Hard Drive Not Reading – How to Fix External Hard Drive Won’t Read Error?

External hard drives, SSD drives, USB sticks, and memory cards are essential tools for data storage and transfer. However, it can be frustrating when your external hard drive won’t read or get recognized by your computer. This issue can arise on both Windows PCs and Mac systems, leaving users puzzled and worried about potential data loss.

In this article, we will explore why an external hard drive might not be recognized and provide user-friendly solutions to fix the problem. By following these steps, you can regain access to your files and ensure the smooth functioning of your external storage device.

User Query

“Why is my external hard drive not reading on my PC? How can I fix an external hard drive that isn’t recognized?”

Many users encounter this issue and wonder what to do. The good news is that this problem is often fixable with simple troubleshooting steps.

Reasons Why Your External Hard Drive Is Not Recognized

Several factors can cause an external hard drive to stop being recognized by your computer. Understanding these reasons can help you apply the right solution. Below are common causes:

1. Damaged USB Cable or Port: A faulty USB cable or port can prevent the drive from connecting.
2. Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupt drivers may hinder the system from detecting the hard drive.
3. File System Errors: An incompatible or corrupted file system can lead to reading errors.
4. Power Supply Problems: Insufficient power to the drive may cause recognition failure.
5. Hidden Devices in Device Manager: Some external drives may not appear if hidden in the system settings.
6. Registry Errors: Issues in the registry settings can block the hard drive’s detection.
7. Virus or Malware Infection: Malicious software can disrupt the functioning of your storage devices.

Methods to Resolve ‘External Hard Drive Won’t Read’ Issue

Now that we understand the possible reasons, let’s dive into practical solutions. Follow these methods step-by-step to fix the issue.

1. Faulty Port: The USB port you’re using might be damaged or malfunctioning, preventing the connection.
2. Insufficient Power: Some USB ports may not provide enough power to support an external hard drive, especially on older PCs.
3. Compatibility Issues: Certain ports might be incompatible with the drive due to differences in USB standards (e.g., USB 2.0 vs. USB 3.0).
4. Driver Problems: A specific port may have an issue with drivers, while another port might function properly

Steps to Try a Different USB Port

1. Identify Another Port:
   • Locate other USB ports on your PC or laptop. Typically, desktops have ports at the back, while laptops have them on the sides.
2. Reconnect the Hard Drive:
   • Safely eject the hard drive (if it is partially recognized).
   • Plug the hard drive into a different USB port.
3. Check for USB Type:
   • Ensure you’re using a port that matches the drive’s USB type. For example, a USB 3.0 port (usually blue inside) will work best with a USB 3.0 hard drive.
4. Observe the Results:
   • Check if the hard drive appears in “File Explorer” or “Disk Management” (Windows) or “Finder” (Mac).

What If It Still Doesn’t Work?

• Try Another Device: Connect the hard drive to a different computer to see if the issue is with the drive or the PC.
• Check USB Cable: The cable might be damaged and need replacing.
• Update Drivers: Ensure that your USB and hard drive drivers are up-to-date.
• Check Power Source: For external drives requiring external power, ensure the adapter is functioning.

Solution 2: Uninstall External Hard Drive Driver to Fix Won’t Reading Issue

Why Uninstall the Driver?

1. Driver Corruption: The driver for your external hard drive might be corrupted, causing it to malfunction.
2. Driver Conflicts: New or old drivers might conflict with your operating system or hardware.
3. Reset Device Configuration: Uninstalling and reinstalling the driver forces the system to refresh its settings for the device.

Steps to Uninstall the External Hard Drive Driver

For Windows:

1. Connect the Hard Drive:
   • Plug the external hard drive into your PC.
2. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
   • Alternatively, search for “Device Manager” in the Start menu.
3. Locate the Hard Drive:
   • Expand the category Disk Drives or Universal Serial Bus controllers.
   • Look for your external hard drive in the list.
4. Uninstall the Driver:
   • Right-click the drive and select Uninstall Device.
   • Confirm the uninstallation by clicking Uninstall in the dialog box.
5. Restart Your PC:
   • After uninstallation, restart your computer.
   • The operating system will automatically detect and reinstall the appropriate driver when the hard drive is connected again.

For Mac:

1. Disconnect and Reconnect:
   • Remove the external hard drive and reconnect it.
2. Reset NVRAM/PRAM:
   • Restart your Mac and hold down Option + Command + P + R during boot until you hear the second startup chime. This resets hardware-related settings.
3. Use Disk Utility:
   • If the drive still isn’t recognized, open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.
   • Look for the drive, then try to mount or repair it.

What If It Still Doesn’t Work?

