2024-02-19 20:51:05
An external hard drive backs up important files on an additional device. But what if there are problems connecting the storage medium?
External hard drives are mass storage devices that are intended for traveling. They are usually connected to the computer via USB. In addition, they are housed in a housing to be better protected against dust or moisture.
External hard drives are usually used to store files that need to be protected in the event of loss or that require too much storage space on the laptop. Despite the plug-and-play USB port, the external hard drive is not always recognized. There are various reasons for this.
Physical Properties
A possible cause of the external hard drive not being visible is a defective USB cable. The reason for this is often a cable break or loose contact. In this case, it is enough to replace the defective cable with a working one so that the storage medium is recognized.
If the hard drive makes clicking noises, the hard drive is either already defective or will soon be. Back up the data already stored there using an appropriate download program. Then replace the defective hard drive with a new one.
Software settings
Disk management under Windows provides further information about the status of the hard drive. In Windows 10, you can access Disk Management via Computer Management. In Windows 11, open Settings and go to System > Storage > Disks & Volumes. The following scenarios are possible with external hard drives:
1. The hard drive appears in Disk Management, but there are errors.
You can try to fix the error yourself or consult a professional. However, the error message from Windows is not always meaningful enough.
2. Windows detects the hard drive without errors, but it is not visible in File Explorer.
If the message appears that the partition is not assigned and therefore no information about the file system is displayed, the hard drive has not yet been formatted. This is particularly true for new hard drives. To format the hard drive, use Disk Management or a suitable program. The following procedure refers to the GParted program as an example, although there are also numerous other providers with which you can achieve the desired result.
- Under GParted, go to Drive > Create Partition Table and select GPT as the partition table type.
- Under “Partition” > “New” select the file system, whereby only FAT32 or NTFS are usable for Windows.
- Then trigger the formatting of the large partition by confirming the settings by clicking Add followed by clicking the check mark.
If only the drive letter is missing
However, if only the drive letter is missing, then Windows has not assigned a drive to the external hard drive. The external hard drive therefore has a drive letter that is already assigned. Under Windows 11, you can assign a drive letter by clicking on the “Properties” button on the drive and assigning a different drive letter.