Windows 10: Fix I/O Device error for External Hard Drive on Windows computer

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If you are receiving an I/O Device error when using an external hard drive on a Windows 11/10 computer, then this post will help you fix the problem. The error can occur because of many reasons including disk issues, hardware connectivity, and even driver issues. Fix I/O Device error for External Hard Drive You will […]

This article Fix I/O Device error for External Hard Drive on Windows computer first appeared on TheWindowsClub.com.

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Can't update audio driver- Showing I/O device error

Hi Christa,

An I/O Device error can occur with different types of hardware devices or media, such as external hard drives, SD cards, SSD, USB flash drives or pen drives. For us to isolate the issue, we suggest that you run the hardware and devices troubleshooter by
following these steps:

• Open the Settings app.
• Type Troubleshooting on the search box.
• Click on Troubleshooting.
• On the left pane, click on View all.
• Select Hardware and Devices.
• Click on Next button and follow the on screen guide.
• Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

Let us know if the steps above helped you to resolve the issue.

 

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.

 

unrecognised external hard drive on Windows 10

Since you already reinstalled the drivers of the External Hard Drive, let's run the
Hardware and Devices troubleshooter as it can resolve your concern. You can do that by following these steps:

• 
  Press the Start button.
  
• 
  Type and select Troubleshooting.
  
• 
  Click on View all on the left panel.
  
• 
  Select and run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
  

If the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter doesn’t resolve your concern, we suggest that you change the letter of the External Hard Drive. You can do that by following these steps:

• 
  Press the Start button.
  
• 
  Type and select Control panel.
  
• 
  Select System and Security.
  
• 
  Select Administrative Tools, and a new window will appear.
  
• 
  Double-click Computer Management, and a new window will appear.
  
• 
  Select Disk Management that is located under
  Storage in the left pane.
  
• 
  Right click on the External Hard Drive that is not showing on the File Explorer.
  
• 
  Select Change letter and network path, and a new window will appear.
  
• 
  Select Change, and choose the letter that you want for the External Hard Drive.
  

After changing the letter of the External Hard Drive, we suggest that you reboot your laptop for the changes to take effect.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards.