Know How Do You Make Windows 10 to Recognize A New Hard Drive?

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Written By Chirag Arora
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh  
Published On September 21st, 2022
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

Query 1: –
“Hello everyone! A few days back, I upgraded my version from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. The upgrade process went well, but I faced an issue after the update. Now, Windows 10 is not recognizing my second hard drive. However, the drive is recognized in BIOS but does not show on Disk Management. I have tried to start in safe mode, but still, I am facing the same issue. So, how do I get Windows 10 to recognize a new hard drive?”

Query 2: –
“Recently I have installed SSD drive on my Windows 10(64 bit) operating system. Now, I have added a new drive, all the connections appear to be fine. Also, the drive is been recognized by the BIOS. Unfortunately, it is not recognized by Windows 10. It is not shown up under Disk Management or any of the system administrative tools. So, please help me that how do I get Windows 10 to recognize a new solid state hard drive?”

Upgrading to Windows 10 is always quite exciting however, it always ends up with some technical problems like the new hard drive is not been recognized. It is a general issue faced by the user that the new hard drive is not detected in Windows 10. Therefore, this post will resolve this issue in the right manner. So, before going to the solutions, let’s have a quick glance at the reasons why Windows 10 does not recognize the new hard drive.

Why the New Hard Drive Cannot be Detected in Windows 10?

  • Bad Sectors: Sometimes due to many bad sectors in the disk, Windows does not recognize the second drive
  • Hard Disk Without a Drive Letter: When the partition of the hard disk is not assigned any drive letter, then it cannot be found in Windows Explorer
  • Failures in Connection: Due to improper connection, poor power supply, improper insertion of cable or USB port, can cause Windows 10 to not recognize a new hard drive.
  • Incorrect Initialization: Whenever the disk is marked as Unknown or Not initialized in Disk management, then it cannot be viewed in the File explorer either
  • Outdated Disk Driver: When a driver of the disk drive is outdated, then the second hard drive cannot be detected in Windows 10

How to Fix this Issue Using Manual Techniques?

Now, understanding the above-discussed factors, one can get rid of this issue manually. However, to get Windows 10 to recognize a new Hard drive with the manual techniques. One needs to possess adequate technical knowledge else it can lead to serious failures.

Recognize a New Hard Drive

Solution 1: Change the Drive Letter of the Hard Disk

It may happen that the hard disk is properly connected and also functioning well. But, sometimes it won’t be displayed well. Hence, it is important to change the drive letter.

  1. The initial step is to right-click on This PC and click on Manage option
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  2. Now, on Computer Management wizard, select Disk Management
  3. Navigate the new hard drive and right-click on it and select Change Drive Letter and Paths option
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  4. Then, go to Change and select the letter for the partition and click OK.
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  5. Now, close all the Windows and restart the computer

Note: – Find the best and working solution for second hard drive not showing in disk management. The complete guide explained!

Solution 2: Change the USB Port to Recognize New Hard Drive

In this technique, when the user detects that the current USB port is not detecting the second hard drive in Windows. Then, try to connect it with some another USB port. As there could be a hardware problem with some USB ports.

  • Firstly, remove the new hard drive from the connected USB port
  • Then, reconnect it to some other USB port
  • After that, restart the computer to check whether it detects.
  • By this, one can get Windows 10 to recognize a new hard drive

Note: – Get step by step guide for error my external drive not showing up in Windows. Move for the complete guide.

Solution 3: Format the New Hard Drive Using Disk Management

  • First of all, press Windows Key + X Key and choose Disk Management option
  • Once it is launched, identify the drive which is marked as Unknown or Not Initialized
  • Now, right-click on that drive and select Initialize Disk option.
    Get Windows 10 to Recognize a New Hard Drive
  • Then, select the partition style as either MBR or GPT (Note: Select MBR, if the size of the hard drive is smaller than 2 TB. Or. Choose GPT if the new hard drive is larger than 2 TB in size)
    get Windows 10 to recognize
  • After the drive is initialized, right-click on the Unallocated space and choose New Simple Volume and click Next.
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  • Enter the volume size or leave it as per the default size and click Next.
  • Assign the drive letter and select the file system from the drop-down list and click Next and then Finish.Get Windows 10 to Recognize a New Hard Drive

Data Lost! – Get A Smart Solution

One can get Windows 10 to recognize a new hard drive using the above described manual methods. Somehow, your important files and folders lost from your disk. Then, it is advised to use a smart professional tool like SysTools Hard Drive Deleted Data Recovery Tool. As this tool is capable to get your files back within few mouse clicks. The utility will not provide a solution for how do I get Windows 10 to recognize a new hard drive issue. It will only secure your data files.

Final Thoughts

The post will help all the users to get Windows 10 to recognize a new hard drive. As we have explained all major reasons with its respective solutions. I hope the solution explained above will help you to fix your query how do I get Windows 10 to recognize a new hard drive?

  author

By Chirag Arora

Having around 9+ years of experience in technical writing. Knows about the core technical areas. Also, provides easy and reliable solutions to resolve difficulties faced by users while working with different platforms.