1. Part 2: Fix External Hard Drive Not Showing Up Problem with Data Recovery; Part 1: Fix Portable Hard Drive Not Recognized Problem Manually To solve the external hard drive not recognized program on computer, you can use the inbuilt Disk Management tool to find it out and get it to be recognized.
2. The external hard drive becomes unreadable and corrupted due to carelessly disconnecting or powering down the industry without following the eject drive protocol. You can fix corrupted hard drive with a quick scan on the PC with the disk checking utility and its drive repair function. Worst-case scenario, if you cannot fix the disk, then there is a way to recover all the valuable data, which.

1. Wd Portable Drive Not Showing
2. My Portable Hard Drive Is Not Showing Up
3. Lg Portable Super Multi Drive Not Showing Up
4. Portable Drive Not Showing Up On Mac

Summary :

CHECK IF DISK IS CONNECTED PROPERLY. It’s important to double-check the connections from. SSD Not Showing Up – Because Drive Letter Is Missing. When you create a partition on a drive or even try to rename any part of it, you must ensure that the letter assigned to that drive does not conflict with that of another, and is not invalid. Two drives assigned the same letter will cause the Windows 10 OS not to recognize the new one.

Don’t worry if the files and folders of in your USB drive are not showing up in your PC; you can try recovering hidden files and lost files from the USB drive via MiniTool software.

USB Drive Is Visible but Content Is Not

I connected my USB drive to Windows 10. I could see my USB drive in File Explorer, but I could not see my files stored on this drive. Simply put, USB Drive is visible but content is not! Why?

Have you ever encountered the same issue? Do you know how to solve the issue: USB drive not showing files and folders?

It is common for USB drive or other external hard drive files to sometimes not show up in the PC. This could be caused by various factors such as accidental deletion, hidden files, wrong file system, virus invasion, etc.

I saved some files in my USB but when I explore my USB the files are not appear. It shows that USB is empty. I do not know what to do.

If you encounter the “USB files not showing but space used” issue, don’t worry and check out this post to find how to solve the USB data not showing in PC issue.

Video Watch

Solved - USB Drive not Showing Files and Folders

Method 1. Unhide USB drive files

If your USB drive files are hidden, you can only see the USB drive. Here, you have 2 options to unhide files when USB drive not showing files and folders.

① Show hidden files

Step 1: Connect your USB drive to PC.

Step 2: Right-click Start button and then choose Control Panel.

Step 3: Click Appearance and Personalization.

Step 4: Unde File Explorer Options, click Show hidden files and folders.

Step 5: Check Show hidden files, folders, and drives, and uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).

Step 6: Click OK button.

Alternatively, you can use CMD to unhide files.

② Unhide files by using CMD while USB not showing files and folders

PressWindows + X to open the Power Users menu.
Click Command Prompt (Admin).
Type diskpart, and press Enter.
Type following command:
attrib -h -r -s /s /d g:*.*

(g is the drive letter of your USB drive, so please replace the drive letter with the corresponding drive letter of yours, and press Enter.)

Type Exit and press Enter.

If you still cannot see your files in USB drive after trying the above 2 solutions, your files could very possibly be lost. So the problem now is, how do we recover lost files from the USB drive? Keep reading to find the answers.

Method 2: Virus/Malware attack your USB drive

As we know, some unknown virus can not only infect your files but also makes them hidden.

See this from ccm.net:

'Folders in my pen drive are hidden because of virus attack. I cannot unhide the folder because the hidden tick is grayed out in the Properties of the folder. How can I see USB hidden files due to virus infection?'

If you are annoyed by the “USB files not showing but space used” issue, you come the right place! Here, we recommend using MiniTool Power Data Recovery to fix USB drive not showing files and folders with ease.

The best file recovery software, MiniTool Power Data Recovery, offers wizard-like interfaces as well as simple operations to help you recover hidden files from USB drive after virus invasion without any difficulty.

This all-in-one data recovery software not only works with USB drive, external hard drive, SD card or other storage devices; it also supports various operating systems including Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and so on.

You can download MiniTool Power Data Recovery Trial Edition to have a try.

A step-by-step guide to recovering lost data from USB drive.

LOOK!

Step 1: Launch MiniTool Power Data Recovery to get its main interface with 4 different data recovery modules: This PC, Removable Disk Drive, Hard Disk Drive, and CD/DVD Drive. Here, to recover hidden files in USB drive, you are supposed to click the Removable Disk Drive.

Step 2: Select the USB drive, and then click Scan button to scan the whole device. Before scanning the device, you can specify needed file systems and file types by clicking the Settings feature.

Step 3: Preview files, select all files you want, click Save button, choose a suitable place to store files, and click OK button. Never store selected files to the USB drive, or the original data could be overwritten.

Top Recommendation

If you want to recover data, you need to choose the personal license or business license. If you can't determine which license type is the best for you, look for answers from this page: Compare License Type.

