Windows 10: Windows Update Assistant cannot see external USB drive when updating a laptop with small...

Hi, First let me say I am no PC tecchie, but know a bit and can work through problems using a bit of logic, so....



I had this problem this week on a friends Lenovo notebook laptop. Update was advising the pc needed to be updated to 1909 but there was insufficient space. It has a 30gb drive which had only 2gb free. Windows update assistant stated it could not complete the update as there was not enough room on the drive and to free up space, or use option 2 which is to use an external drive with at least 11gb free space. I connected a 16gb empty USB, but the option to use was not made available. Also tried reformatting the usb to NTFS but no luck. Connected a proper 250gb external drive and tried again, same issue.


After a lot of messing about trying different solutions I finally got the update to work, here's what I did,


1. Deleted Windows Update Assistant in remove programs.

2. Still connected proper external Hard Drive, don't know if this will work with the USB as never tried it.

3. From Control panel go to Updates and Security > Windows Update

4. check for updates, or if that is already done, Download now.



It downloaded then started the install, then asked for more space, but the option to select the external 250gb drive was now available, so that was selected, and the install completed. It took all night, leave to its own devices after a while.


I think its the Download Assistant at fault, when its installed, updates will always default to there. When its uninstalled and no longer available, update uses the control panel settings and not the faulty assistant.


After the update, you will, be asked if you wish to free up space by deleting windowsold, I did as things were working fine. After the this I checked the C drive for space and low and behold there was now 14gb free. Hooray.....

:)

 

Windows 10 Update Assistant not noticing USB drive...

Hello,

I am trying to use the Windows 10 Update Assistant to install 1809 on my laptop. It has a 32GB eMMC so I need to use a USB stick to assist with the update process.

However, the latest version of the Update Assistant does not seem to notice that I have a USB stick plugged in. I get to the "Windows 10 will work on this PC" screen, which says,

"This PC can run Windows 10, but it requires extra attention before updating. here is why Windows 10 cannot be installed at the moment.

(tick) CPU: OK

(tick) Memory: OK

(cross) Disk space: We need more temporary space to finish your update. Begin with step 1 to free up space, then move on to step 2 as needed. When you have finished, select Try again
to finish the update.

1. Select this link to free up at least 8GB of space on the C: drive.
2. Insert an external storage device with 11GB free space available.

You may also have other options to free up space. Get help"

I then selected Try again but got this screen again and again and again. It just does not seem to realise that I have a USB srick connected to my laptop.

I noticed that the screen said "...with 11GB free space available", it doesn't say "at least 11GB..."? I doubt it, but that suggests that you need exactly 11GB free space...

More realistically, is a different type of USB storage device needed, other than a USB stick?

Finally, some details which may be useful:

• My USB stick: 16GB (although PC only sees 14.4GB total space) USB 3.0.
• My laptop: HP Stream 14, 32GB eMMC SSD, 4GB RAM.
• I have WiFi connection
• Current version of Windows 10: Semi-Annual Version 1607, build 14393.2007

If any more detail is needed, say.

Thanks.

 

Can't install update on external hard drive?

Thank you for that information Laura.

Since the Update Assistant is still not offering the option to install updates in external drive, I suggest that you create a bootable media using a USB flash drive and another one where we will install the updates. See

Create Windows 10 installation media and follow the steps under "Using the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)" to learn how.

Afterwards, follow the steps below on how to install updates :

• Connect both the USB flash drive with Windows 10 installation files
  and the other empty USB flash drive.
• Double-click the Setup.exe file to launch the Windows 10 installation from the USB flash drive.
• Select the Keep personal files and apps option to update your computer.
  
• If you get the "Windows needs more space" option, click the
  Choose another drive or attach an external drive with 10GB available link.
• Click Install
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process as necessary.

We appreciate your patience Laura. Don't hesitate to post back if you need more help.

 

External hard drive not showing up on Windows 10 Laptop or computer. External hard drive not responding ...??

Hello Kimberly,

This issue might have occurred due to an outdated USB driver. For us to effectively assist you, we would like to ask a few questions:

• Could you tell us if there were any changes made on your laptop prior to the issue?
• Have you tried to update the USB drivers on your laptop? If not, we recommend updating the USB drivers on your laptop and see if it helps. You may refer to the steps provided
  here on how to update drivers in Windows 10.
• Have you tried plugging in the external hard drive using a different computer?

If not, we advise that you try plugging in the external hard drive using a different computer just to isolate the issue.

We're looking forward to your response.