A hard drive that won’t appear, spin, or mount is usually caused by hardware faults, driver/configuration problems, or file-system corruption. If your HDD doesn’t work in Windows 10, this guide will diagnose the likely cause and walk you through fixes from quick checks to deeper recovery steps.
You’ll learn the 13 most common reasons an HDD fails in Windows 10 and exact, beginner-friendly steps to resolve each one — including commands, menu paths, and tips to protect your data.
Key Takeaway
Most “HDD not working” problems are fixable by checking connections, using Disk Management to initialize or assign a drive letter, updating drivers, or repairing file system errors with chkdsk; if the drive reports SMART failures or makes unusual noises, prioritize data backup and consider replacing the drive.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Faulty cables or power | Swap the SATA/USB and power cables and try another port. |
| Drive not initialized / unallocated | Open Disk Management and initialize/create a partition. |
| Missing or conflicting drive letter | Assign or change the drive letter in Disk Management. |
| Outdated/missing drivers | Update or reinstall drivers in Device Manager. |
| Disabled in BIOS/UEFI | Enable the drive in BIOS/UEFI storage settings. |
| Faulty USB port or enclosure | Test the drive on another port or use a different enclosure. |
| Corrupted file system / bad sectors | Run chkdsk /f /r on the affected drive. |
| Drive shows RAW | Recover data and format to NTFS/GPT using Disk Management. |
| Insufficient external power | Use a powered USB hub or external power adapter. |
| Windows services disabled | Ensure Virtual Disk and Plug and Play services are running. |
| Malware or security software blocking | Temporarily disable AV and scan the drive with trusted tools. |
| Physical drive failure | Run SMART tests; stop using if SMART reports failure. |
| Partition table or signature issues | Repair with diskpart, bootrec, or restoration tools. |
Detailed Fixes for “HDD doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Faulty SATA/USB or power cable
Why it causes the problem:
A damaged or loose cable interrupts data/power flow, so the drive won’t spin or be recognized.
Step-by-step solution:
- Power down the PC and unplug it.
- For internal drives: open the case, disconnect the SATA data and SATA power cables, then reconnect firmly. Try a different SATA port on the motherboard.
- For external drives: try a different USB cable (use one known to work) and a different USB port (preferably a rear port on desktops).
- If external drive uses an external power adapter, swap it with a compatible unit.
Tip: Cables are inexpensive — swapping them is the fastest way to isolate the issue.
2. Drive not initialized or unallocated in Disk Management
Why it causes the problem:
A new or corrupted disk without a partition, or one that needs initialization, won’t show in File Explorer.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Disk Management: press Windows + X → Disk Management.
- If the disk appears as Unknown or Not Initialized, right-click it → Initialize Disk. Choose MBR for older systems or GPT for modern systems.
- Right-click the unallocated space → New Simple Volume → follow the wizard to format and assign a drive letter.
Note: Initializing a disk may erase data if the partition table is recoverable — if important, consider data recovery first.
3. Missing or conflicting drive letter
Why it causes the problem:
Windows won’t show volumes without a drive letter, or two devices with the same letter can conflict.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Disk Management.
- Right-click the volume → Change Drive Letter and Paths….
- Click Add (if none) or Change (to reassign), choose a free letter, click OK.
Tip: Avoid letters A and B; pick something like E or F.
4. Outdated or missing drivers
Why it causes the problem:
If the storage controller or USB drivers are missing or buggy, Windows can’t communicate with the HDD.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager: press Windows + X → Device Manager.
- Expand Disk drives and Universal Serial Bus controllers. Right-click the device → Update driver → Search automatically.
- If update fails, right-click → Uninstall device, then reboot — Windows will reinstall drivers.
- For motherboard storage controllers, download the latest chipset/SATA/AHCI drivers from the motherboard vendor site and install them.
Command (optional): check driver info via wmic diskdrive get model,status in an elevated Command Prompt.
Note: Use vendor drivers for better stability than generic Microsoft drivers when available.
5. Disabled in BIOS/UEFI
Why it causes the problem:
If the drive or the SATA controller is disabled in BIOS/UEFI, Windows can’t detect it at boot.
Step-by-step solution:
- Reboot and enter BIOS/UEFI (common keys: F2, Del, Esc).
- Under Storage, SATA Configuration, or Advanced, ensure the controller is Enabled and the drive is listed.
- Check SATA mode (AHCI is recommended). Save and exit.
Tip: If you change IDE to AHCI on an existing Windows install, follow Microsoft’s steps to avoid boot issues (enable AHCI driver first).
6. Faulty USB port or enclosure
Why it causes the problem:
A failing USB port or a bad drive enclosure can hide an otherwise healthy HDD.
Step-by-step solution:
- Connect the HDD to another USB port (preferably USB 3.0 vs 2.0) or another PC.
- For internal drive in an enclosure, remove it and connect directly to a desktop’s SATA port or try a different enclosure.
- If the drive works on another machine/port, replace the enclosure or stop using that port.
7. Corrupted file system or bad sectors
Why it causes the problem:
File system corruption or bad sectors can make a volume inaccessible or cause Windows to refuse to mount it.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt (right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator).
