Windows 10: Windows 11 cannot find external drive backup windows10

HiMy old rig uses Windows 10. I purchased a new rig with W11 on it. I backed up windows 10 completely and I also did a mirror image of W10 so that my complete system could be transferred to W11. Both backup and mirror are on an external drive. I can see the drive and contents in File Explorer W11. However, Windows 11 restore cannot find the drive. Why?

:)

 

Is it possible to use windows backup utility for External Hard drive backup to External Hard drive

Hi, Ari94,

Have you tried using OneDrive for backup?

Install OneDrive on an External Drive

See the following steps:

How to take a full backup of Windows 10 on an External Drive

 

Hard Drive / External Drive + Backups Configuration?

Drive configuration is really a personal choice. I prefer RAID-0 for OS & Games, another drive for media, another drive for personal stuff (Docs, pr0n, etc.) and an external for backup.

IMO, Windows 7 has a great backup utility.

 

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 Use the Device Manager to check for any outdated or malfunctioning drivers, and update or reinstall them as needed.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