Windows 10: Can't access external hard drive in file manager

I recently switched from a Mac to Windows 10, had been using my external hard drive fine, but I can't open it in file manager since getting my new PC. It connects, and it shows up in disk manager, but none of the previous fixes on this forum have worked so that I can access the contents of the drive.I've tried uninstalling & reinstalling itI've tried updating the driver it says the best driver is already installedI don't get the option to assign a drive letter when right clicking it in device managerit doesn't show up on Disk Management, so I can't format itTroubleshooting & diagnost

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external hard drive. Why won't file manager see it.

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that your external hard drive is not shown in File Manager. I'll certainly assist you with the issue.



However, please let us know:

• Does the issue occur only with the external hard driver or with all the USB drives?
• Are you aware of any changes made to the computer prior to this issue?

• Which build version of Windows 10 is installed on the computer? Refer
  Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

I would suggest you to check if the hard drive is detected in Disk Management. To check press
Windows logo key + X and select Disk Management and see if that hard drive is detected.



You can also share the screenshot of Disk Management to know more about the issue. Please refer

how to include a screenshot in your post to upload the screenshot.



Note: Make sure you don't capture any personal information while taking the screenshot.



Meanwhile, you may want to refer the troubleshooting steps from the article Error:
“USB Device not recognized" when you try to access a USB external hard drive except Method 2 and see if that makes any difference.



You can also connect the external hard drive to a different PC and check if it gets detected.



Let us know the results, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Trouble accessing files on external hard drive

I am am having trouble accessing files from an external hard drive. Getting 0x80004005 error message and other errors "can not access files". I have shared and given permissions for all the files but still no luck

The external hard drive was one of a shared network of hard drives but I have been able to access all the others....

THoughts? Suggestions?

 

External Hard Drive

Hi John,

We suggest that you try the troubleshooting steps below:

• Open your External Hard Drive file in File Explorer.
• Type the name of the file you want to search on the search box and click Enter.

The file will show up in Search Results and you will be able to move it to the correct folder.

Let us know if you need further help.