Windows 10: Why is my Windows 10 computer not recognizing my external hard drive?

There could be several reasons why your Windows 10 computer isn't recognizing your external hard drive. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:Check the Physical ConnectionUSB Ports: Make sure the external hard drive is properly connected to your computer. Try plugging it into a different USB port.Cable: Check the USB cable for any visible damage. If possible, try using a different cable to see if that resolves the issue.Listen for SoundsIf the external hard drive is making any unusual noises, it might indicate a hardware problem. A clicking or beeping sound can

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Toshiba external hard drive not recognized

Hi Philip,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I understand that the external hard drive is not recognized by the PC. I appreciate your efforts in trying to resolve the issue.
It would be great if you can answer these questions to assist you in a better way.

• Did you try connecting the Hardrive to different USB Port?
  
• Does the Hardrive get detected if you try connecting it to a different PC?
  
• Are you aware of any changes made to the computer recently?
  

I suggest you refer and follow the steps mentioned in the KB article and check if that resolves the issueError:
“USB Device not recognized” when you try to access a USB external hard drive

Note: Ignore method 2 & 5 from the above article.

Let us know how it goes.

Regards,

Zaki

 

external hard drive not recognized

Hello zbook
#1) I have tested the external drives in three different computers, win10 pro, Win10, and XP. The results are identical. When I plug in the external hard drive windows signals a new device with an audio signal and the light comes on on the external drive. The results on all three pc's is identical in disk manager, file explorer and device manager.
#2) I have tried all solutions presented to me by FreeBooter, from the simplest solution of uninstalling the external drive in device manager and rebooting windows, to using the various third party software that was suggested, obviously with out success.
#3) The attached screen shots will only show one of the drives attached because I don't have enough free USB ports to attach two drives and I didn't think it would have been a good idea to use a hub.
#4) one strange thing about one of the drives is that now device manager lists it as a Toshiba drive although it is a Western Digital.
#5) Sorry but I have no way of getting a photo of BIOS










I look forward to reading your comments

 

External Hard Drive Not Recognized Windows 10

Hi,

To rectify and narrow down the cause of the issue, I would also suggest that you perform the methods mentioned below:

Method 1: Uninstall and then reconnect the external hard drive.

• Right click on Start Menu, and select Device Manager.
• Double click and expand Disk Drives.
• Right click on each of the drives and select Uninstall.

Note: You may be prompted to enter an Admin password.

• After it uninstalls, reboot the computer and plug the external hard drive and check.

If the issue did not resolve proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Windows Updates.

This method will install the latest device drivers for your USB external hard drive. Open Windows updates and check if there are any pending updates in your computer. If so, disconnect all external devices other that keyboard and mouse. Install the updates
a check.

Regards.