Solid State Drives (SSDs) have gained popularity over the years due to their fast performance and reliability compared to traditional hard drives (HDDs). External SSDs, in particular, have become a preferred choice for storing data and transferring files due to their small size and high speed.
However, there are instances when an external SSD is not detected by Windows 10, which can be a frustrating experience. In this blog, our team will discuss the possible reasons why an external SSD is not detected in Windows 10 and what to do in such a situation.
Reasons for External SSD Drive Not Showing Up
Connection Issues
The USB connection is the first thing to check when an external SSD is not detected in Windows 10. Ensure that the USB cable is properly plugged into the SSD and your computer. Also, check if the USB port on your computer is working correctly. If you have another USB port, try plugging the SSD into that port to see if it is recognized.
If the cable or port is damaged, you must replace them. Try using another USB port or cable to see if the issue is resolved. Also, try connecting the SSD to another computer to see if it is recognized. If it is, then the problem may be with your computer’s USB port.
Outdated Drivers
The next thing to check is the SSD drivers. Outdated or missing drivers can prevent your computer from failing to detect the external SSD. You can check the driver status by following these steps:
- Open the Device Manager by right-clicking the Windows button and selecting “Device Manager.”
- Look for your SSD under “Disk Drives.”
- Right-click on the SSD and select “Properties.”
- Click on the “Driver” tab and check the driver version.
If the driver version is outdated, you can visit the manufacturer’s website to upload the latest drivers for your SSD. Once you have downloaded the newest driver, install it on your computer and restart it. This should resolve the issue if outdated drivers cause it.
Incorrect BIOS Settings
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings on your computer can also cause an external SSD not to be detected. Ensure that the BIOS settings are correctly configured. You can access the BIOS settings by pressing a specific key during startup, which varies depending on the computer’s manufacturer.
Once you access the BIOS settings, check the boot order. The boot order determines how the computer corresponds to a bootable operating system.
If the external SSD is not set as the first boot device, the computer may not recognize it. Ensure that the external SSD is set as the first boot device.
If the issue persists, try resetting the BIOS settings to default. This can be done by selecting the “Reset to Default” or “Load Default” option in the BIOS settings.
Faulty SSD
If the above steps do not solve the problem, it is possible that the SSD itself is faulty. This can be due to physical damage to the SSD or an internal fault. In such a case, the SSD must be repaired or replaced.
If the SSD is physically damaged, such as a broken USB connector or damaged circuit board, you may need to take it to an expert for repair. However, if the SSD has an internal fault, such as a damaged controller or memory chip, data recovery services may be required to restore access to your data.
It is essential to note that attempting to repair the SSD yourself or using data recovery software can further damage the SSD and make data recovery more difficult. It is best to seek professional assistance to avoid further damage to the SSD or data loss.
External SSD Drive Not Recognized in Windows 10? We can Help
Data loss can occur for various reasons, including accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, or even a faulty SSD. At PITS, we offer data recovery services for SSDs. Our team of experienced professionals uses advanced data recovery tools to recover data from defective or damaged SSDs.
We understand the importance of your data, so we have a strict data security policy to ensure that your data is safe and secure. Our data recovery services are efficient and reliable.
Our data recovery process involves a thorough evaluation of your faulty or damaged SSD to determine the extent of the damage and the likelihood of data recovery. We then create a custom recovery plan tailored to your specific needs and budget.
We use state-of-the-art data recovery tools and techniques to extract your data from the damaged SSD. Our team has experience in handling different types of SSDs, including SATA, NVMe, and PCIe. We can recover data from SSDs with various capacities, including 1TB, 2TB, and even larger capacities.
We also offer a secure data destruction service to ensure that your data is securely and permanently deleted from your faulty or damaged SSD to protect your privacy and sensitive information.
An external SSD not showing in Windows 10 can be frustrating. Still, there are several reasons why this can occur, including connection issues, outdated drivers, incorrect BIOS settings, or a faulty SSD. You can resolve the issue and recover your data by following the steps outlined above.
If you are unable to recover your data using the steps outlined above, PITS offers reliable and cost-effective data recovery services for SSDs. Our experienced professionals use state-of-the-art data recovery tools to recover your data from faulty or damaged SSDs. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you recover your data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my external SSD is not showing in Windows 10?
a) Check the connections: Ensure that the SSD is properly connected to your computer. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the SSD, ensuring a secure connection on both ends.
b) USB port and cable: Test the SSD with a different USB port on your computer. Also, try using a different USB cable to rule out any issues with the cable itself.
c) Device Manager: Open the Device Manager in Windows 10 (Right-click on the Start button, select “Device Manager”) and check if the SSD is listed under “Disk drives” or if there are any unrecognized devices or warnings. If you see any issues, try updating the drivers for the SSD or uninstalling and reinstalling them.
d) Disk Management: Open Disk Management in Windows 10 (Right-click on the Start button, select “Disk Management”) and check if the SSD is listed there. If it appears but shows as unallocated or with a different status, you may need to initialize the disk or assign a drive letter to make it accessible.
e) Power supply: Some external SSDs require additional power supply through an AC adapter or dual USB cable. Make sure the SSD is receiving adequate power if applicable.
What if the above steps don't resolve the issue?
If the above steps don’t resolve the problem, consider the following:
a) Test on another computer: Connect the external SSD to another computer to see if it is recognized. This helps determine if the issue is specific to your Windows 10 system or if the SSD itself is the problem.
b) Update firmware: Visit the manufacturer’s website for your SSD model and check if there are any firmware updates available. Updating the firmware can sometimes resolve compatibility issues.
c) Data recovery and professional assistance: If the SSD contains important data and it is not recognized on any computer, it is advisable to seek professional data recovery services. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from malfunctioning storage devices.
Why is my external SSD not showing in Windows 10 even after trying different computers?
If your external SSD is not recognized on multiple computers, it may indicate a hardware failure within the SSD itself. In such cases, professional data recovery services or contacting the manufacturer’s support for further assistance is recommended.
Is there a possibility of data loss if my external SSD is not showing in Windows 10?
If your external SSD is not being detected, it does not necessarily mean that data loss has occurred. However, there is a potential risk of data loss if the SSD has underlying issues. It is always recommended to have regular backups of your important data to mitigate the impact of such situations.
When should I consider professional data recovery services for my external SSD?
If your external SSD is not showing in Windows 10 and contains critical data that is not backed up, it is advisable to consult professional data recovery services. They have the necessary expertise and tools to diagnose and recover data from malfunctioning storage devices.