Turn off RST (Rapid Storage Technology) error

Fix “Turn off RST (Rapid Storage Technology)” Error

If you see the message “Turn off RST” during Linux installation, your computer is usually set to RAID / Intel RST instead of AHCI. Linux installers often cannot access the drive properly until this is changed.

Important
Important: Remember your Windows password (not just PIN). Safe Mode may require the password.

The safest method is to first enable Windows Safe Mode, then switch BIOS storage mode from RAID/RST → AHCI. This prevents Windows from failing to boot after the change.

Turn off RST error screenshot

Step-by-step fix (recommended method)

1) Enable Safe Mode for the next Windows boot
  1. In Windows press Windows + R
  2. Type msconfig and press Enter
  3. Open the Boot tab
  4. Check Safe boot (usually Minimal)
  5. Click Apply → OK
Enable Safe Boot msconfig
2) Reboot and enter BIOS/UEFI

Restart the PC and immediately start tapping the BIOS/UEFI setup key. If you’re unsure, common keys include: F2, Del, Esc, F10.

Common BIOS Keys: ACER: F2/Del • ASUS: F2/Del • COMPAQ: F1/F2/F10/Del • DELL: F2/F12 • HP: Esc/F10 • LENOVO: F2/F1 • SAMSUNG: F2 • TOSHIBA: F2
3) Change Storage Mode from RAID / RST to AHCI

Find the storage setting (names vary by brand). Look for: SATA Mode, SATA Operation, Storage Controller, Intel RST, or RAID. Change it to AHCI.

SATA operation RAID to AHCI

Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

4) Let Windows boot into Safe Mode once
  • Windows will now boot into Safe Mode automatically.
  • Wait a few minutes (Windows may install AHCI drivers).
5) Turn Safe Mode back OFF
  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type msconfig and press Enter
  3. Boot tab → uncheck Safe boot
  4. Apply → OK → Restart

After reboot, Windows should start normally in AHCI mode.

Done: Boot your Linux USB again — the installer should no longer show the RST error.

Helpful links

Frequently Asked Questions (RST / AHCI)

What is Intel RST (Rapid Storage Technology)?
Intel RST is a RAID-based storage controller mode used on many Windows PCs. It allows multiple drives to be combined for performance or redundancy. However, many Linux installers cannot access drives correctly when RST/RAID mode is enabled.
Will switching from RAID/RST to AHCI delete my data?
No — switching to AHCI does not erase data. However, if you switch modes without using Safe Mode first, Windows may fail to boot. That is why the Safe Mode method above is strongly recommended.
I switched to AHCI and now Windows won’t boot. What should I do?
First, re-enter BIOS/UEFI and switch the storage mode back to RAID/RST to restore booting. Then repeat the steps above using the Safe Mode method carefully. If Windows still fails to boot, a repair USB may help recover the system.
Where is the SATA / Storage mode setting located?
The name varies by manufacturer. Look under sections like:
  • Advanced
  • Storage Configuration
  • SATA Operation
  • Intel Rapid Storage Technology
  • RAID Configuration
Do all computers require disabling RST for Linux?
No. Many systems already use AHCI by default. This issue is most common on Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other OEM Windows laptops that ship with RAID/RST enabled.
I don’t see RAID or AHCI options in BIOS. Why?
Some newer laptops hide these settings or lock them. In certain cases, updating BIOS firmware or disabling Secure Boot may reveal additional options. If no option exists, your system may already be in AHCI mode.