It's a common frustration with modern Acer laptops. Usually, when a drive is "missing" from a bootable cloning tool or Windows installer, it's not a hardware failure or a virtualization issue-it's typically down to how the storage controller is communicating with the OS.

Since you've already tinkered with VTX and VTD, here are the three most likely culprits and how to fix them:

1. The VMD Controller (Most Likely)

Intel's Volume Management Device (VMD) is often enabled by default on Swift models. While it helps with NVMe management, many cloning environments (like older versions of Clonezilla or Macrium) don't carry the specific driver to "see" through it.

• The Fix: Enter the BIOS (F2 at startup). Go to the Main tab.
• The Secret Key: Press Ctrl + S. This reveals hidden options on many Acer models.
• Look for VMD Controller and set it to Disabled.
• Warning: If you have an existing Windows install on that drive, disabling VMD might cause a Blue Screen (INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE). You may need to load the Intel RST driver (.inf files) manually within your cloning software instead.

2. SATA Mode / Optane

Even though your device uses NVMe, the BIOS might have a setting labeled "SATA Mode" or "Storage Configuration."

• Check if it is set to Optane with RAID.
• If your cloning software doesn't support RAID arrays, you'll need to switch this to AHCI.
• Again, use the Ctrl + S trick on the Main or Advanced tabs if you don't see these options immediately.

3. Disable Secure Boot

Some bootable USBs are blocked from seeing hardware interfaces if Secure Boot is active.

• Go to the Security tab in BIOS.
• Set a Supervisor Password (you can remove it later). This is often required to unlock the ability to change Secure Boot settings.
• Go to the Boot tab and set Secure Boot to Disabled.

Comparison of Connection Modes

Would you like me to find the specific Intel RST driver download link for your SFG16-73 so you can load it onto your cloning USB?

It definitely feels like a "secret handshake," but Acer has used that Ctrl+S shortcut to hide advanced storage and touchpad settings for years.

To answer your question: Yes, you can absolutely restore VMD functionality. However, there is a specific order of operations you must follow. If you simply toggle VMD back on in the BIOS after cloning, Windows will likely fail to boot with a INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error because it doesn't "know" how to talk to the controller yet.

Here is how you handle the driver restoration:

Option A: The "Pre-Injection" Method (Recommended)

If you want to move back to VMD after your clone is successful, do this while still in AHCI/VMD-Disabled mode:

1. Boot into Windows.
2. Download the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) driver from the Acer support site for the SFG16-73.
3. Force-install the driver (SetupRST.exe).
4. Before restarting, open a Command Prompt as Administrator and type: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal
5. Restart, enter BIOS, and Re-enable VMD.
6. Windows will boot into Safe Mode, recognize the "new" VMD controller, and load the driver.
7. Once in Safe Mode, run: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot
8. Restart normally.

Option B: The "Clean Slate" Method

If you are performing a fresh install or the clone is for a recovery drive:

• Keep VMD Enabled in the BIOS.
• Download the Intel RST driver and extract the .inf and .sys files to your bootable USB.
• During the Windows installation/Cloning setup, click "Load Driver" and point it to that folder on your USB. The disk will suddenly appear.

Why restore VMD at all?

While AHCI is fine for basic tasks, VMD is the modern standard for Intel 12th Gen processors and newer (like your Core Ultra in the SFG16-73). It offers:

• Better Power Management: Vital for laptop battery life.
• NVMe Optimization: Lower latency for high-speed Gen4/Gen5 drives.
• Thermal Monitoring: Better integration with Intel's hardware-level monitoring.

Comparison of Driver States

Would you like me to find the exact version of the Intel RST driver for your specific processor so you can have it ready on your USB?