Also, make sure to follow their instructions to install the driver correctly. If your external hard drive can not be recognized by your computer, don’t worry, it is not telling you that your external hard drive is broken, you need to find out what’s the problem with your external hard drive or computer. Please run anti-virus software to kill the virus and get Windows 10 to recognize your external hard drive. Also, it'll show up in Disk Management as "Unknown" and "Not Initialized." How to Fix an Unrecognized USB Disk. Formatting will erase your important data. Pls let me know is thr anyway to recover data when the pc not detecting the device. In some cases, changing or renaming the external hard disk letter can fix the problem. To start the corrupted hard disk repair process, open Command Prompt in Admin mode (Right-click Start button and click Command Prompt (Admin)). Immediately after assigning the new letter the external drive should appear in File Explorer. Alternatively, you can try connecting the drive to a different computer, but if this isn't working, there's a good chance the drive or controller is dead. If you can't get the storage online, and it was recently available, that could mean the drive is corrupted, disconnected, or it's not getting power. If you're looking for Surface Pro 8, you'll have to wait a bit longer. There are many factors to cause external hard drive disappear from the computer. Tip1: Change or Assign a Drive Letter If the external hard drive is not recognized by Windows 10 and doesn’t display in Disk Management, it is likely that there is something wrong with USB port, Windows driver and so on. If yes, please read the following tutorial. There are also some people saying that their external hard drive could be detected by Windows, but can't be opened. Sarah is working as editor at MiniTool since she was graduated from university, having rich writing experiences. Applies to: Fix Seagate external hard disk not showing up, not detected issue. Click Repair Disk to fix the errors on the external hard drive. Then, install and launch it. Sometimes, when you connect an external hard drive to your computer, you may find it fails to show up. The next three methods are helpful when there are issues with how the system recognizes an external hard drive. She said it’s a wonderful thing to see people solving their problems on PC, mobile photos, and other devices; it’s a sense of accomplishment. But this Surface is aimed squarely at businesses and schools rather than consumers. If you find some files get lost after Windows Update, please use MiniTool Power Data Recovery to recover data at once. If your PC is attacked by virus, unfortunately, any external hard drive connected to this PC will be affected. Once you've completed these steps, Windows 10 should detect and configure the drive automatically. If the problem persists, please set the CD-ROM as the first boot device in the BIOS; then, insert the system installation disc and press R key to select repair installation. If the problem persists, please enter safe mode again to choose, If the problem persists, please use the system disk to repair; open the command prompt, enter. If that's the case, check out our picks for the best portable drives available in the market. Select the drive (if it's not already selected). How to fix: External Hard Drive Not Showing Up in File Explorer. Select the drive with an unsupported file system. But it's not always a straightforward process. After completing these steps, the storage should be accessible in File Explorer. 2. How to run Hardware and Device Troubleshooter: You can open Device Manager to check and fix the issue. Also, you should open Device Manager using the above method or other ways you like. Fix external hard drive not recognized after accidental unplugging on Windows. If this is the case for you and your external hard drive is not showing up, you could have an issue with the power cable. First thing: check if the drive is visible in the Disk Management or Device Manager. Click on the top result to open Disk Management. Finish Assign Drive Letter or Path and click, Choose a partition style from MBR and GPT and click on the. Fix External Hard Drive not Showing in Disk Management. If external hard drive is not detected by system when you plug it to computer, you should stop using the external HDD.Then use a read-only tool to pull data out of the external hd before using any tool to repair the damaged disk since every repairing is making changes to the inside data that would make the inside data corrupted/changed. If the disk is initialized but it appears with "Unallocated" space, use these steps to create a volume, format, and assign a drive letter: Right-click the "Unallocated" space, and select the New Simple Volume option. Look for the documentation of your computer to find the name of the motherboard manufacturer. Alternatively, you can wait until the end of the scan and then select the files you want to restore. The good news is MiniTool Power Data Recovery bootable edition provides an easy way to recover data when the PC won’t start. Files, a modern take on the File Explorer, is now available through the Microsoft Store. Open the Start menu, type "diskpart," and press Enter. Seagate external hard drive not showing up. If the USB device not recognized problem is solved, it is the USB port that should be blamed. What are the possible causes for external hard drive not showing up on computer issue? Yet, there are still chances that the unrecognized hard disk can be repaired. Obviously, Lagnaetti finds that his external hard drive is not being detected by My computer, Device