Programming non-volatile storage with synchronized coupling

A non-volatile storage apparatus, comprising:

• a plurality of non-volatile storage elements;
• word lines connected to the plurality of non-volatile storage elements, for a programming process the word lines include a selected word line, unselected word lines that are adjacent to the selected word line and other unselected word lines;
• bit lines connected to the plurality of non-volatile storage elements;
• and
• one or more managing circuits in communication with the plurality of non-volatile storage elements via the word lines and the bit lines, the one or more managing circuits raise voltages for the word lines, after raising voltages for the word lines the one or more managing circuits raise the selected word line to a program voltage, after raising voltages for the word lines the one or more managing circuits raise the unselected word lines that are adjacent to the selected word line to one or more voltage levels concurrently with the raising the selected word line to the program voltage.

A method for programming non-volatile storage, comprising:

• (a) raising a selected word line to an intermediate level for the selected word line;
• (b) raising word lines adjacent to the selected word line to one or more intermediate levels for the word lines adjacent to the selected word line;
• (c) raising other unselected word lines to one or more programming support levels that will reduce program disturb;
• (d) after steps (a)-(c), raising the selected word line to a current programming level;
• and
• (e) concurrently with step (d), raising the word lines adjacent to the selected word line by a step amount.