How to See Drive File System on Windows 10 | TeQBlogs.com
On Windows 10, you just have to link an external drive to your computer and cool your heels for some time, to see it in the file explorer, and start using it.
This may not be true all the time. On certain odd occasions, and for some unidentified reasons –associated with your connection, settings, hardware, or driver–you may not be able to see your external drive.
Why? Because Windows 10 will fail to spot it, or even though it’ll be able to do so, it will be unable to show it you in the File Explorer.
But don’t worry!
In case you’re making an effort to establish a new external hard drive, or you wish to use a storage device–formerly connected to a different computer–but it fails to become visible, you have several troubleshooting options to address nearly all possible problems behind.
But before we talk about the solutions, let’s, at first, check some of the key issues that could be creating the problem!
- File system errors. These may have made the entries to your files inaccessible.
- Virus infection. Malware may have attacked and concealed, erased, or encrypted the files stored on your hard drive.
- Unstable power supply. Another key reason.
- Hidden files and folders. You may have unknowingly disabled “show hidden files”
Besides these 4 common reasons, you may fail to find an external hard drive due to some other unexpected reasons also.
The solutions mentioned hereunder thought would help.
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Launch the Hardware & Devices Troubleshooter
Follow the steps shared here below:
Enter “Troubleshooting” in the search bar and press the ‘Enter’ button afterward.
Tap on View All, Opt for the “Hardware and Devices” option afterward.
A pop-up will surface, tap on the “Next” button. This will start your hardware troubleshooting.
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Resolve Driver Problems
When the drive isn’t obtainable on your computer, it could also be due to a driver problem. You may troubleshoot and fix this problem is not less than 2 manners: A. You may install the latest driver obtainable or B. You may reinstall the same driver, to figure out in case it does the trick and assists the computer spot the drive.
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Fix Drive using a Supported File System
Since Windows 10 only recognizes drives, making use of a supported file system, in case you’re connecting a drive formatted, employing a different OS with an unsupported file system, you won’t see it on your system. In such a situation, format the drive. Use a supported file system for the purpose.
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Fix Drive Connection
A bad physical connection could also be the reason. It may have possibly prevented Windows 10 from locating the external drive.
Despite the fact that nearly all small drives and nearly every flash drive don’t need a power connection, in case you’re linking a big external hard drive, make certain that it’s properly plugged into a power channel that’s working.
On small & big drives, at times, the USB Cable could create a problem. It could either be spoiled, or you could be using the wrong cable, though unsuccessfully. In case your computer fails to identify the storage, utilize a decent data cable.
A dead USB port on your device could also be another reason. Unplug the drive and utilize a different port on the same or another computer, to figure out if there’s a port issue.
In case you’ve already followed the proposals given, and the drive still doesn’t become visible, reset the connection. For this, shut down your computer and unplug the external drive. Afterwards, post 1 minute or so, switch on your computer, and reconnect the drive.
In its place, you may also connect the drive to a different computer, but if this doesn’t help, it means the drive or controller is dead and you need a replacement.
Summing Up
Many factors may hide an external drive. But if you use the solutions discussed, you may fix most problems. In case the solutions shared help, that’s great, but since drives fail quite frequently, keep an updated backup of your files, ‘to stay on the safer side.
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