- Run chkdsk X: /f /r (replace X with the drive letter). This checks and repairs file system issues and scans bad sectors.
- If chkdsk cannot run because the drive is offline, run it from Windows Recovery Environment or attach the drive to another system.
Warning: If the disk is physically failing, chkdsk may stress it; if data is critical, consider imaging the drive first.
8. Drive shows RAW
Why it causes the problem:
A RAW filesystem means Windows can’t understand the partition — possibly due to corruption.
Step-by-step solution:
- Try data recovery first using a tool such as Recuva, TestDisk, or R-Studio.
- If data is backed up or recovered, open Disk Management, right-click the RAW partition → Format… → pick NTFS and a label.
- If format fails, zero the partition with diskpart: open elevated Command Prompt → diskpart → list disk → select disk # → clean → then create partition/format in Disk Management.
Note: diskpart clean erases all data — only use after recovery.
9. Insufficient external power
Why it causes the problem:
Some 3.5″ external drives or poorly powered USB drives need more current than a single USB port provides.
Step-by-step solution:
- Use the original external power adapter or a Y-cable/powered USB hub.
- For desktop users, connect the drive internally with a SATA power cable.
Tip: Symptoms include drive spinning up intermittently or disconnecting under load.
10. Required Windows services disabled
Why it causes the problem:
Services like Virtual Disk, Plug and Play, or Shell Hardware Detection are needed for mounting disks.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
- Ensure Virtual Disk, Plug and Play, and Shell Hardware Detection are Running and set to Automatic.
- If a service is stopped, right-click → Start and set Startup type to Automatic.
11. Malware or antivirus blocking access
Why it causes the problem:
Malicious software or an overzealous security program can hide, encrypt, or block drives.
Step-by-step solution:
- Boot in Safe Mode (Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 4).
- Run a full scan with Windows Defender or a second-opinion tool like Malwarebytes.
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus and try accessing the drive (remember to re-enable after testing).
12. Physical drive failure (mechanical or electronic)
Why it causes the problem:
Mechanical wear, motor failure, or PCB faults prevent operation; clicking or grinding noises often indicate this.
Step-by-step solution:
- Check SMART data: open PowerShell (Admin) and run wmic diskdrive get status, model, serialnumber or use CrystalDiskInfo.
- If SMART reports errors or the drive clicks, immediately stop using it to avoid further damage.
- If data is important, contact a professional data-recovery service.
Note: DIY fixes (freezing, tapping) are risky and generally discouraged.
13. Partition table, signature collision, or cloning issues
Why it causes the problem:
If the drive has a duplicate disk signature (common after cloning) or a damaged partition table, Windows may not mount it or mark it offline.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Disk Management; if a disk shows as Offline with the reason Signature collision, right-click → Online to let Windows assign a new signature.
- To repair partition table: use TestDisk to scan and rebuild MBR/GPT.
- For boot issues after cloning, run Recovery commands: boot into Recovery Environment → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt and run:
- bootrec /fixmbr
- bootrec /fixboot
- bootrec /rebuildbcd
Warning: Editing signatures/MBR is advanced — back up important data first.
When to Replace the HDD and Recovery Options
- Signs you should replace: persistent SMART failures, loud clicking, drive not spinning, or repeated unrepairable bad sectors.
- Quick recovery steps: immediately stop using the drive if hardware failure is suspected; create a sector-by-sector image with ddrescue (Linux) or commercial imaging tools and attempt recovery from the image.
- Replacement tips: consider upgrading to an SSD for speed and reliability; keep backups on a different physical device or cloud.
- Professional recovery: if the data is critical and the drive is physically failing, seek a reputable data recovery lab; this can be costly but often succeeds when consumer tools fail.
FAQ
H4: Can Windows Update cause an HDD to stop working?
Yes — rare driver or storage controller updates can cause detection issues. If a recent update coincides with problems, use Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Go back to the previous version or uninstall the problematic update in Update history.
H4: Is it safe to run chkdsk on a failing drive?
Running chkdsk /r can further stress a failing drive and sometimes worsen its condition; if data is critical, create an image first or consult professionals before running intensive repair routines.
H4: How do I check HDD SMART status in Windows 10?
Use wmic: open PowerShell (Admin) and run wmic diskdrive get status, model, name, serialnumber for a basic check; for detailed SMART data use CrystalDiskInfo or vendor utilities.
H4: Can I use an HDD from another PC and access files?
Yes — connect it as a secondary drive. If permissions block access, right-click the drive → Properties → Security → Advanced, change the owner to your account, and grant permissions.
H4: Will formatting fix hardware issues?
No — formatting only fixes logical file-system problems. Hardware issues (clicking, non-spin, SMART errors) require repair or replacement.
Conclusion
Most HDD problems in Windows 10 come down to connections, configuration, drivers, or file-system corruption — and can be resolved with methodical troubleshooting steps like checking cables, using Disk Management, updating drivers, or running chkdsk. If the drive reports SMART failures or makes mechanical noises, prioritize backups and replacement — especially when your HDD doesn’t work in Windows 10.
