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In this modern era of technology, data storage has become one of the most integral parts of our lives. As more and more data is getting created every day, it is crucial to have safe and secure storage options. External hard drives are one such option that provides a significant amount of storage space and is portable as well. But at times, showing external hard drive on Windows 10 could become a daunting task for a user. In this blog, we will discuss the different methods to show external hard drives on Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Showing External Hard Drive on Windows 10
Sometimes the external hard drive does not get detected on Windows 10 even after plugging in. Although there could be several reasons behind the same, some of the most common ones are:
- Outdated or corrupted drivers
- Issues with the USB cables or the USB port on the PC
- Unallocated space on the external hard drive
Things You Should Prepare for
Before jumping into the methods, it is essential to take care of a few things. The preparation steps are:
- Make sure that your external hard drive is in a working condition. If not, please get it repaired.
- Ensure that your Windows 10 system is updated to the latest version.
- Backup all the data on the external hard drive before attempting to show it on Windows 10.
Method 1: Via File Explorer
Using file explorer is one of the easiest ways to show the external hard drive on Windows 10. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Plug in the external hard drive to the Windows 10 PC.
- Launch File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E shortcut.
- Click on the "This PC" option in the left-hand side panel.
- The list of drives available on the system will appear. Find the external hard drive with the assigned letter, and right-click on it.
- From the menu that appears, click on the "Properties" option.
- In the Properties window, click on the "General" tab.
- Click on the "Change" button visible near the "Type of file" option.
- Select "Windows Explorer" from the list of applications and click on "OK".
- Check the "Always use this app to open .INF files" option and click on "OK".
- The external hard drive will now be visible under the "This PC" section of the file explorer.
Pros:
- A very simple method that can be performed even by a newbie in technology
- Does not require the installation of any additional software.
Cons:
- This method may not work in case of device driver conflicts.
- In rare cases, the changes made to the file explorer may need a reboot to reflect properly.
Method 2: Using Disk Management
Disk Management is a built-in function in Windows 10 that allows users to manage the disks installed on their systems. Here are the detailed steps to show the external hard drive using Disk Management.
- Connect the external hard drive to the Windows 10 system.
- Press the Windows key + R shortcut on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "diskmgmt.msc" in the Run box and hit "Enter".
- Disk Management window will appear showing the available disks on the system.
- Find the external hard drive that you want to show on Windows 10.
- Right-click on it and select "Change Drive Letter and Paths".
- Click on the "Add" button in the next window that appears.
- Select the drive letter that you want to assign to the external hard drive.
- Click on "OK" and then "OK" again.
- The external hard drive will now be visible in the file explorer.
Pros:
- Provides complete control over the disk management process.
- Allows users to make detailed changes according to their requirements.
Cons:
- Requires some technical expertise to perform the steps properly.
- Errors made during the process can cause data loss, so it needs to be done with utmost care.
Method 3: Using Device Manager
Device Manager is a built-in utility in Windows 10 that helps in managing all the devices installed on the system. Here is how you can show the external hard drive using Device Manager.
- Connect the external hard drive to the Windows 10 system.
- Press the Windows key + X shortcut to open the Quick Link menu.
- Click on the "Device Manager" option from the list.
- Find the "Disk drives" option in the list and expand it.
- Locate the external hard drive from the list and right-click on it.
- Click on the "Update driver" option.
- Choose the "Search automatically for updated driver software" option and wait for the driver to be updated.
- The external hard drive will now be visible in the file explorer.
Pros:
- Automatically update the required drivers with minimal effort.
- No need to install any additional software.
Cons:
- This method may not work if the required driver is not available online.
- Could be time-consuming if the internet speed is slow.
Why Can’t I Show External Hard Drive on Windows 10?
There could be several reasons behind the external hard drive not showing on Windows 10. Some of the common ones are:
- Conflicts with the device drivers.
- Damaged USB cables or ports.
- Inability to allocate the disk space.
Fixes:
- Update the device drivers regularly.
- Use a good quality USB cable and port.
- Allocate the disk space properly.
Additional Tips
- Always keep the drivers updated to avoid compatibility issues.
- Use good quality USB cables and ports to ensure that the external hard drive is detected always.
- Avoid ejecting the external hard drive while in use to prevent data loss and drive corruption.
5 FAQs about Showing External Hard Drive on Windows 10
Q1: How can I tell if my external hard drive is connected to my computer?
A: You can check the device manager or disk management options in Windows 10 to check the external hard drive.
Q2: How long does it take to show the external hard drive on Windows 10?
A: The time taken to show the external hard drive on Windows 10 depends on the method used and the internet speed.
Q3: Can I use an external hard drive for backing up my data files?
A: Yes, external hard drives are an excellent option for backing up important data files.
Q4: How can I protect my external hard drive from virus attacks?
A: Use an antivirus software program and perform regular scans to keep viruses at bay.
Q5: Is it necessary to format the external hard drive before using it on Windows 10?
A: No, it is not necessary to format the external hard drive before using it on Windows 10.
In Conclusion
External hard drives are an excellent option for anyone looking for portable and safe storage options. However, at times, showing external hard drive on Windows 10 could become a challenge due to several reasons. In this blog, we discussed the different methods to show the external hard drive on Windows 10, along with some tips and FAQs. Always take care of the preparation steps mentioned before attempting to show the external hard drive on Windows 10.