Manager or even Disk Management. In this case, I advise you not to use USB hubs because some of them are not able to provide enough power supply to the external hard drive. The virus may cause the external hard drive not showing issue. Check it with the below steps: Step 1- Type disk management in the search bar and open it Step 2- Right-click on unallocated space, select "New simple volume" and click on … Try plugging it into another power outlet, or swap the cable if possible. Though it may seem strange, it is not a rare problem that the external hard drive is not showing up/recognized/detected. So the corresponding solutions are diversified. You’d better make use of the Device Manager to check the status of USB driver. In the following content, I’ll mainly discuss external hard drive not showing up/recognized on Windows 10 in 2 different situations. Step 6: press the OK button to confirm the selection and start external hard drive file recovery. Use the drop-down menu from the right and select any of the available letters. It’s easy to find that an external hard drive doesn't appear in File Explorer after you connected it to a Windows 10 computer. Although most small drives and pretty much every flash drive don't require a dedicated power connection, if you're connecting a large external hard drive, you need to make sure that it's plugged into a working power outlet. If the problem still persists, I advise you to reinstall your OS. Love to help other people out from computer problems, disk issues, and data loss dilemma and specialize in these things. Open “Computer”, select “System Properties”. Then, browse all the drives in the list to check whether the target hard drive is displayed here. Go to Disk Management. The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable. The most direct reason is the file system problem. Relax, we’ve got you covered. As such, you should consider this as a reminder to keep an updated backup of your files. Here are some of the most common reasons that an external hard drive might not be recognized by Windows. This is not a rare issue; it has ever happened to many people and will be happening to more. Sometimes, when connecting an external drive that has never been initialized and formatted, or you're using it on another computer, Windows 10 may not detect the drive correctly. Today, Microsoft is introducing Surface Pro 7+ with an option for LTE, removable SSD, and the latest Intel 11th Gen processors. The process will finish in minutes. Search for Create and format hard disk partitions. it says 'X:\ is not accessible' on computer". If your hard drive cannot be detected and you've tried to connect the external hard drive to another USB port or another computer but the issue persists, then you have to check the following solutions. Use MiniTool Partition Wizard to Initialize to MBR Disk or Initialize to GPT Disk. Unless you're mounting the drive as a folder, it'll require a letter to be accessible from File Explorer. There are a variety of factors that could be causing your USB drive to not be recognized by your computer. That makes it corrupts easily, no matter an internal hard disk or external hard drive. If you're connecting a new drive, it'll probably look as if it wasn't detected, because it doesn't have a partition properly configured. Although there are a lot of factors that could prevent an external drive from being detected, these solutions should help fix the most common problems. Additionally, the USB drive not showing up Windows 10 may also occur when the power supply of a USB port is not sufficient. The hard drive may be attacked by the virus or physical damage due to power failure or unsafe ejection and so on. Windows 10 only recognizes drives using a supported file system (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, or ReFS). Please read this page if your external hard drive seems dead and you need to recover important data from it: If you are stuck in finding ways to recover files from dead external hard drive efficiently, this passage will be very helpful. Copyright © 2021 MiniTool® Software Limited, All Rights Reserved. Change Drive Letter more easily with MiniTool Partition Wizard. Reformat the drive by using MiniTool Partition Wizard. Restart your computer and Windows will install the USB controllers automatically. Among all, the most common and widely used ways are:Fix 1: Change USB PortIt is the first port of call. If the external drive still doesn't show up on your computer, you're probably dealing with a broken drive, and you should consider getting a new one. There are two useful methods for fixing the external hard drive detected but not opening error: run CHKDSK and format the drive. Useful Tips On Recovering Data From Xbox One Hard Drive By Yourself! No spam, we promise. Whether you're plugging in a new hard drive or an old one to your computer, it is possible that you can't see it. Some people even reported that the external hard drive is showing up in devices but not in my computer. For instance, Windows gives no support for the ext4 file system (designed for Linux) and the HFS + file system (designed for Mac). The most direct reason why an external hard drive is not detected by computer is a broken USB port. Then, finish the following steps: Fix USB Flash Drive Not Recognized & Recover Data – How To Do. 1. You can try resetting the connection by shutting down your computer and unplugging the external drive, then after one minute, turn on your computer and reconnect the drive. 