Windows 10: Windows 11 File Explorer not showing external drive

I just updated my Lenovo computer from Windows 7 to Windows 10 and all of my drives were there. Updated from Windows 10 to Windows 11 this morning and now only have one of my external drives. The external 1 TB external is there and working but the 80 GB WD Passport isn't there. I checked and it is plugged in properly and shows that it is turned on but I cannot find it in File Explorer to use it. It does show up in Device Manager so I know it is hooked up and running correctly. I really need to have this show up through the File Manager as I have a lot of files on it that I work with almost

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External Hard Drive

Hi John,

We suggest that you try the troubleshooting steps below:

• Open your External Hard Drive file in File Explorer.
• Type the name of the file you want to search on the search box and click Enter.

The file will show up in Search Results and you will be able to move it to the correct folder.

Let us know if you need further help.

 

File Explorer Not Showing External "A" Drive

I plugged an external "A" drive into my computer via a USB port with File Explorer open. The "A" drive shows up, but only for about 2 seconds and then it goes away. I changed USB ports and it does the same. I checked Device Manager under "Floppy Drives"
and it shows the "A" drive connected. Can anyone offer any suggestions on how to fix this? Thanks!!

 

My External Toshiba DVD Drive doesn't show up

Hi Charsmann,



The above issue might occur if a drive letter is not allotted to the external drive.



Please reply, did you try removing and re-plugging the driver to the PC?



Since the drive shows in Device manager, I suggest you to remove the external drive and re-plug to check if the issue is resolved.



If the issue persists, check if you are able to open the drive via
Disk management by following the steps below:

• Connect the external drive to the PC, press Windows logo + X keys on the keyboard and select
  Disk management option from the context menu. Check if the drive is visible in the window.
• If visible, right click on the external drive and select Open. Check if you are able to open the drive in
  File Explorer.
• Close the Disk management window, open File Explorer (Windows logo + E keys on the keyboard) and check if the changes are effective.

Write to us with the status of the external drive not showing in File Explorer on the PC for further assistance. Your reply is important for us to ensure we assist you accordingly.



Thank you.