---
title: "Why won't my computer recognize an external hard drive after a macOS update?"  
description: "Why won't my computer recognize an external hard drive after a macOS update?"  
author: "Baishakhi Ghosh"  
published: 2024-01-12  
updated: 2024-01-13  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/109120/why-won-t-my-computer-recognize-an-external-hard-drive-after-a-macos-update  
category: "troubleshooting"  
tags: ["troubleshooting"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# Why won't my computer recognize an external hard drive after a macOS update?



## Answers

### Answer by Baishakhi Ghosh

Experiencing issues with your computer recognizing an external hard drive after a macOS update can be attributed to several factors. \
Check Physical Connections:Try using a different USB or Thunderbolt port to rule out potential port issues.\
Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often resolve glitches introduced by [software](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/23272/why-software-localization-is-important-for-your-business) updates. \
Verify Disk Utility: Check if the external hard drive appears in the list. If it does, there may be a mounting or [file system](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/1650/write-to-the-file-system-in-a-directory) issue.\
Update External Drive Drivers: Visit the [website](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12445/5-ways-to-make-your-website-more-professional) of the external hard drive's manufacturer and check for updated drivers or firmware that are compatible with the latest macOS version. Install any available updates.\
Check System Information: Check if the external hard drive is listed. \
Test on Another Mac: Connect the external hard drive to another Mac to determine if the issue is specific to your computer. \
Verify File System [Compatibility](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/303291/best-practices-for-working-with-host-apis-security-compatibility-and-performance-considerations): macOS typically supports formats like APFS, HFS+, and ExFAT. \
Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Resetting the NVRAM (Non-[Volatile](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/1086/what-are-transient-and-volatile-modifiers) Random-Access Memory) or PRAM ([Parameter](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/450/parameter-class-in-c-sharp) RAM) can sometimes resolve [hardware](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/303100/best-pc-hardware-2023)-related issues. Restart your Mac and hold down Command + Option + P + R until you hear the [startup](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/324582/how-to-build-up-a-successful-startup-by-avoiding-these-5-mistakes) chime twice.\
Contact External Drive Manufacturer: If the issue persists, reach out to the external hard drive manufacturer's support for specific guidance and [troubleshooting](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/1617/desktop-troubleshooting) steps related to your device.

![Free Unrecognizable photographer working on laptop Stock Photo](https://images.pexels.com/photos/7014919/pexels-photo-7014919.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=1&w=500)

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By systematically going through these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and potentially resolve the issue of your computer not recognizing an external hard drive after a macOS update. If problems persist, contacting Apple support or the external hard drive manufacturer's support is advisable for further assistance.

Read also: [Why does my computer display a 'Low Disk Space' warning](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/109108/why-does-my-computer-display-a-low-disk-space-warning)


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/109120/why-won-t-my-computer-recognize-an-external-hard-drive-after-a-macos-update

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