1. Update Drivers:
   • Visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver for your external hard drive.
2. Try Another Computer:
   • Test the drive on another PC or Mac to confirm whether the issue is with the drive or the computer.
3. Run Diagnostics:
   • Use a hard drive diagnostic tool provided by the manufacturer or a third-party program to check for hardware issues.
4. Format the Drive:
   • If all else fails and data retrieval isn’t a concern, reformat the drive. (Ensure you back up any data before formatting.)

Solution 3: Turn On USB Root Hub to Fix Hard Drive Not Reading in PC

Why Enable the USB Root Hub?

1. Power Management Settings: USB Root Hub settings might limit power to USB ports, causing issues with device recognition.
2. Inactive Ports: If the USB Root Hub is disabled, connected devices may not function properly.
3. Compatibility Issues: Ensuring the USB Root Hub is enabled helps your system communicate with all connected USB devices.

Steps to Enable USB Root Hub

For Windows:

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
   • Alternatively, search for “Device Manager” in the Start menu.
2. Find USB Root Hub:
   • Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
   • Look for entries labeled USB Root Hub or Generic USB Hub.
3. Enable the USB Root Hub:
   • Right-click each USB Root Hub entry and select Properties.
   • Navigate to the Power Management tab.
   • Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
   • Click OK to save changes.
4. Restart Your Computer:
   • Restart your PC to ensure the changes take effect.
5. Reconnect Your Hard Drive:
   • Plug in your external hard drive and check if it is now recognized.

For Mac:

Mac systems manage USB power and connectivity automatically, so USB Root Hub-specific settings are not exposed to users. If you’re experiencing USB-related issues on a Mac:

1. Reset SMC (System Management Controller):
   • For Intel-based Macs: Shut down your Mac, then hold down Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds. Release and restart the Mac.
2. Update macOS:
   • Ensure your system software is up-to-date to resolve USB compatibility issues.

What If It Still Doesn’t Work?

1. Check USB Ports:
   • Test the external hard drive on a different USB port or another computer to rule out hardware issues.
2. Update Drivers:
   • In Device Manager, right-click USB Root Hub and select Update driver to ensure it is up-to-date.
3. Run Troubleshooter:
   • In Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters, then select Hardware and Devices to identify and resolve issues.
4. Use a Powered USB Hub:
   • If the issue persists, use a powered USB hub to ensure sufficient power supply to the external hard drive.

Solution 4: Show All Hidden Devices to Fix Not Reading Error

If your external hard drive is not being recognized by your PC, it might be listed as a hidden device in the Device Manager. Showing all hidden devices can help identify and resolve the issue by allowing you to manage devices that are not visible by default.

Why Show Hidden Devices?

1. Hidden Drivers: Sometimes, drivers for your external hard drive may be installed but are hidden, leading to connectivity issues.
2. Unassigned Drive Letters: A hidden device might not be assigned a drive letter, making it inaccessible.
3. Conflict or Errors: Hidden devices can sometimes show errors or conflicts that need to be addressed.

Steps to Show All Hidden Devices

For Windows:

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
   • Alternatively, search for “Device Manager” in the Start menu.
2. Enable Hidden Devices View:
   • In the Device Manager window, click the View tab in the top menu.
   • Select Show hidden devices from the dropdown.
3. Locate the External Hard Drive:
   • Look under categories like Disk Drives, Universal Serial Bus controllers, or Other Devices.
   • Check for any devices with a faded icon (indicating they are hidden).
4. Fix Hidden Device Issues:
   • If your hard drive appears:
     • Right-click it and select Update Driver to install the latest driver.
     • Alternatively, select Uninstall Device and restart your computer to allow the system to reinstall it.
   • Check the Properties for error codes and troubleshoot accordingly.
5. Assign a Drive Letter (if necessary):
   • If the device is visible but not accessible, assign a drive letter:
     • Open Disk Management (press Windows + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter).
     • Locate your drive, right-click it, and select Change Drive Letter and Paths.
     • Click Add or Change, assign a new letter, and confirm.

For Mac:

Hidden devices are not managed in macOS like they are in Windows. Instead:

1. Check Disk Utility:
   • Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.
   • Look for your drive under External. If it appears but is not mounted, click Mount.
2. Reset SMC or PRAM:
   • Resetting these settings can sometimes resolve hidden or unrecognized device issues.

What If It Still Doesn’t Work?

1. Test on Another Device:
   • Connect the hard drive to another PC or Mac to determine if the issue is with the drive or the computer.
2. Update USB Controller Drivers:
   • In Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers and update the drivers.
3. Run Troubleshooter:
   • In Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters, then select Hardware and Devices.
4. Check for Hardware Issues:
   • If the drive is still not recognized, it may have a hardware defect requiring professional repair.

Solution 5: Make Changes in Registry to Fix Hard Drive Not Detected

If your external hard drive is not being recognized by your PC, making specific changes in the Windows Registry can help resolve the issue. This method should be approached cautiously as improper changes to the Registry can cause system instability. Always back up your Registry and important data before proceeding.

