Windows 10: Windows update not recognising my external hard drive

Discus and support Windows update not recognising my external hard drive in Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade to solve the problem; I have an external hard drive permenently plugged in to my laptop, yet the windows update needs more space but will not recognise it. On my Disk... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade' started by Darrencooksey, Aug 20, 2019.

  1. Windows update not recognising my external hard drive


    I have an external hard drive permenently plugged in to my laptop, yet the windows update needs more space but will not recognise it. On my Disk management it is listed as 'expansion drive G'. It has 475 GB free.

    :)
     
    Darrencooksey, Aug 20, 2019
    #1
  2. twynog Win User

    External hard drive not recognised

    Thanks for this. I've done what you suggested and been through all the steps mentioned in the article. The hard drive works fine on a Mac computer, and I've managed to copy the information on it. It must be a Surface issue so I'll try to get a chat line tomorrow.
     
    twynog, Aug 20, 2019
    #2
  3. Julie Ram Win User
    External hard drive not recognised

    Hi twynog,

    The issue that you're experiencing with the external hard drive might be due to some missing Windows hardware or software updates. To help you in resolving this, you may follow the steps below:

    Method 1: Uninstall and then reconnect the external hard drive - this method resolve issues where the currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupt.

    • Select Start, type Device Manager in the Search box.
    • Select Device Manager from the returned list.
    • Select Disk Drives from the list of hardware.
    • Press and hold (or right-click) the USB external hard drive with the issue, and select Uninstall.
    • After the hard drive is uninstalled, unplug the USB cable.
    • Wait for 1 minute and then reconnect the USB cable. The driver should automatically load.
    • Check for the USB drive in Windows Explorer.

    If method 1 doesn't work the way it should, you may proceed to other steps provided in this
    article.

    Do get back to us if you need further assistance.

    If you think this was useful, you may "mark it as an answer" to help those who are facing the same issue.
     
    Julie Ram, Aug 20, 2019
    #3
  4. scopio Win User

    Windows update not recognising my external hard drive

    External hard drive not recognised


    Worked out what the problem was with my external drive notbeing recognised. I looked under Device Manager > USB Controllers and there itwas listed with an exclamation mark with the error saying that "the driverfor this device is in memory" or words to that effect. I right clicked thecorresponding Mass Storage device and uninstalled it and then unplugged theexternal drive. I rebooted my desktop and plugged the external drive in againand it reinstalled its driver again and I am now able to use the external driveagain. Windows update not recognising my external hard drive :)
     
    scopio, Aug 20, 2019
    #4
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Windows update not recognising my external hard drive

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