Windows 11 · Windows
How To Fix External Hard Drive Not Working on Windows 11
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Answer
An outdated or old driver could be why your computer isn't recognizing the external hard drive. To fix this issue, you can try updating or uninstalling the driver. Open up your Device Manager. On the window, expand the Disk Drives. Right-click the hard drive in question, select Update Driver, and click “Search automatically for drivers.”
Update the External Hard Drive Driver
An outdated or old driver could be why your computer isn't recognizing the external hard drive. To fix this issue, you can try updating or uninstalling the driver. Open up your Device Manager. On the window, expand the Disk Drives. Right-click the hard drive in question, select Update Driver, and click “Search automatically for drivers.”
Reinstall External Hard Drive Driver
If this did not help, or if the hard drive is not showing up, click Action in your top navigation and select “Scan for hardware changes.” This will ensure that any connected devices appear in your Device Manager if your port or the device is not faulty.
You can troubleshoot this step by switching the USB port for the hard drive on yo…
You can troubleshoot this step by switching the USB port for the hard drive on your PC. Right-click the hard drive in your device list again and select Uninstall device.
Update your Windows Operating System
Before restarting your PC, which will reconnect your hard drive, ensure your Windows operating system is up to date. Windows updates usually install all needed device drivers and can often help fix compatibility issues between external devices.
Verify Hard Drive Encryption, Type & Storage Information
Ensure your hard drive is not encrypted or otherwise locked. Open up your Windows settings. Under System, navigate to Storage. Scroll down and select Advanced Storage Settings > Disks & volumes.
Navigate to the properties of the drive you can’t use
Navigate to the properties of the drive you can’t use. This will allow you to preview the encryption status, the size, file system, and type. You might be able to create a new volume from an unallocated partition. Unallocated storage partitions will not be usable storage space by default on your Windows PC.
Fix Hard Drive & Windows Corrupted Files
Suppose your hard drive is still not showing up or is otherwise inaccessible after restarting your PC. This problem is probably related to corrupted Windows files, an unrecognizable format, or other file-related problems. We will use your command prompt to check your hard drive for errors and repair them. Search for CMD in your start menu. Run the Command Prompt application as an administrator.
Use the following commands: CHKDSK; DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth Th…
Use the following commands: CHKDSK; DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth This will verify all files on a specified hard drive and show potential problems and errors. Use the command followed by the letter designated for your hard drive to scan that particular storage. The second command will repair a potentially corrupted Windows image and can take a couple of minutes to complete.
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If it does not work
- How do I check if my external hard drive is malfunctioning?. You can check if your external hard drive is malfunctioning by using Windows 11's built-in tools, such as Disk Management or Device Manager. These tools can help you identify any errors or issues with your external hard drive and provide solutions for fixing them.
- Can I recover data from a malfunctioning external hard drive?. Yes, you can recover data from a malfunctioning external hard drive by using data recovery software. However, if your external hard drive is physically damaged, you may need to seek professional assistance from a data recovery specialist.
- How do I fix a corrupted external hard drive on Windows 11?. You can fix a corrupted external hard drive on Windows 11 by using the CHKDSK command or formatting the drive. However, formatting the drive will erase all data, so it's essential to back up your files before proceeding.
- How do I prevent my external hard drive from malfunctioning in the future?. To prevent your external hard drive from malfunctioning in the future, you should avoid unplugging the drive without safely ejecting it, keep the drive in a cool and dry place, and regularly back up your data. Additionally, using high-quality cables and avoiding physical damage can also help extend the lifespan of your external hard drive.