Why Modify the Registry?

1. Corrupted Registry Entries: Incorrect or missing registry values can prevent the hard drive from being detected.
2. Device-Specific Issues: Certain drives may need specific registry tweaks to function properly.
3. Resolving USB-related Errors: Registry changes can reset or reconfigure USB-related settings.

Steps to Modify the Registry

For Windows:

1. Open the Registry Editor:
   • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • Confirm any User Account Control (UAC) prompts to open the Registry Editor.
2. Back Up the Registry:
   • Click File > Export.
   • Choose a location to save the backup, select All under Export range, and click Save.
3. Navigate to the USB Registry Key:
   • Expand the folders in this order:
     HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR
4. Check the “Start” Value:
   • In the right pane, find the entry named Start.
   • Double-click it to open the Edit DWORD window.
   • Ensure the Value data is set to 3 (which enables USB storage devices).
   • Click OK to save changes.
5. Delete Unnecessary Registry Keys (Optional):
   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB.
   • Expand this key and look for entries related to your external hard drive.
   • If you find any problematic entries, right-click and select Delete.
6. Restart Your Computer:
   • Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes.

What If the Hard Drive Is Still Not Detected?

1. Run Windows Troubleshooter:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters and select Hardware and Devices.
2. Update Drivers:
   • In Device Manager, update drivers for the external hard drive or USB controllers.
3. Reset USB Ports:
   • Uninstall all USB controller drivers in Device Manager under Universal Serial Bus controllers, then restart your PC to reinstall them automatically.
4. Check Disk Management:
   • Open Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc), locate the drive, and assign a drive letter if necessary.
5. Reformat the Drive:
   • If the drive is detected but inaccessible, reformat it to a compatible file system. (Back up your data before formatting.)

Important Notes:

• Backup First: Always create a backup of the Registry and critical files before making changes.
• Proceed with Caution: If you’re unsure about any step, seek assistance from a knowledgeable source.
• Professional Help: If the issue persists, the drive may have a hardware failure that requires expert attention.

Solution 6: Use Antivirus to Fix Hard Drive Not Reading Issue

Why Use Antivirus for Hard Drive Issues?

1. Malware Interference: Malware or viruses can interfere with the normal functioning of your external hard drive, preventing it from being recognized.
2. Corrupted Files: Viruses may corrupt files or system processes that manage external devices, leading to detection issues.
3. System Protection: Antivirus programs protect your system from infections that could cause data loss or hardware malfunctions.

Steps to Use Antivirus to Fix Hard Drive Not Detected

1. Update Antivirus Software

Ensure your antivirus program is up to date with the latest virus definitions to catch the newest threats.

• Windows Defender (built into Windows 10 and 11):
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
  • Under Virus & Threat Protection Updates, click Check for updates.
• Third-Party Antivirus:
  • Open your antivirus software.
  • Check for any available updates and ensure it’s running the latest virus definitions.

2. Perform a Full Scan

A full scan will check your entire system, including external hard drives, for malware.

• Windows Defender:
  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Go to Virus & Threat Protection > Quick Scan or Full Scan.
  3. Choose Full Scan for a more thorough check, then select Scan Now.
• Third-Party Antivirus:
  1. Open your antivirus program.
  2. Navigate to the Scan or Protection section.
  3. Select Full Scan or Custom Scan, then choose the external hard drive to scan.
  4. Let the scan complete and follow the instructions to remove any detected malware.

3. Isolate the External Hard Drive

If the antivirus detects a virus on your external hard drive, isolate the infected files. Do not attempt to open the files until the infection is removed.

• Quarantine: Most antivirus programs automatically quarantine infected files to prevent further damage.
• Remove: After quarantining or removing the infection, attempt to reconnect the hard drive.

4. Reboot Your Computer

Once the scan is complete, and any malware has been removed, restart your PC to apply the changes and restore normal functionality.

• Reconnect Your Hard Drive: After restarting, try reconnecting your external hard drive to see if it is now detected.

What If It Still Doesn’t Work?

1. Check the Hard Drive on Another Computer:
   • Test your external hard drive on a different PC to rule out hardware failure.
2. Run a Second Antivirus Program:
   • If you’re still having trouble, run a scan with a different antivirus program (such as Malwarebytes) to check for any missed malware.
3. Use Disk Management:
   • Open Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc), and see if your external drive appears. If it does, but you can’t access it, right-click and assign a new drive letter.
4. Check for Corrupted Files:
   • If malware was removed, but the drive still doesn’t work, there may be corrupted files. You can attempt to repair the drive using CHKDSK in Command Prompt:
     • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
     • Type chkdsk /f X: (replace X with the external drive’s letter) and press Enter.
5. Backup Data:
   • If the external drive is accessible after removing malware, consider backing up important data in case the issue recurs.