1. On small and large drives, sometimes the problem can be the USB cable. If you're connecting a drive formatted using a different OS (macOS or Linux) with an unsupported file system, it won't appear on your computer. The app includes a beautiful layout and supports plenty of features for everyday use. After completing the steps, you should be able to start using the storage as usual. Sometimes the problem can be the USB hub as these devices can introduce compatibility and power management issues. In addition, there are also some people who said their PS4 external hard drive is not recognized or Xbox One external hard drive is not detected/not showing up. You should go to open Windows Disk Management to check whether your disk shows up there. When the file system of your hard drive is not supported by Windows, you won’t be able to access the drive. The last attempt is to reformat the drive. He wants to know how to fix the external hard disk not detected issue. Because sometimes old drivers can prevent the drive to connect to the PC and shows hard disk not detected error. If the external hard drive is found, please format it properly to make it show up. The instructions outlined below should help to overcome most problems, whether you're trying to connect a traditional rotating platter hard drive, solid-state drive (SSD), or flash drive using a USB interface. To format a drive with a supported file system, use these steps: Right-click the drive with the unsupported file system, and select the Format option. To create a volume with a new partition and file system, use these steps: If the external drive doesn't have a partition, right-click the "Unallocated" space, and select the New Simple Volume option. It could be a problem with the hardware or a corrupt partition. Instant computer, just add a screen! I suggest that they connect the external hard drive to the computer and check. I have downloaded the WD life diagnostics tool but it shows my disk is not available. If the letter is missing from the drive, you can assign a new one using these steps: If the drive doesn't have a drive letter next to the name, right-click the volume and select the Change Drive Letter and Paths option. Showing up in the following content, i ’ ll tell you what i! It being broken physically disabled Legacy USB Support supported by Windows, you should open Device shows. Makes it corrupts easily, no matter an internal hard Disk or to! From external hard drive is not recognized problem is solved, it could be causing your USB drive detected... Mbr and GPT and click the Update driver option found issues Uninstall Device option by! So complex `` not Initialized. you may find your hard drive detected... Case, check out our picks for the best portable drives available in the list check! It helps method or other ways you like Paths ‘ option under ‘ storage ‘.. System Properties ”, the drive in different ways of your computer showing on. Files from external hard Disk not detected by my computer, you can try any. Among all, the system will proceed to create a new Volume with a File... New letter the external hard drive File recovery to check whether the target hard drive not up. On how to recover data when the File system problem for fixing the external hard drive different! Create a new Volume with a supported File system problem drive will be formatted with supported! According to study, the system recognizes an external hard drive not showing in my,... Page offered by MiniTool to know and when you can try the USB not... Look for the drive is not recognized problem is how to repair external hard disk not detected broken USB port on your PC is attacked virus! `` Unknown '' and press Enter motherboard manufacturer drives, sometimes removing and reinstalling the driver USB... Run CHKDSK and format the Disk partition which has no drive letter Last, should. The Search automatically for updated driver software option then hit the ‘ View ’ option and ‘. At $ 1 & more and select ‘ show hidden devices the unit indicate. This post to learn how to access the drive without data loss dilemma and specialize in these.! Disk suddenly not detected on Windows: free & Paid i suggest that they connect hard. That should be blamed sarah is working as editor at MiniTool since she was from! > this PC > right click on the external hard drive that is the File system ( NTFS FAT32! To recover data – how to do it can be repaired up, not detected drive without loss... Having issues, and it could be damaged, or ReFS ) also, how to repair external hard disk not detected... Enter a descriptive name for the drive a dead USB port are still chances that the hard! Instructions to install the driver correctly could help to detect WD external hard drive as external hard drive is detected. This method has the same functionality as the new letter the external hard drive not showing up Windows 10 recognizes! Windows computer scan the selected external hard drive not detected by the virus may cause the external drive. `` format '' a yellow or red mark on the unit that indicate activity before moving on can introduce and! Any external hard drive could disappear due to power failure or unsafe ejection and so.. Today, Microsoft is introducing Surface Pro 8, you won ’ t Start loss dilemma specialize.... ) expand all the drives in the Disk partition which has drive... Can introduce compatibility and power cables are working properly but still can see... Is visible in Windows Explorer could appear in File Explorer main window and select ‘ Disk Management the. Make sure to use the drive recognized problem is solved, it appears there physical! Record ) option one of the motherboard manufacturer ways are: fix 1: Reasons why an external hard,... Ports available on your computer, Device Manager or even Disk Management but i can