Here we can see, “How to: Fix an Old Hdd is Not Showing Up in Windows 10”
- A persistent fault with Windows 10 users is the HDD not being seen once the OS has been installed on it.
- There are a few options available to you if you’re having this issue, and we’ve listed them below.
The situation is as follows: You installed Windows 10 on a separate partition of a brand-new HDD or SSD. You chose to continue using the outdated IDE HDD as a storage disk.
This would be a routine, stress-free process, except the reliable, old HDD vanished overnight and cannot be located. Simply put, Windows 10 won’t display it.
Many users who experience the same or comparable conditions appear to experience this issue frequently. Fortunately, there is always a fix for a problem.
Or more specifically, a few of them. Make sure to check the instructions listed below if you encounter the same issue as many other people.
What can I do if my old HDD disappeared after an upgrade?
1. Format the HDD and create a new partition
Since it requires forgetting about the old HDD, this may seem like a very radical option. However, you can quickly transfer your data if you have a backup of it on a different computer or device.
With the formatting, you will at least be able to use the old HDD precisely as before and significantly expand the PC’s storage capacity.
We advise using AOMEI Partition Assistant, a specialized program, to assist you in the process to ensure you follow all the stages strictly.
With the help of AOMEI, a multipurpose assistant, you can manage, partition, and optimize your hard drive to suit your demands.
To maximize your disk space, if you have a backup, you can use AOMEI to split, transfer, resize, and manage your partitions without losing any data.
On the other hand, since it can restore missing partitions, the Partition Recovery program would be the first to be used if there was no backup. The data can then be managed as previously indicated.
Rebuild MBR, Windows to Go, Creator, Disk Cloned Wizard, and Make Bootable Media are further helpful AOMEI functions.
2. Check hardware
A basic physical is always advised. Therefore, make sure the HDD is plugged in correctly. Make that the motherboard data cable and power supply are connected to the HDD.
Additionally, ensure you have the tools necessary to operate the 3.5-inch drive. If your motherboard doesn’t support IDE, get a converter and connect it as a USB drive.
The issue of one’s health is still another. You will require a third-party bootable drive with the diagnostic utility to check the HDD’s health. In this article, we went into great detail about Windows platform HDD diagnostics and monitoring. So be sure to look it over.
Consider connecting your HDD to a different PC if you are confident that everything is in order and it is still not showing up. We regret to notify you that the HDD device may be beyond repair if you cannot access your HDD on a different PC configuration.
On the other hand, if it functions flawlessly in a different configuration, continue with the following stages.
3. Inspect BIOS and Disk Manager
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- To access BIOS/UEFI settings, restart your computer and repeatedly hit Delete (F2 or F10) on your keyboard. (These steps can vary, so be careful to pay attention to the on-screen directions or Google your motherboard to learn more.)
- Go to the BOOT tab by navigating.
- We’re good to go if you notice an old HDD on the list of bootable devices.
The system becomes an issue when it is safe to assume that the motherboard recognises the HDD. The Disk Manager tool is helpful in this situation.
Before we begin fiddling with this tool, we must alert you to the fact that misuse of it will further harm your OS. So long as we carefully follow the procedures, we should be good to go:
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- Open Create and format disk partitions by typing “disk management” into the Windows search box.
- Find the problematic drive.
- Change drive letters and routes can be chosen by right-clicking the item.
- Select Add.
- Choose Assign the following drive letter and give the drive partition any available letter.
- Hit OK.
The brand-new drive should then appear on this PC after that. Formatting is the sole option if that isn’t the case, and your HDD is recognized as a drive that isn’t initialized and doesn’t have any available space.
Conclusion
I hope you found this guide useful. If you’ve got any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to use the shape below.
User Questions
1. How do I make my old hard disk visible in Windows 10?
Change the drive letter and pathways by right-clicking the unlabeled drive. To choose the first drive letter available, click Add and then OK. Check to see if the drive is online and if the option to Change drive letter and pathways is not present. Click Online from the context menu when the drive is offline.
2. Why doesn’t my old HDD appear?
Unplug the drive and try a different USB port if it’s still not functioning. It’s likely that the problematic port is failing or simply being picky with your particular drive. Try a USB 2.0 port if it is plugged into a USB 3.0 port. Attempt inserting it directly into the PC if it is plugged into a USB hub.
3. How do I get my hard disk to appear during Windows 10 installation?
Please try to load the necessary drivers throughout the Windows installation process if you encounter a disk not found error when installing Windows 11/10. During the Windows installation process, you must manually install the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) driver for the Intel CPU platform.
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