Portable hard drivers are forever useful when you wish to transfer a large file or back up your data. Several users complained that they faced Windows 10 does not identify the portable hard drive issue. It is one of the most common issues on Windows 10. In this article, we will teach you how to fix the external hard drive not showing on the Windows 10 device problem.
Use Third-Party Application to Optimize Your Device
Sometimes some device settings are not correct and need optimizations. We suggest you use third-party tools to fix this issue. A third-party tool has an efficient ability to fix the possible issue that impacts the functioning of your device.
Update Driver Manually
Here are the steps to follow:
Tap the Windows + X button on your keyboard to launch the “Win + X” menu and then select “Device Manager” in the list.
Find the “Disk Drives” option and enable it.
Here you need to check any device listed on your screen with an exclamation mark next to it. If you see an exclamation mark near your computer, it means there is maybe a driver issue. Right-tap on the device and select “Updates Driver.”
Click “Search automatically for driver software.”
After the above process, Windows will automatically search for the right driver online and then install it on your device automatically. When the driver is completely installed, you need to check if the issue has been resolved.
Format Portable Hard Drive or Change Portable Hard Drive Letter
Here are the steps to follow:
Tap the Windows + X button on your keyboard and select “Disk Management” in the list that appears on your screen.
Find a portable hard drive under “Disk management” and then right-tap on it. Select “Change Drive Letter and Paths.”
After the process, a window will pop up on your screen that shows the current letter of your portable hard drive.
Tap on “Change” and then select a new letter. Remember that you need to select the latter that you don’t want to assign with another drive.
After the above process, you will present along with a confirmation dialog that you want to change the letter of your drive. Click “Yes” to change the drive letter.
Here are the steps to format a portable hard drive:
Launch “Disk Management.”
Right-tap on your portable hard drive and then select “Format” in the dropdown menu.
Here you need to type for your hard drive and then select “File system type.”
Tap the “OK” button and then wait until the portable hard drive is formatted.
Use Hardware Troubleshooter
Here are the steps to follow:
Tap the Windows + I button on your keyboard to launch the settings application on your device.
Select the “Updates and Security” option.
Click “Troubleshoot” in the left menu and the right side pane click “Hardware and Devices.” Select “Run the troubleshooter” option.
Now follow the on-screen instructions
When the troubleshooting process completes, restart your device and then check for improvements.
Uninstall Problematic Drivers
Here are the steps to follow:
Tap the Windows + X button on your keyboard to launch the “Win + X” menu and then select “Device Manager” in the list.
Find your portable hard drive and right-tap on it and then select “Uninstall device.”
Source:- fix External Hard Drive
Select the “Scan for hardware Change” logo. Now Windows will automatically download and install the default driver for your portable hard drive.
