Windows 10: Windows 10 does not recognize older USB External Hard drive in Device Manager or File...

I was using my USB WD My Passport external HD for Windows 10 File History backup. I had an older USB WD My Book Essential external hard drive that sat for a year or so that I wanted to retrieve some files but Windows 10 version 21H2 would not recognize the drive in Device Manager nor Windows 10 File History backup. I found a fix and would like to share. Go to Control panel click on File History, In File History Keep a history of your files look down and click: Turn OFF, and then follow any prompt to complete and close it. Next: Go into Windows 10, Settings, Update and Security, Backup

:)

 

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. Why won't file manager see it.

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that your external hard drive is not shown in File Manager. I'll certainly assist you with the issue.



However, please let us know:

• Does the issue occur only with the external hard driver or with all the USB drives?
• Are you aware of any changes made to the computer prior to this issue?

• Which build version of Windows 10 is installed on the computer? Refer
  Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

I would suggest you to check if the hard drive is detected in Disk Management. To check press
Windows logo key + X and select Disk Management and see if that hard drive is detected.



You can also share the screenshot of Disk Management to know more about the issue. Please refer

how to include a screenshot in your post to upload the screenshot.



Note: Make sure you don't capture any personal information while taking the screenshot.



Meanwhile, you may want to refer the troubleshooting steps from the article Error:
“USB Device not recognized" when you try to access a USB external hard drive except Method 2 and see if that makes any difference.



You can also connect the external hard drive to a different PC and check if it gets detected.



Let us know the results, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

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