Windows 10: External USB Drive Power On and Off Through Keyboard

I am looking for ways to easily turn on and turn off the power to my external hard drives through a shortcut or by some other simple mechanism.

I have found lots of diagnostic tools, but nothing that would work like a light switch.

The drives are both Seagate.

Thanks for any thoughts.

:)

 

USB powered external hard drive will not power down.

Hi Vikki,

To help resolve your concern with USB powered external hard drive issue, you can refer to the steps below:

• Press Windows key + R on your keyboard, type
  devmgmt.msc, and then hit Enter.
  
• Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  
• Right-click the USB Hub, and then choose Properties.
  
• Click Power Management tab, and then enable Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
  option.

If the issue persists, you can consider contacting your device manufacturer for advanced assistance regarding BIOS settings. The
BIOS has unique USB port settings that can manage its power/electric flow.

Should you need further assistance, feel free to get back to us.

 

External USB Keyboard Glitches & Hibernate Issue

Hi Aman,

Usually, a corrupted power plan can cause strange issues with power and sleep settings. If you are using a custom power plan which you have created, delete it and use one of the built-in standard power plans. See if it resolves the issue. If
the issue persists, the problem could be related to the display drivers. We suggest installing the latest version of the display drivers from the manufacturer's website.

Regarding the issue with your external keyboard, have you tried to isolate the issue by using a different keyboard? Also, have you tried running the
Hardware and Devices troubleshooter? If you haven't done so, we suggest that you run the troubleshooter to scan your computer, identify the problems, and attempt to fix the issues automatically. You may refer to the steps below:

• Press Windows key + R and type Control Panel.
• Type troubleshooting in the search bar and click on
  Troubleshooting.
• Click on Hardware and Devices.
• Follow the steps from the wizard to run the troubleshooter.

Let us know how it turns out.

 

External USB drive is not visible in explorer

Press Windows key + X

Click Device Manager

Expand Disk drives

Right click the external drive

Click uninstall

Exit Device Manager, restart then check if its detected.

This issue can be caused if any of the following situations exist:

The currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupt

Your PC requires an update for issues that may conflict with a USB external hard drive and Windows

Windows may be missing other important updates hardware or software issues

Your USB controllers may have become unstable or corrupt

Your external drive may be entering selective suspend

Your PC motherboard may need updated drivers

Resolution

To resolve this issue, follow the steps in the methods below in the order listed. If the first method does not fix the problem, proceed to the next.

Method 1: Uninstall and then reconnect the external hard drive

This method resolves 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

Note Connecting your USB external hard drive into a non-powered USB hub can cause a lack of enough power to operate the external drive. Instead, plug it directly into your computer.

If your problem still persists, proceed to Method 3.

Method 2: Install the latest Windows Updates

This method will install the latest device drivers for your USB external hard drive.

Select the Start button, type Windows Update in the Search box, and then select Windows Update in the results pane.

Select Check for Updates. After the scan is complete, select Review optional updates.

Select the check box next to the updates, then select Install updates.

If prompted, review the license agreement, then select I Accept.

Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the updates.

If prompted, reboot your computer.

If your problem still exits, proceed to Method 4.

Method 3: Reinstall USB controllers.

This method resolves steps where the currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupted.

Select Start, then type device manager in the Search box, and then select Device Manager.

Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers. Press and hold (or right-click) a device and select Uninstall. Repeat for each device.

Once complete, restart your computer. Your USB controllers will automatically install.

If your problem still exists, proceed to Method 5.

Method 4: Disable USB selective suspend setting.

This method prevents your USB external drive from powering down.

Select the Start button, type power plan in the Search box, and then select Choose a power plan.

Next to your currently selected plan, select Change Plan Settings.

Select Change advanced power settings.

Select the box to expand USB Settings > USB selective suspend settings.

Select Plugged in, select the drop down menu, and then select disabled.

If you're using a laptop, select Battery, select the drop down menu, and then select disabled.

Select Apply > OK.

Method 5: Install your motherboard's latest chipset drivers.

This method updates your motherboard's chipset drivers, so your computer will recognize your USB external hard drive.

Review your computer's documentation which should contain the name of the motherboard manufacturer.

Visit your computer manufacturer's support website. For a list of computer manufacturers' support sites, see Computer manufacturers' contact information.

Navigate their website to find the appropriate drivers for your motherboard. For assistance, contact your computer manufacturer.