---
title: "What to do if my external hard drive is not recognized?"  
description: "What to do if my external hard drive is not recognized?"  
author: "Baishakhi Ghosh"  
published: 2024-05-21  
updated: 2024-07-10  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/113027/what-to-do-if-my-external-hard-drive-is-not-recognized  
category: "troubleshooting"  
tags: ["troubleshooting"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# What to do if my external hard drive is not recognized?



## Answers

### Answer by SundarLal Sharma

## Overview:

If your [**external hard drive**](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/327497/easy-guide-on-how-to-connect-an-external-hard-drive-with-the-macbook-pro) is not recognized, follow these moves toward investigate and determine the issue:

![What to do if my external hard drive is not recognized](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/00ntyJUTD6VmhdswbJHLtmJ-7..v1626281477.jpg)

Power Supply: Assuming that the outside hard drive has an outer power source, guarantee it is [connected](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/126/define-connected-and-disconnected-data-access-in-ado-dot-net) and turned on. A few drives require extra ability to accurately work.

Restart your PC: Now and then, a straightforward restart can determine acknowledgment issues.

Really take a look at Plate The Board ([Windows](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/166/windows-api)): Go to Circle The [Executives](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2317/elon-musk-issues-a-bankruptcy-warning-as-further-senior-twitter-executives-leave) by right-tapping on 'This PC' or 'My PC' and choosing 'Make Due'. Search for your outer drive. On the off chance that it shows up, however, without a letter, right-click on it and dole out a drive letter.

Actually, take a look at Circle Utility (Macintosh): Open Plate Utility from the Applications > Utilities organizer. Assuming that your drive shows up, take a stab at mounting it physically. Run Medical Aid to check for and fix any circle blunders.

Utilize an Alternate Working [Framework](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/12/dot-net-framework): If accessible, take a stab at getting to the drive on an alternate working framework. This can help with recognizing similarity issues.

Run Antivirus Sweep: [Malware](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12717/malware-ransom-ware-and-spyware-and-its-effects) can in some cases keep drives from being perceived. Run a full framework filter utilizing a dependable antivirus program.

Check for Actual Harm: Assess the hard drive for any actual harm. In the event that you suspect actual issues, counsel an expert information recuperation administration.

Information Recuperation [Programming](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12214/web-development-company-in-india-laid-on-the-foundation-of-concrete-java-programming): In the event that the drive is recognized yet not available, use information recuperation programming to recover your records. Programs like RECUVA (Windows) or Circle Drill (Macintosh) can help.

Proficient Assistance: In the event that nothing, unless there are other options, [**works**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Works), consider looking for help from an expert [professional](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/167321/how-to-handle-business-logistics-professionally) or an information recuperation administration.

Following these means methodically can help you in determining and possibly resolving issues to have an unnoticed external hard drive.

Read more: [What if your computer is not recognizing an external hard drive](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/108850/what-if-your-computer-is-not-recognizing-an-external-hard-drive)


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/113027/what-to-do-if-my-external-hard-drive-is-not-recognized

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