Windows 10: Hard disk vanishes every time I download something?!

My laptop has 2 hard disk partitions, C: and D: and is running Windows 10 build 19042.630. Recently I've been experiencing a very weird issue. Any time I download anything on D:, it vanishes. It disappears from My Computer however it shows up again once I restart my PC and I'm able to resume the download. However after some time it vanishes again. It's a normal 1TB hard disk (not SSD).

I've tried running error checking on D: and defragmenting it. The error checker doesn't show any error and defragmenting doesn't make a difference. I've tried running chkdsk in command prompt but the scan is unable to finish since the disk vanishes mid scan. What could be causing this issue and what can I do to fix it?

:)

 

External Hard disk contents are not visible.

Hi Pranoti,

For us to narrow down your concern with your external hard disk, we would like to know the following:

• Were there any changes made on your computer prior to the issue (e.g., updates, software installation)?
• To make sure that we have not missed on anything, what troubleshooting steps have you done so far?
• Do you hear any clicking sound when connecting your hard disk?

In the meantime, we suggest that you update all your device driver.

We look forward to your response.

 

How to format a hard disk correctly?

One step at a time- I've only just read that info...!

1. Hard Disk Sentinel - still awaited
2. PC Specs- still awaited

Low transfer rate confimed - a. see what HDS says b. search forum as I suggested.

Meanwhile block Windows Update so your PC is usable.

There's little point in trying to fix WU without decent disk performance.

 

Hard disk partition not showing up.

Hi Muhammad,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



This can happen if the Hard-disk drivers are not up-to date. I would suggest you to update the hard disk drivers first. To update the drivers, please follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Open Device manager.
   
2. Then Expand “Disk drives”.
   
3. Then Right click on the Hard-disk listed under this category.
   
4. Then click on Update drivers.
   
5. Alternatively you can also try to update the drivers from manufacturer’s website.
   

Once the hard-disk drivers are updated, you will need to allocate the last partition (it is not allocated according to the screenshot) and you will be able to view the partition.



Also note that sometimes the hard disk partitions/drives might be hidden in This PC or My Computer window due to a Registry key. If a DWORD with the name NoViewOnDrive or NoDrives is present under following key in Registry Editor:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

Delete the DWORD and your drives will become visible in My Computer window.



Hope this helps.