Windows 10: External USB hard disk detected but unable to view in File Explorer Windows 11, 24H2

I had my laptop updated to Windows 11, 24H2 last Dec 2024.Recently I plugged my external USB hard disk to my laptop. It was detected but unable to view in File Explorer.I already updated the latest driver. How can I fix this issue?

:)

 

External Hard disk detect issue

Hello,

Let's determine the reason why your Windows 10 stopped detecting your external hard disk. To get started, we'd like to get the following information:

• Did you make any changes to your computer prior to the issue?
• Are you getting any error messages?
• Have you tied connecting the external hard disk to a different computer? If yes, is it working?

In the meantime, let's run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter. This troubleshooter automatically detects and resolves problem with hardware and devices. To do so, please follow these steps:

• Open Control Panel.
• Select View by: Small icons.
• Open Troubleshooting.
• Under Hardware and Sound, run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

We're looking forward to your response.

 

Windows 11 File Explorer not showing external drive

If Windows 11 File Explorer is not showing an external drive that is connected to your device, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the connection: Make sure that the external drive is properly connected to your device. Try unplugging and replugging the drive, or connecting it to a different USB port.
   
2. Check Disk Management: Open Disk Management by pressing Windows key + X, then selecting Disk Management. Look for the external drive in the list of drives. If it appears but has no drive letter assigned, right-click on it and select "Change Drive Letter and Paths". Assign a drive letter to the external drive, and then check if it appears in File Explorer.
   
3. Update drivers: Make sure that your device's drivers are up to date, particularly the drivers for your USB ports. Use the Device Manager to check for any outdated or malfunctioning drivers, and update or reinstall them as needed.
   
4. Check power supply: If the external drive requires a separate power supply, make sure it is properly connected and functioning.
   
5. Test on another device: Try connecting the external drive to another device to see if it appears in File Explorer. This will help determine if the issue is with the drive itself or your device.
   

By following these steps, you may be able to resolve the issue of Windows 11 File Explorer not showing an external drive.

 

external hard disk not detecting

Hi Ravi,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I understand that the Windows 10 fails to detect external hard disk. I will certainly help you.

However, we need more information on this issue. Please answer the following questions.

1. What is the model of the Seagate Hard Drive?

2. Does the issue occur in a different USB port?

3. Are you able to view the external hard drive on Disk Management?

As initial troubleshooting, I suggest you to connect the external hard drive to different USB ports and on a different computer and check if it gets detected.

Method 1: Run the Troubleshooter

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix issues with devices and hardware. Follow below steps:

1. Right click on Start button, select Control Panel.

2. Change the view by option on the top right to Large icons.

3. Click on Troubleshooting and click on the view all
option on the left panel.

4. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

Method 2: Assign Drive letter to external hard drive

I suggest you to check whether drive letter has been assigned to external hard drive under Disk Management. Follow below steps:

1. Right click on Start and navigate to Control Panel >
Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Disk


Management.

2. Right-click the partition or drive that you want to change, and then click
Change Drive Letter and Paths.

3. To assign a drive letter, click Add, click the drive letter you want to use, and then click
OK.

Note: Be careful when making drive-letter assignments because many MS-DOS and Windows programs make references to a specific drive letter. For example, the path environment variable shows specific drive letters in conjunction with program
names.

Refer below article for more information on assigning a drive letter:

Assign, change, or remove a drive letter: Storage Services; Local File Systems

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help.

Thank you.