Solution 7: First, Save Your Files from Drive Then Fix Not Reading Error

Why Save Your Files First?

1. Data Protection: If the issue is related to hardware failure or corruption, continuing to attempt fixes could worsen the problem and cause permanent data loss.
2. File Recovery: Sometimes, the drive may work temporarily when the PC recognizes it long enough to copy files.
3. Prevent Additional Damage: Fixing the drive without backing up important files first can risk further corruption.

Steps to Save Files from the External Hard Drive

1. Try a Different USB Port or Cable

• Test Another Port: Sometimes the issue may lie with the USB port. Try plugging the external hard drive into a different USB port on your PC.
• Swap the Cable: A faulty USB cable could also cause the drive to not be recognized. Try a different cable, preferably one that you know works.

2. Check the Drive on Another Computer

• Connect to Another PC: Plug your external hard drive into a different computer. This helps identify if the issue is with your PC or the drive itself.
• Use a Different Operating System: If you have access to a Mac or Linux machine, test your drive there to see if it’s recognized. Sometimes, different OS environments have better luck detecting certain drives.

3. Use Disk Management to Access the Drive

• Open Disk Management:
  • Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.
  • Look for your external hard drive in the list of volumes. If it’s listed but does not have a drive letter, you may need to assign one.
  • Right-click on the drive and select Change Drive Letter and Paths, then assign a new letter.
• Check for Corruption:
  • If the drive is shown but not accessible, try to right-click on the drive and select Open or Explore. If it’s still not accessible, skip to the next step for potential repairs.

4. Use File Recovery Software

• If your external hard drive is still not readable, use data recovery software to retrieve important files.
  • Recuva: A popular free tool for recovering deleted files.
  • EaseUS Data Recovery: Offers a paid version with a free trial that can recover files from unrecognized drives.
  • Disk Drill: Another trusted data recovery program.

Steps:

• Download and install the recovery tool on your PC.
• Launch the tool and select your external hard drive from the list of available drives.
• Run a scan to detect files that can be recovered.
• Save the files to another location (preferably a different drive or cloud storage).

5. Copy Files to a New Location

• Manually Copy Files: If the drive is recognized, even if only intermittently, quickly copy your important files to a safe location, like your internal hard drive, cloud storage, or another external device.
• Use Command Prompt (if no GUI access): If the drive is not opening through File Explorer, you can attempt to copy files through the Command Prompt using the xcopy command.

Once Files Are Secured, Fix the “Not Reading” Error

After backing up your files, proceed to troubleshoot and fix the issue that is preventing the hard drive from being recognized. Here are some solutions to try:

1. Check Disk for Errors Using CHKDSK

• Run CHKDSK: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Type chkdsk /f X: (replace X with the external drive’s letter).
  • Press Enter. CHKDSK will scan and fix file system errors on the drive.

2. Update or Reinstall Drivers

• Device Manager:
  • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  • Expand Disk Drives, right-click your external hard drive, and select Update Driver.
  • If updating doesn’t work, right-click and select Uninstall. Restart your PC, and Windows should automatically reinstall the driver.

3. Modify the Registry (If Necessary)

• Registry Changes: In some cases, registry settings may prevent the drive from being detected. Modifying specific keys related to USB storage can help fix this.

4. Use Disk Management to Format or Repartition (Last Resort)

• If the drive is still not accessible and you have backed up your data, you can attempt to format the drive:
  • In Disk Management, right-click the external drive and choose Format.
  • Select the file system (usually NTFS or exFAT) and follow the prompts. This will erase the data, so ensure you’ve saved everything important first.

What If the Drive Still Doesn’t Work?

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, the problem may be due to physical damage or failure of the external hard drive. In this case:

1. Professional Data Recovery: Consider sending the drive to a professional data recovery service. They have specialized equipment for recovering data from failed drives.
2. Check Warranty: If your hard drive is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer for a replacement or repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is my external hard drive not recognized on Mac?

A: On Mac, the drive might not be compatible or properly formatted. Check the Disk Utility and format the drive if necessary.

Q2: Can a damaged cable cause my hard drive not to read?

A: Yes, a faulty USB cable is a common reason for connection failure. Replace the cable to see if it resolves the issue.

Q3: How can I fix file system errors on my hard drive?

A: Use the built-in Check Disk (chkdsk) utility in Windows to scan and fix file system errors.

Q4: What should I do if my hard drive is not detected after trying all solutions?

A: If none of the solutions work, consult a professional data recovery service or check with the manufacturer for hardware issues.

Q5: How can I prevent future external hard drive issues?

A: Always eject your drive safely, keep it virus-free, and use quality USB cables and ports.

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