Windows 10: Why older USB 1 and USB 2 external hard drive are not appearing in Explorer

On my Windows 10 computer I have been using USB 1 and USB 2 older external hard drives but after few months when I wanted to use I noticed today:USB 1 External Hard drive letter is visible but data not appearing in Explorer.USB 2 Power Driven External Drives turn on can hear but not appearing in Explorer.There is no change in computer, windows updated, Should I assume Windows can not support older external hard drives?I had a plan to buy Windows 11 computer but before that I got this problem.I shall be thankful to you if you could guide me. Or if any of you know how to open enclosure of hard d

:)

 

External hard drive not recognised

Thanks for this. I've done what you suggested and been through all the steps mentioned in the article. The hard drive works fine on a Mac computer, and I've managed to copy the information on it. It must be a Surface issue so I'll try to get a chat line tomorrow.

 

External drive not appearing in File Explorer

I had the same problem - this is what worked for me:

• Plug in and turn on the external USB hard drive
• Right mouse click on My Computer
• Left click on Manage
• Left click on Device Manager
• Expand the USB list
• Find the USB device for your USB Hard Drive (in my case it was the one that had no description)
• Right mouse click - Uninstall
• Remove the external USB hard drive
• Plug in the external USB hard drive and let it find and install the driver

This and other possible solutions are here:

Not able to see my hard drive in windows explorer?

 

External USB drive is not visible in explorer

Press Windows key + X

Click Device Manager

Expand Disk drives

Right click the external drive

Click uninstall

Exit Device Manager, restart then check if its detected.

This issue can be caused if any of the following situations exist:

The currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupt

Your PC requires an update for issues that may conflict with a USB external hard drive and Windows

Windows may be missing other important updates hardware or software issues

Your USB controllers may have become unstable or corrupt

Your external drive may be entering selective suspend

Your PC motherboard may need updated drivers

Resolution

To resolve this issue, follow the steps in the methods below in the order listed. If the first method does not fix the problem, proceed to the next.

Method 1: Uninstall and then reconnect the external hard drive

This method resolves issues where the currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupt.

Select Start, type Device Manager in the Search box

Select Device Manager from the returned list.

Select Disk Drives from the list of hardware

Press and hold (or right-click) the USB external hard drive with the issue, and select Uninstall.

After the hard drive is uninstalled, unplug the USB cable.

Wait for 1 minute and then reconnect the USB cable. The driver should automatically load

Check for the USB drive in Windows Explorer

Note Connecting your USB external hard drive into a non-powered USB hub can cause a lack of enough power to operate the external drive. Instead, plug it directly into your computer.

If your problem still persists, proceed to Method 3.

Method 2: Install the latest Windows Updates

This method will install the latest device drivers for your USB external hard drive.

Select the Start button, type Windows Update in the Search box, and then select Windows Update in the results pane.

Select Check for Updates. After the scan is complete, select Review optional updates.

Select the check box next to the updates, then select Install updates.

If prompted, review the license agreement, then select I Accept.

Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the updates.

If prompted, reboot your computer.

If your problem still exits, proceed to Method 4.

Method 3: Reinstall USB controllers.

This method resolves steps where the currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupted.

Select Start, then type device manager in the Search box, and then select Device Manager.

Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers. Press and hold (or right-click) a device and select Uninstall. Repeat for each device.

Once complete, restart your computer. Your USB controllers will automatically install.

If your problem still exists, proceed to Method 5.

Method 4: Disable USB selective suspend setting.

This method prevents your USB external drive from powering down.

Select the Start button, type power plan in the Search box, and then select Choose a power plan.

Next to your currently selected plan, select Change Plan Settings.

Select Change advanced power settings.

Select the box to expand USB Settings > USB selective suspend settings.

Select Plugged in, select the drop down menu, and then select disabled.

If you're using a laptop, select Battery, select the drop down menu, and then select disabled.

Select Apply > OK.

Method 5: Install your motherboard's latest chipset drivers.

This method updates your motherboard's chipset drivers, so your computer will recognize your USB external hard drive.

Review your computer's documentation which should contain the name of the motherboard manufacturer.

Visit your computer manufacturer's support website. For a list of computer manufacturers' support sites, see Computer manufacturers' contact information.

Navigate their website to find the appropriate drivers for your motherboard. For assistance, contact your computer manufacturer.