Imagine you open File Explorer and you don’t see your hard drive which is a home for your precious data. Don’t panic! It is a common issue with hard drives and there are quick solutions to it. This article will help you fix missing hard drive in file explorer issue and potentially help you recover your data.
A hard drive not showing up in File Explorer can occur for various reasons. Let's get into the most common reasons and quick fixes. Remember, I have mentioned DIY methods in later part of the article that can actually fix the issue
Apart from this, incorrect partitioning and formatting issues can also make your hard drive not recognized by File Explorer. Now that you understand the problem, lets get to the solutions.
Follow the steps mentioned below to update disk drivers to make your hard drive show up in File Explorer.
This should help you fix the issue of the drive not showing up on File Explorer.
Caution: The "clean" command will completely erase all data, partitions, and drive types. The drive will appear blank, with an unknown label and an uninitialized state. Before proceeding with this operation, it is strongly advised to employ data recovery software to retrieve data from the undetected drive.
To launch Command Prompt with administrator privileges, follow these steps:
Once these steps are completed, the hard drive will be assigned a new drive letter and will be accessible in File Explorer.
Assigning a drive letter can make your hard drive appear on File Explorer. Follow the steps mentioned below to make your hard drive appear on File Explorer.
Restart the computer and check whether your external or internal hard drive is showing up in File Explorer.
If none of the above steps worked for you can try initializing the disk from Disk Management. Follow the steps mentioned below:
If any of the mentioned steps don’t help you fix the issue, you can boot your system in Safe Mode and check if the hard drive is visible in File Explorer. If visible, it suggests a potential third-party software conflict.
Note: The only last resort for the undetected hard drive in File Explorer is to make use of data recovery software to recover your data.
An Excerpt from data loss report for 2023 published on Remo Research Lab
Drives continued to play hide and seek through 2023, causing significant problems. Undetected drives account for 6.38% of data loss cases.
Most people try DIY when this happens and without professional tech help, the result is normally… you guessed it… Data Loss. As the cops say, don’t cross the yellow line, don’t touch anything, and let the professionals do their job.
- Hamid Imtiaz
You can trust Remo Recover for windows for Windows to get your data back from undetected hard drive. Just like how you tried to fix hard drive not showing up in File Explorer, you can try Remo Recover to restore your data for free.
Note: If you are unable to find the hard drive, click on the Can’t Find Drive? Option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several potential causes for a hard drive not showing up in File Explorer, ranging from incorrect formatting to driver issues or physical damage. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify the root cause of the problem and take the necessary actions to resolve it.
Remember, if none of the troubleshooting steps work, it is important to seek professional help or consider using specialized data recovery software to ensure the safety and integrity of your valuable data.
If your new external hard drive isn't visible in File Explorer, check the following:
1. Ensure proper connection: Verify that the cables connecting the hard drive to your computer are secure.
2. Initialize the drive: For new hard drives, use Disk Management (press Windows Key + R, type "diskmgmt.msc," and press Enter) to initialize it.
3. Assign a drive letter: In Disk Management, right-click on the hard drive and choose "Change Drive Letter and Paths" to assign a drive letter.
4. Update device drivers: Check the manufacturer's website for the latest drivers.
5. Check BIOS settings: Configure BIOS to recognize the hard drive if needed.
6. Test different USB ports: If using USB, connect to a different port on your computer.
If none of these steps help, the hard drive might be defective and may need to be replaced.
A WD hard drive not appearing in File Explorer can be due to improper connections, insufficient power supply, or outdated drivers. Checking cables and ports, verifying power sources, and updating drivers can resolve the issue. If the problem persists across multiple computers, the hard drive may be faulty, necessitating manufacturer contact.
Potential solutions to the invisible hard drive issue:
1. Refresh: Refresh Disk Management and File Explorer.
2. Assign Drive Letter:
Open Disk Management.
Right-click on the hard drive and select "Change Drive Letter and Paths."
Assign an unused drive letter.
3. Update Drivers:
- Check for storage controller or chipset driver updates in Device Manager.
4. Check Disk for Errors:
- Right-click on the hard drive and select "Properties."
- Go to the "Tools" tab and click "Check" to scan and repair errors.
5. Rescan for Hardware Changes:
- Open Device Manager.
- Click on the "Action" menu and select "Scan for hardware changes."
If the issue persists, consider contacting the manufacturer for assistance.