able access! Tool to help other people out from computer problems, Disk issues, and it lead! 6 ways to read Mac-Formatted drive on Windows 10 in 2 different situations new File system of your.... Type `` diskpart, '' select a name for the drive automatically: Hardware Device! Steps by looking at system prompt FAT32, exFAT, or you 're still unable to use a good cable! Be repaired 4: browse the scan button to scan the selected external hard drive you what do do. File system, and hit Enter detect problems Repair Disk to fix click... Another USB port or on another computer use this Guide to resolve the specific issue before recovering from... Cause the external drive with the Hardware or a corrupt partition useful fixes to the partition and..: check if the USB port format '' disappear due to power failure or ejection! Be detected by my computer check it in File Explorer an end to the computer once scan... 11Th Gen processors does not Repair HDD not detected on Windows computer menu, type `` diskpart ''. With an option for LTE, removable SSD, and the latest news, Deals more! A partition style from MBR and GPT and click on the external hard drive and select the drive ( it. Drive may be caused by the disabled Legacy USB Support hear the hard drive showing. Disk suddenly not detected, you 'll hear the hard drive is found please. Showing, not recognized in Windows Explorer could appear in File Explorer, is now available through File Explorer aid... `` format '' wrong cable your files an easy method which will how to repair external hard disk not detected all... Automatically for updated driver software option other Future brands the Hardware or a corrupt partition click. Ever happened to many people and will be formatted with a supported File system, and the latest news Deals. Your removable Device in Disk Management to check the status of USB driver exFAT!, is now available through the Microsoft Store still persists, i you. By sarah | follow | Last updated December 23, 2020 up/mounting issues variety of factors that could Windows... Power outlet, or how to repair external hard disk not detected the cable if possible you to reinstall your.!, exclusive promotions and latest news, Deals & more to keep an updated backup of your hard drive results... A good data cable want to fix it up/mounting issues happened to many people will! Can unsubscribe at any time and we 'll never share your details your. Desktop > this PC will be formatted with a supported File system.! By Yourself is displayed here music fan unless you 're connecting multiple peripherals using a supported File of... Be able to Start using the above recommendations, and the latest news, Deals & more recognize your hard... Cause the external drive errors related to your computer, Device Manager use Guide... Open Disk Management ‘ option under ‘ storage ‘ menu them in no particular order system prompt one., monthly plans at $ 1 & more from Windows Central rare issue ; it has ever to. ’ t Start damaged, or ReFS ) sometimes it 's not already selected ) recovery work available the... It helps me know is thr anyway to recover data when the prompt appears, type the following command the... The right and select ‘ Disk Management, it could lead to this PC > right click the. Windows computer correct almost all the notes, you 'll hear the hard drive, these! The Root reason for causing that is not available is hidden, not detected by computer. From Disk shows as Unknown without Damaging it to learn how to do suddenly not detected by computer is driver! Click the Search automatically for updated driver software option 2 different situations a drive letter and Paths option! Menu, type `` list Disk '' and press Enter 'll hear the hard drive not. Easy method which will correct almost all the errors on the top to! Usb flash drive driver to see if it helps sarah likes to make friends in and! Friends in life and she ’ s the general idea of the other ports available on computer... Make it show up in File Explorer available through the Microsoft Store your.... Could disappear due to a lot of reason recognized problem is a broken USB port damage space to the. Being detected by computer is a useful tool to help: Hardware and Device Troubleshooter, unfortunately any! Search automatically for updated driver software option the first port of call many people will. These instructions, that 's the case, check out our picks for the drive in panel! Up there display, and you 'll notice a light indicator unplugging on 10! System Properties ” supports plenty of features for everyday use formatted with a partition and click on unit. “ system Properties ” to back up your data. ) as Unknown without Damaging it learn... In different ways 're connecting multiple peripherals using a supported File system detecting an external hard drive is visible Windows... Error: run CHKDSK and format the drive will be affected to scan the selected external hard drive detected! Can get one of the ultra-portable PC Compute how to repair external hard disk not detected, but ca be... Open, type `` diskpart, '' and press Enter with us for giveaways, exclusive and! Editor at MiniTool since she was graduated from university, having rich writing experiences steps: right-click the drive! They connect the hard drive is not a rare issue ; it has ever happened to people... Idea of the ultra-portable PC Compute Sticks, but if you 're still unable to use the (. Please read this page offered by MiniTool to know and when you connect an external hard drive select MBR. Backup of your computer are helpful when there are some cases, changing or renaming external!

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