Windows 10: Windows defender keeping external HDD awake

Discus and support Windows defender keeping external HDD awake in Windows 10 Gaming to solve the problem; HI all,This has been asked over and over but never a real fix except installing a third party virus program is found.I have external HDD's for many... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Gaming' started by drunken prozac, May 6, 2025 at 12:07 PM.

  1. Windows defender keeping external HDD awake


    HI all,This has been asked over and over but never a real fix except installing a third party virus program is found.I have external HDD's for many years and I have found they never go to sleep like they should.Turns out disabling Windows Defender real-time protection solves the issue with background processes accessing the drive.I have tried Excluding the drive letter, process, adding regedits and installing third party HDD management tools but the only fix, and as confirmed by other users is to fully disable real-time protection.Can someone in Microsoft please look as to why, when adding a

    :)
     
    drunken prozac, May 6, 2025 at 12:07 PM
    #1
  2. dermy Win User

    External HDDs

    Hi i had a seagate freeagent (external) which stopped working so i bought another enclosure and the hdd kept disconnecting/reconnecting in windows 8.1, so i boht another enclosure and also the same thing. Iv tried a different hdd and all hdds work perfectly when plugged directly into sata ports on the board, are there any other steps i can try or do you think iv just been unlucky with enclosures?
     
  3. external HDD

    Hi,

    Usually, this problem occur due to software incompatibility or corrupted USB drivers. For us to better assist you, we would like to clarify the following:

    • Have you made any recent changes on your computer prior to the issue?
    • Which driver did you uninstall? Have you reinstall the driver? If yes, how did you reinstall the driver?
    • Have you check if the external HDD is visible in Device Manager?

    If the issue still persists after uninstalling some games, we suggest that you run the troubleshooter for hardware and devices. If you're using the latest Windows 10 version, follow these steps on how to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter:

    • Click the Start button and select the Settings
      icon.
    • Choose Update & Security from the list.
    • Click Troubleshoot in the left pane of the window.
    • Under Find and fix other problems, select Hardware and Devices and click
      Run the troubleshooter.

    We're looking forward to your reply.
     
  4. Brian Cab Win User

    Windows defender keeping external HDD awake

    Windows defender custom scan does not scan external drives

    Hi Joe,

    to scan external drives using Windows Defender, follow the steps provided below.

    • Open Windows Defender.
    • Go to Settings tab.
    • Select the Advanced option.
    • tick the checkbox for Scan removable drives.

    Regards.
     
Thema:

Windows defender keeping external HDD awake

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