With the ever-increasing use of computers, our need for ample storage space also increases. But the internal drive fails to cater to these requirements, particularly when we have a lot to store and backup, ranging from photos to crucial documents. Moreover, increased storage space is not the only benefit of external hard drives. Their portability also adds to the advantages of using them. However, you must connect the external drive to the computer for viewing or transferring files to it. And it becomes seriously annoying if the external hard drive is not showing up on the PC when you have something important to do with it.

But do not worry, as we are here to help if the external hard drive is not detected on Windows 10. We have got quick and easy fixes for this issue.

Before we move to those much-needed solutions to this irritating problem, let’s answer one of the most burning questions in the user community, i.e., “Why is my external hard drive not showing up?”

Why is the external hard drive not showing up on Windows 10?

Below are the top reasons for the external hard drive is not showing up in the Disk Management of your computer.

• Damaged or incorrect partitions.
• Outdated drivers.
• Incorrect file system.
• Malfunctioning USB ports.
• Broken external hard drive.

After analyzing the causes of the hard drive not detected on Windows 10, we think the fixes shared below will help you solve the problem.

Quick and easy solutions for external hard drive not showing up

Here are the simple fixes you can implement if the external hard drive is not recognized or showing up on your Windows 10 computer.

Fix 1: Perform Basic Ttroubleshooting

Sometimes, we make all sorts of assumptions about how to solve a problem when the solution lies right in front of our eyes. To make sure it is not the case with you, first, try these basic fixes if the external hard drive is not detected or showing up on your computer.

• Ensure all the USB plugs of your drive are plugged into the PC.
• Make sure the drive is receiving enough power to work. If it needs more juice, then use the wall power.
• Try plugging the drive into another USB port.

Fix 2: Try creating a New Volume for your Drive

If the external hard drive is not showing up in the Disk Management window, then you can create a new volume to fix the drive partitions to make things work. Implement these steps to do it.

• In the Windows search box, type Disk Management and choose the top result.
• Use the visual menu to locate your external drive. Most probably, you will find it under your primary drives.
• Right-click the external drive and select Online if it is offline.
• If you see the word “Unallocated” below the black bar after selecting the drive, then the drive needs to be formatted.
• Right-click the drive and select New Simple Volume.
• In case your drive is already formatted but shows no letter, then right-click it and choose Change Drive Letters and Paths.                                                                                                         
• Click on the Change button and then select OK.
  
  

Fix 3: Format the Drive

In case of an already partitioned external hard drive, formatting is another solution if it is not recognized on Windows 10. You need to follow this process to do it.

• Launch Disk Management by following the first step described in the above solution.
• Right-click on your external drive and choose the Format option.                                   
• Click on the File System arrow and select FAT32 from the descending menu.
• Mark the Perform a quick format box and choose OK.                             

Also Read: How to Fix 100% Disk Usage in Windows 10

Fix 4: Update the Outdated Disk Drivers (Recommended):

Outdated drivers cause not only the issues because of which the external hard drive is not showing up, but other performance lags as well. Therefore, updating the drivers is one of the most recommended solutions to this problem. Now, if you opened another tab to search for ways to do it, then hold on. Through this post, we share a simple way to do it. Simply follow the below steps to get rid of all driver-related errors.

• Click on the link given below to download Bit Driver Updater, i.e., one of the best driver update utilities.
  
• Install Bit Driver Updater by clicking on the setup you have just downloaded.
• Allow the software to scan the computer.
• After the scan is finished, click on the Update Now tool present next to the disk driver.

Want to resolve other problems as well? Then, select the option to Update All drivers.

Fix 5: Try Troubleshooting the Hardware and Devices Issues

Hardware and device problems are another reason for which the external hard drive may not be recognized on Windows 10. Thus, troubleshoot these issues by following the below steps.

• Bring up the Settings by using the Windows+I shortcut.
• Select Update & Security from the Settings panel.
• Choose Troubleshoot from the left section and select Hardware and Devices.
• Click on the Run the troubleshooter button.     
• Let the troubleshooting complete.

Fix 6: Modify the Power Settings

Incorrect power settings can also be a reason your external hard drive is not showing up on the computer. Therefore, follow these steps to check your power settings.

• Using the Windows + R keyboard command, bring the Run box to view.
• In the Run box, input the powercfg.cpl command and click OK.
• After the Power Options appear, click on Change plan settings.
• Now click on the option to Change advanced power settings.
• Locate and click on the + button next to the USB settings.
• View the USB selective suspend setting by clicking on the + button.
• If the setting is enabled, then choose Disabled from the menu that drops down.
• Click on Apply and OK to save the modifications.

Fix 7: Make sure the Drive is not Dead

Sone of the fixes will work if your drive is dead. Therefore, check the drive by following these steps.

• Take the drive out of its external case.
• Plug the drive into the motherboard of your computer directly.
• If it works, then there may be issues with the power supply. And if it still does not work, then you need to get a new drive as this one is dead.

The External Hard Drive is not Showing up: Fixed Successfully

Through this article, we guided you through the methods to solve the issues if the external drive or disk is not showing up. You can try either all of these solutions or employ the best fix, i.e., update the drivers first. In our view, the second option is better as it fixes other problems too. Stay in touch with us for more such tech solutions.