External drives are convenient to use and enable users to store additional data. The device is easy to configure in PC and works efficiently. However, sometimes, there is a lack of coordination between Windows and the hard drive, so an issue popularly known as "Hard drive not detected" occurs. Such issues can be related to internal or external hard drives. So if you face any problem then don’t worry because here you will get the best solutions to solve such problems. But, before going further, let us find out the reason behind the problem.
Why is the hard drive not detected on my computer screen?
Not hard drive detected or not recognized simply means that Windows does not accept such a drive, possibly due to incorrect partitioning, a faulty USB port, missing driver updates, etc. The above reasons are the main causes of such problems. Now, let's move to the solution section.
How to fix internal hard drive not detected?
Almost all of us just have to reboot the system if the internal hard drive is not detected by the computer or laptop. Sometimes it may work, but, if it doesn't, then follow these simple solutions to fix the problem.
Driver not enabled in BIOS
If the hard drive is not detected, it is possible that it is not enabled in the system settings. Some manufacturers prefer to disable unused ports in the BIOS by default. To verify their current status, you must enter the BIOS. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to the Start menu and click on the Settings option.
- Select the Update & Security option.
- Click the Restore option from the left pane.
- Move to the Advanced Startup options and click the Restart Now button.
- Your system will restart and select the Troubleshooting option.
- Navigate to Advanced options.
- Select UEFI Firmware Settings and click Restart.
Check the cables inside the motherboard
Faulty cables are also a reason behind this issue. You need tocheck the motherboard and hard drive connectionsfor any misalignment or broken pins. Sometimes a wire's outer shielding may look perfect, but folded, crimped, or creased data cables can also cause internal breaks in the wire's insulation. If you are unsure of the condition of any data cable, you should replace it. If the cable is damaged or incorrectly connected, the BIOS will ensure that the hard drive is not detected.
You also need to check the health of your ATA cables, as some ATA cables may become detached from their connection ports. Apart from this, you can also check the SATA cable connectivity.
If replacing the cable doesn't fix the problem it means the cable is perfect and the problem is somewhere else. Go to the next solution to solve the problem.
Check if the drive is spinning
If the drive is not getting enough power, it will not spin up and show this error. You can check for this cause by performing the following steps:
- Open the computer case and unplug the data cable from the hard drive. This will stop the power saving command.
- Turn on the computer and check to see if the hard drive is spinning. If you touch the hard drive you should feel a slight vibration, if you don't feel any vibration the hard drive is not detected and will not boot.
If you are unable to find the drive to rotate, you can further perform the following steps:
-
Start the computer and Tryobserve some sounds.
- Turn off the system power.
Now - disconnect the power cord from the system.
- Unplug the power cord of the undetected hard drive.
Again - Connect the power cord to the system and start the system to check if you can hear the hard disk sound.
Reconnecting the hard drive should help you observe some sounds. - If not, use a device such as an external CD or DVD
- Replace the power cord to check the connection cable.
- Check the power supply on the computer to make sure there is enough power to run the drive.
Connect the - drive to another system to ensure power requirements and cabling issues. Make sure you have the drive connected to the
SATA-USB- case and check if the hard drive not being detected has been fixed. If this does not help you, please contact the manufacturer.
-
How to solve the "external hard drive not detected" problem?
As mentioned before, there are many reasons behind a problem, so obviously you have to follow some advanced solutions to get rid of this issue. The detailed process is listed below and your job is to follow them until you find success.
Check if Windows detects the hard drive
This is the main task, before proceeding to the troubleshooting steps, let us check if the hard drive is supported by the operating system. The process is simple and the quick steps are listed below.
Open the "
Run- " box by pressing the "Windows R" keys simultaneously.
Now in the dialog box
enter - " diskmgmt.msc " and press " Enter".
After this, a new window will appear, which will be displayed in the
list- #drive and composition.
But don’t be angry if you can’t trace your external hard drive. It's possible that Windows isn't detecting the drive. Now, go to the next section and allow Windows to recognize the hard drive. 
- Enable Windows to detect the hard drive
Press the "Windows
" key and "
R## at the same time # "key opens the "- Run" dialog box.
Enter
" devmgmt.msc
" in the box and
press Enter. -
After this, you will find a new window with the symbol "
Device
Manager
".
Disk
Drive
" section and click the
arrow- Button to extend its functionality.
- After expansion, you will get some drives, your job is to select the appropriate drive and then double-click on it.
- Similarly, a pop-up window will appear on your PC screen and this time, it will display the related features of the selected hard drive . Click the Drivers tab located at the top of the page.
- After this, you will find Advanced Options for your hard drive.
- First, Update the driver, similarly, click on the option "Update Driver".
- After updating, if the problem still exists, then you can choose "RollbackDriver program". This feature will restore the hard drive to the previously installed driver.
- But if all else fails, "Uninstall" the driver and then remove the hard drive. Now, restart your computer.
- Insert the hard disk into the USB## of the PC #Port and allow Windows to configure it automatically.
Assign drive letters to hard drives
Windows recognizes hard drives that are represented by drive letters. However, if you have set up your hard drive manually and unfortunately left out the drive letter part, then this will result in a "Hard drive not detected" issue appearing on your PC screen. Listed below are the steps for the above solution which will help you make changes in your hard drive.
Open the "- Run" box by pressing the "Windows" key and the "R" key simultaneously, and in the dialog box Type "diskmgmt.msc" in the space provided and click the "OK" button.
Now, - select the driver from the list of available drives. Once the hard drive is selected, right-click on it and select an option from the drop-down menu "Change Drive number and Path".
After this, a pop-up window will appear on the screen where you can change the "- Drive Letter or Path ”. Click the box "Assign Following Drive Letter" , and select from the drop-down menu located on the far right side of the Device Management page The letters .
Format the hard drive
Formatting the hard drive will solve the problem of "hard drive not detected" on your computer question. However, before proceeding, be sure to back up the data stored on your hard drive, otherwise, you will lose all your data during the operation.
Press the "- Windows" key and the "R" key simultaneously to open the "Run" box. Now, enter “diskmgmt.msc” and click on the “OK” button.
After this, a new window will open with a list of drives. Select the appropriate one, - right-click-click it and select "Format".
A new pop-up window will appear on the screen asking for permission, click on the "- OK" button.
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