Windows 10: Windows won't recognise external hard drive except when it's connected via USB-C

Discus and support Windows won't recognise external hard drive except when it's connected via USB-C in Windows 10 Gaming to solve the problem; I have an HP Elitebook with two standard USB ports and a USB-C port. I'm using it for iTunes, and since I have about 250gb of music, and the SSD on the... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Gaming' started by Michael Atkins-Prescott, Aug 10, 2024.

  1. MICHAEL ATKINS-PRESCOTT
    Michael Atkins-Prescott Win User

    Windows won't recognise external hard drive except when it's connected via USB-C


    I have an HP Elitebook with two standard USB ports and a USB-C port. I'm using it for iTunes, and since I have about 250gb of music, and the SSD on the Elitebook is only about 200gb, I keep the library on an external hard drive. But for some reason, Windows only recognises the external hard drive when it's connected to the USB-C port via a dongle adapter. Nothing happens when I connect the external hard drive to the standard USB ports. I am pretty sure this is a software issue, not a fault with the USB ports, as there's the same issue with both ports.Due to the lower transfer rate of the dongl

    :)
     
    Michael Atkins-Prescott, Aug 10, 2024
    #1
  2. TWYNOG
    twynog Win User

    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.
     
    twynog, Aug 10, 2024
    #2
  3. JULIE RAM
    Julie Ram Win User
    External hard drive not recognised

    Hi twynog,

    The issue that you're experiencing with the external hard drive might be due to some missing Windows hardware or software updates. To help you in resolving this, you may follow the steps below:

    Method 1: Uninstall and then reconnect the external hard drive - this method resolve 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.

    If method 1 doesn't work the way it should, you may proceed to other steps provided in this
    article.

    Do get back to us if you need further assistance.

    If you think this was useful, you may "mark it as an answer" to help those who are facing the same issue.
     
    Julie Ram, Aug 10, 2024
    #3
  4. FABLER2
    Fabler2 Win User

    Windows won't recognise external hard drive except when it's connected via USB-C

    external hard drives not recognised

    Just for future reference Nirsoft's USBDeview is a handy utility. View any installed/connected USB device on your system (nirsoft.net), 64-bit download at bottom of page.

    I've uninstalled the driver for an unconnected USB external drive and then reconnected it forcing Windows to identify it again. Might have helped.


    Windows won't recognise external hard drive except when it's connected via USB-C 325047d1617005767t-external-hard-drives-not-recognised-screenshot_2.png



    Windows won't recognise external hard drive except when it's connected via USB-C 325048d1617005802t-external-hard-drives-not-recognised-screenshot_3.png
     
    Fabler2, Aug 10, 2024
    #4
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Windows won't recognise external hard drive except when it's connected via USB-C

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