How to Recover Data from HDD Which Is Not Detecting

If you have ever encountered difficulties with your computer's hard drive, you are aware of the frustration that can result, particularly when attempting to retrieve files from an external drive or hard disk that has not been detected. The error message "hard drive not detected" is one of the more well-known issues with hard drives. In this post, we will demonstrate how to recover data from HDD that is not detecting.

Quick recover HDD data when it’s not detecting

Occasionally, the external hard drive is not visible in File Explorer but is listed in Disk Management since it is a RAW formatted drive and does not contain any partitions. Initially, you may attempt to determine whether the issue is with the USB interface by connecting your hard drive to another computer. The USB interface should be repaired if it functions properly on another computer.

However, if it’s not the problem from USB port, to recover disk data is the first thing you need to solve. Leave this problem to a professional data recovery tool—AOMEI FastRecovery, a data recovery export for HDD, SSD, and portable storage devices. The capabilities of this software are not limited to undetected disk, but formatted, corrupted, damaged drives can also be recovered.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.

4 methods to fix HDD which is not detecting on Windows PC

The methods outlined in this article can be employed to resolve the issue after your disk has been successfully recovered on your computer.

Method 1. Assign a new hard drive letter

The issue of the disk not being visible on the computer may be resolved by reallocating a new drive letter or adding a new drive letter.

Step 1. Right-click on your internal or external hard drive and choose the "Change Drive Letter and Paths" option.

Step 2. Next, select the "Add" option if the hard drive doesn't have a drive letter. Choose the "Change" option if your hard drive already has a drive letter and you want to alter it.

Step 3. Here, select a letter and click "OK".

Method 2. Format the RAW

If the hard disk is displayed as a RAW drive with unallocated space, it is possible to format the RAW hard drive to the appropriate file system in order to enable detection.

Step 1. Connect the external hard drive to PC > right-click on "This PC" > "Manage" > "Disk Management".

Step 2. Find and right-click on the external hard drive > select "Format".

Step 3. Reset the external hard drive letter and system file (NTFS) and save all changes.

Method 3. Update hard disk driver

If your external hard drive continues to be unrecognized, you may resolve the issue by updating the driver.

Step 1. Click the Start button > type Device Manager and hit Enter.

Step 2. Select "Device Manager", expand categories to find the name of your hard drive, and right-click it.

Step 3. Select "Update Driver" > Select "Search automatically for updated driver software".

Method 4. Check and fix bad sectors on the disk

The "chkdsk :/f" command can be executed in the Command Prompt window to verify and resolve the current disk error. Here is an example of how to identify and resolve errors on the G: drive.

Step 1. Press Win+R at the same time, type “cmd” in the Run dialogue and press Enter to get Command Prompt window open.

Step 2. Then input “chkdsk g: /f” in the window and press Enter to execute it.

Common problems when hard disk is not detecting on Windows PC

The operating system and data are stored on the internal hard disk of a computer, which is a critical component. Additionally, the external disk serves as an indispensable instrument for data transmission and storage. However, it can occasionally cause issues if it is not recognized or detected by the computer.

You may confront the error messages:

# 1. You need to format the disk in the drive X: before you can use it. Do you want to format it?

#2. Location is not available. X:\ is not accessible. Access is denied.

#3. Disk 1 unknown not initialized.

There are several significant reasons why Windows is unable to recognize your hard drive when the drive is corrupted as a result of improper usage or excessive use.

1. A hardware malfunction with the USB interface on your computer

2. An internal or external hard disk with an obsolete or corrupted driver

3. The hard disk's file system is either corrupted or damaged.

4. The disk has sustained irreparable physical injury from external sources.

To sum up

In this post, you’ve learnt how to recover data from HDD which is not detecting via professional data recovery tool and how to fix undetected hard disk. No matter internal disk or external hard drive, follow the guide, you can easily solve the problem.