Windows 10: How do i get a device back under 'devices and drives' in file explorer?

Recently got a drawing tablet and decided to set it up today. Accidentally cut it from file explorer, and I dont know how to get it back. Connects perfectly fine shows up in the systray it just doesnt show up under 'devices and drives'. Would really put my mind at ease if i could just get it to show up in file explorer again.

:)

 

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 Use the Device Manager to check for any outdated or malfunctioning drivers, and update or reinstall them as needed.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.

 

eject device in file explorer shuts down file explorer

No error messages.

I've always experienced this File Explorer shut down in this particular situation since I got the computer a couple of years ago, thus I haven't made any changes since the issue started.

I haven't done anything that could be called troubleshooting, I've only searched for settings which might be changed from the default to remedy the situation. Since I didn't find any settings changes that fit the situation, I didn't change anything.

I've always had an antivirus utility running on this computer (Webroot Secure Anywhere), in addition to what is built in with Win 10.

It just seems like default behavior for File Explorer. When I right-click on the Flash drive or SD card device on the listing, and select Eject, it does eject the device, and I am informed that it is safe to remove device, but then File Explorer closes.
No error messages, no indication that this is anything but normal behavior.

 

Windows Phone Drive Missing in File Explorer

Hi Gordon,



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community. Let me help you.



Please share the details.

• 
  Are you able to see the device in file explorer?
  
• 
  What is the status when you click on the phone icon in file explorer?
  
• 
  Do you receive any error code or error message on the screen?
  

I suggest you to run Hardware Troubleshooter and check if it helps.

Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.



Follow these steps to run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

• 
  Type Troubleshooting in the search box at the
  Taskbar.
  
• 
  Select Troubleshooting under Settings from the search results.
  
• 
  Now click on View All option present on top left corner.
  
• 
  Click on Hardware and Device Troubleshooter
  and follow the onscreen steps.
  

Keep us posted on the issue. We will be happy to assist you accordingly.