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Fix: External Hard Drive Not Showing up in Windows 10
Make sure that the external drive is powered and connected properly
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Is your external hard drive not showing up in Windows 10? We will be exploring some valuable solutions in this article.
This is a problem because portable hard drives are always helpful if you move big files or need toback upyour files, and if they are not showing up, it becomes impossible.
Our recommended solutions will come in handy.
Why is my computer not detecting my external hard drive?
There could be several reasons why your computer is not detecting your external hard drive, including the following:
It’s also possible that anew hard drive won’t appearfor other reasons, but luckily, this guide will help you with this issue. You can check out our guide to find even morefactors causing Toshiba external hard drives not showing up.
What can I do if the external hard drive is not showing on Windows 10?
Before you try our recommended solutions, check the cable and test the hard drive on a different PC. If the same problem appears on another PC, the problem is most likely related to your portable hard drive.
1. Manually update your drivers
Windows will now search for a suitable driver online and install it automatically. After the driver is installed, check if the problem is still there.
In addition, users are recommending updating theUniversal Serial Bus Controllerdriver, so be sure to try that as well (also from the Disk drives menu).
In addition, you might want to check the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.
Alternatively, you can use third-party software to update all your drivers automatically.Outbyte Driver Updateris an excellent solution to keep all drivers up-to-date.
This tool has a database of over 1 million driver files to update outdated drivers safely. A simple scan and your PC will be optimized within minutes to avoid these issues.
2. Change the portable hard drive letter and format it
If Disk Management shows that your portable hard drive is filled with unallocated space, you might want to format your portable hard drive.
If you want to automate the task a little bit and make this job easier, you can change your portable drive letter with adisk management tool.
3. Use a third-party app to optimize your PC
Some PC settings may not be correct and need optimization; hence your hard drive is not recognized.
A dedicated third-party app can efficiently help you fix all potential problems affecting your PC’s optimal functioning.
On this note, we recommend usingAshampoo WinOptimizer. The tool offers in-depth cleaning, system optimization, and diagnosis in an all-inclusive intuitive screen. Installation is easy and quick, and the optimization and diagnosis process is likewise.
The interface brings an enhanced system details view, extensive details on installed hardware, plus dashboards for always up-to-date data and instant feature access.
What you will need in this particular case is theOne-ClickOptimizer, which you can find under System Maintenance.
The tool will help you find web browsing traces, hidden data junk, superfluous Registry entries, and system settings, such as your drivers, that need tuning.
Further, you can use the task scheduler to performthese functions at custom intervals and fully automatically.
Ashampoo WinOptimizer
4. Run the Hardware troubleshooter
Once the troubleshooting process is finished, check if the problem is still there.
5. Uninstall problematic drivers
Some users recommend uninstalling all devices underUniversal Serial Bus Controllerssection, so be sure to try that as well.
6. Install Mass Store Device driver
After this driver is installed, check and see if the problem is resolved.
We also have to mention that if your hard drive is formatted using Linux or Mac with ext4 or HFS Plus File system type, you won’t be able to access it on Windows 10 until you format it on Windows.
If you have read through it, you should find success using one of the solutions we have provided.
Use the comments section below if you have any information to share or questions.
More about the topics:Fix Hard Drive issues
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
