

Note: Please make sure the AC adapter is connected during the process, and do not force to shut down to prevent any issues.

Let's begin:

1) Create Windows 11 Installation Media
follow the instructions carefully!

https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1039507/#Win11

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

2) Use the installation media to reinstall Windows 11
Connect the installation media (USB flash drive) to your device.

Go into BIOS and make sure you have DISABLED VMD, by default optimal BIOS settings it should be disabled. Turn off your Z13 when you have made sure that VMD is disabled.

When the device is completely shut down, persistently hold the [Esc] key on the keyboard and simultaneously press the [Power button] to boot up. Once the Boot menu screen appears, you may release the [Esc] key.

Select USB flash drive, then press Enter key to boot the system from USB flash.

3) The device will enter Windows Setup. Please choose the language, time and currency format, and keyboard.

Delete all partitions from the disk where you install Windows. Only Drive 0 Unallocated Space should remain.

The device will restart and enter the basic setting page of Windows 11 after the reinstallation is complete. This is the OOB experience page (Out of box experience).

4) When Windows asks you to connect to the Internet follow this advice from Microsoft:

Bypass Out-of-the-Box-Experience (OOBE) Internet Requirement

In the "Let's connect you to a network" screen, press Shift+F10 to launch cmd;
Type the following command: OOBE\BYPASSNRO
After successful execution, the system will restart and restart the OOBE session box, when you reach the "Let's connect you to a network" screen, click "I don't have Internet", continue to click "limited setup", accept the license agreement and continue to create a local user account.

Information from learn.microsoft:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1179311/windows-11-setup-without-internet

5) After completing the basic settings of Windows OS and entering the desktop, you should reinstall basic core drivers from the eSupport folder install wizard, you may choose to not install for instance the pet assistant and some other clutter by not ticking those boxes.

If you don't have the eSupport folder go to ASUS support site on another PC to download drivers from the support page of your model to a USB memory stick. INF drivers and
Engine management and all Intel drivers are the most important.

6) Download the MyAsus app from the Microsoft store. (at this point you may already connect to the Internet)

7) Also download Armory Crate from Asus:
https://rog.asus.com/content/armoury-crate/

😎 When you are done you may connect to the Internet and let Windows Update take care of the rest. Windows Update will install a few Windows updates and also a few updates for your Asus components such as some Intel drivers and you will be ready to use your Z13.

9) Make sure you have the latest firmware update for your SSD:
Download the Western Digital Dashboard and update the firmware if necessary:

https://support-eu.wd.com/app/products/downloads/softwaredownloads?_gl=1*vn71vj*_gcl_au*MTUyMjk2NjYw...

[Diaryzall]

Oh my gosh!!! You're so kind on guiding me through this mess I've had.

THANK YOU, I MEAN, TONS OF THANKS TO YOU!

I've solved the problem by following your guide.

May all the best thing comes to nice people like you, bro!

[Ultrabook]

You are welcome! 

I am glad I was able to help you. Enjoy the Z13!!

Having 2 TB is nice.

[D4RU]

Hi there!

I also started to have freezing issues with this ssd and I was planning on following your guide. But I also had some questions:
- Do you still recommend doing the Asus Recovery from the BIOS?
- Which drivers do you update constantly and which ones you leave them with their recommended version (asus support page)
- Do you install the IRST driver listed on the support page, knowing that it is disabled in the BIOS?
Thank you!

[Ultrabook]

Hi!

Thanks for the question.

It is a personal preference if you want to keep the recovery partition and install the OEM factory build from the Asus cloud. In my opinion you may get a better and more stable system by installing a fresh and clean Windows 11 directly from the Microsoft cloud instead. The Asus OEM partition is already several years old and it is getting more old every day so if you use it then be prepared for a lot of Windows Updates installing new versions on top of the old one. 

I recommend installing all the Intel Drivers from the support page except the IRST driver. The IRST is disabled by default and not needed. Make sure you have DISABLED VMD,  it shold be disabled by default.  

After the clean install, Windows Update will update drivers if necessary and if they have been approved by Asus.