Windows 10: USB 3.0 randomly not working/external HDD not detected

Discus and support USB 3.0 randomly not working/external HDD not detected in Windows 10 Gaming to solve the problem; I was just using it yesterday to transfer some files to my external hard drive, I took it out for the night and now it's not working.The USB 3.0 itself... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Gaming' started by Gigi_22, Jan 19, 2025.

  1. Gigi_22 Win User

    USB 3.0 randomly not working/external HDD not detected


    I was just using it yesterday to transfer some files to my external hard drive, I took it out for the night and now it's not working.The USB 3.0 itself is "working", because my external HDD has a light that lights up if it's connected to a PC, which it does, but it's not detected. It works when I connect it to a USB 2.0, but that's way slower for moving files. If I connect my mouse to the 3.0 it doesn't work, but it also lights up at the bottom. I tried a few things in power settings but none of them worked. Any help?

    :)
     
    Gigi_22, Jan 19, 2025
    #1
  2. Magius Win User

    Windows detects USB 3.0 external HDD as uninitialized

    After Anniversary or Creator's update (not too sure which as laptop did not connect to external HDDs for some time), my laptop fails to access all 3 of my external HDDs (500GB WD My Passport, 1TB WD Elements, 2TB My Passport Ultra). All of them can be connected and safely removed but the disk shows up as uninitialized. I have done the following steps to narrow down the possibility of what may be the issue.

    Edit: Just realized forgot to include system specs.
    Computer type: Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model Number: Lenovo Y510P
    OS: Windows 10 Home Single Language 64-bit
    CPU: Intel Core i7 4700MQ @ 2.40GHz
    Motherboard: LENOVO VIQY0Y1 (U3E1)
    Memory: 8GB DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s): NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M

    1. I have tested all 3 external HDDs on a different desktop running Windows 10 build 1511 and all of them were working with no problems with SMART test passed. This rules out cable and external HDD failing possibility.

    2. I have disabled the power management that turns off device to save power in the USB Root Hub and USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) in device manager.

    3. I tested the USB 3.0 ports on my laptop with a 16GB Kingston DataTraveler 100G3 where I can access, move files in and out of the pendrive. USBDeview's test shows that read/write rates for it were approximate 15MBps/110MBps which leads me to think the USB 3.0 is working and has USB 3.0 speeds. This rules out that my port is not working.

    4. I have tried reinstalling Intel(R) USB3.0 eXtensible Host Controller - 1.0 (Microsoft) but problem still persists after driver removal->reboot-> driver reinstallation. I also reinstalled WD SES 64-bit drivers but nothing change either.

    5. I have attempted to reinstall USB 3.0 drivers from the original Lenovo Y510P but they only offer compatibility with Windows 7/8/8.1 and refuses to install on Windows 10.

    6. I have ran Windows Update and no new drivers were found for me to update or install.

    7. I performed flee power after someone mentioned online that may cause the laptop to act up but noticed nothing changed.

    8. I changed boot from UEFI only to UEFI priority and legacy on second along with changing optimized BIOS settings for legacy. This didn't change anything that I noticed.

    Some further clarification - the USB 3.0 ports I mentioned were working with the external HDDs mentioned until a certain update broke them. Additionally, I have attached some screenshots of the unitialized disk problem, driver version that is installed along with all the drivers in the USB controllers in device manager.
    USB 3.0 randomly not working/external HDD not detected 139908d1497672151t-laptop-usb-3-0-detects-external-hdd-uninitialized-disk-management.jpg

    USB 3.0 randomly not working/external HDD not detected op-usb-3-0-detects-external-hdd-uninitialized-intel-r-usb-3.0-extensible-host-controller-version.jpg

    USB 3.0 randomly not working/external HDD not detected 139906d1497672151t-laptop-usb-3-0-detects-external-hdd-uninitialized-usb-list-device-manager.jpg


    Another possibly unrelated note but in case it helps, I dual boot Windows with Ubuntu 16.04 LTS.

    I have been struggling with this problem for well over two weeks and I hope someone can offer some other possible solutions that I may have missed.
     
    Magius, Jan 19, 2025
    #2
  3. External HDD keeps disconnecting randomly

    Out of no where, my HDD has started disconnecting itself a few minutes after it is plugged and requires me to manually turn the external drive on and off if I want to use it again.

    What i've tried

    • Restarting my PC
    • Not using the HDD under stressful conditions and using better ventilation (to know if it could be a power or an overheating issue)
    • chkdsk (I have separated the HDD to 2 partitions and both did not have any bad files)
    • Reseating the HDD
    • Changing the plugs and ports
    • Turning off USB Selective Suspend
    This problem appeared randomly this morning and I did not do anything yesterday that could have affected my drives
     
    luventius braven, Jan 19, 2025
    #3
  4. xtalgrwr Win User

    USB 3.0 randomly not working/external HDD not detected

    External HDD/USB.

    Hello.

    I have an external HDD docking station connected to my PC thru USB.

    Devine manager sees it. But Windows explorer does not.

    Suggestions?
     
    xtalgrwr, Jan 19, 2025
    #4
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USB 3.0 randomly not working/external HDD not detected

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