Windows 10: restoring files from external drive on to new windows 11 pc?

Windows 11 is not restoring files from external drive. New PC and migrating from Windows 10. Wizard does not start, if there is one to restore. External drive shows up. However, restore does not activate.

:)

 

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 Use the Device Manager to check for any outdated or malfunctioning drivers, and update or reinstall them as needed.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

 

How can I restore an external hard drive backup to a new external hard drive?

Hello,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

• 
  Which application have you used to perform back up?
  

Let us try to change the path location of the external drive and try to restore from the new external hard drive and check if it helps.

Refer: Back up and restore your files

Back up your Windows PC - Microsoft Support

Hope it helps.

Kindly let us know if you need any further assistance with the issue. We are glad to assist you.

 

External drives are duplicated in File Explorer on Windows 11.

Pls try the steps (or the registry fix remove-duplicate-drives.reg to automate the task) to resolve the issue.

External Drives Listed Twice (Duplicate) in File Explorer Navigation Pane