Here, in my opinion, MiniTool Power Data Recovery Personal Ultimate is a good option. It not only offers MiniTool Bootable Media Builder for data recovery when PC cannot boot, but also provides lifetime upgrade service. More important, you can use one copy of the software on 3 computers.

After all operations are done, you have recovered lost data from USB drive without damaging the original data.

Method 3: USB drive files are deleted

If the files and folders were accidentally deleted, or they are deleted as a result of a virus/malware. you can see your USB drive but cannot see its files.

In this case, you can try using MiniTool Power Data Recovery to fix the USB drive not showing data in PC. Here, read this post How Can I Recover Shift Deleted Files with Ease to find how to recover lost data.

Method 4: USB drive has a wrong file system or damaged file system

In many cases, file system corruption can cause this “USB files not showing but space used” issue happens.

Wd Portable Drive Not Showing

In computing, a file system is the method and data structure that an operating system uses to keep track of files on a disk or partition; that is, the way the files are organized on the disk.

If the file system is damaged or shows as RAW, you cannot access its files but will receive many errors. For example, if your USB hard drive shows as RAW, you will receive the following 2 errors:

• You need to format the disk before you can use it OR The disk is not formatted (appear in Windows XP).
• The volume does not contain a recognized file system.

Video Watch – How to Effectively Fix RAW Drive

Sometimes if Windows cannot recognize the file system of USB drive, it will not be able to show the files and folders in that USB drive. To be more specific, if your USB drive is formatted with the ext2/3/4 file system, you cannot see it in File Explorer and then cannot access its data.

Top Recommendation: Solved - External Hard Drive Not Recognized

Now, how to fix the issue of USB drive not showing files in Windows 10t? Users who successfully solved this issue do 2 things well.

First, they recover lost data from the USB drive.
Second, they format the USB drive.
Want to know more details? Keep reading!

My Portable Hard Drive Is Not Showing Up

Step 1. Recover lost data from USB drive

• Launch MiniTool Power Data Recovery, and click Removable Disk Drive.
• Scan the USB drive with the ext2/3/4 file system.
• Save all needed files in a safe place.

Step 2. format the USB drive to NTFS/FAT32.

• Download MiniTool Partition Wizard Free, and install it on computer according to prompts.
• Launch it.
• Select the USB drive and then click Format Partition feature from the left action panel.
• Specify partition label, file system, and then click OK button.
• Click Apply button to perform all changes.

Method 5: USB drive might be damaged

Unfortunately, if you get the USB drive not showing files in Windows 10 issue, your USB drive might be damaged. This happens relatively often; a damaged drive is usually inaccessible. However, if the firmware is still functional, the USB drive will be displayed on your computer along with the storage space condition. You can copy files into this drive and see them when you open your drive.

However, the files and folders are no longer available when you unplug your drive and plug it back again. This is because the drive will save your files and folders as long as there is an electric current/voltage through the USB. But, it will not hold the copied data when the USB electric current/voltage is lost. Now, it begins to act like a RAM instead of a ROM. In this case, you need a new USB drive.

Like these solutions?

Useful Suggestions on How to Avoid USB Drive Data Loss

USB flash drive is the most preferred media for storage and sharing of data because of its speed, capacity and portability. However, you should take good care of your USB drive to avoid losing your valuable data.

• Make sure to backup critical files to another drive. There is nothing that can replace backup to prevent data loss and avoid expensive recovery.
• Always disconnect your USB drive safely. Make sure that each time you eject USB drive from your system using the 'Safely Remove' or 'Eject' option.
• Avoid using the same USB device in multiple systems as there is possibility of its corruption.
• If your USB drive data are lost, immediately stop storing new data on that drive as its storage space may be overwritten and thereby lessen the chances of data retrieval.
• Keep your USB device in a safe place. It is very easy to carry a USB device with you wherever you go. However, you should put it in a safe place like inside a pocket in a bag.

Bottom Line

Now, you should be able to fix the issue of USB drive not showing files and folders.

If your issue was successfully solved through the solutions mentioned here, you can share with your friends.

If you have any good solutions, you are welcome to type your solutions in the comment section. Of course, if you have any questions about recovering lost data from USB drive with MiniTool Power Data Recovery, please feel free to contact us via [email protected]. Thanks!

Dec 16, 2020 • Filed to: USB Recovery • Proven solutions

One common problem users of USB drives experience is a USB drives not showing error. If your device is not able to detect your drive it will be impossible for you to access the data it contains. In this article, you will learn how to fix a not showing error using simple tricks that work.

Part 1: Overview of the error

USB not showing error may occur as a result of several hardware and software problems. Some of these problems may include

USB drive not detected: This is a common problem faced by many users. With the solutions we will provide you, the problem can be fixed.

USB drive not showing: Some people may notice that their USB flash drive is not showing even after connecting it to their PC.

External drives not recognized by Windows 10: This is a problem that may befall both your flash drive and your external drive. The solution we will recommend can work for both.

Windows USB is not working: Your PC may detect the USB drive but it may not work no matter what you do. The fault may lie in your drivers which has to be updated to resolve the problem.

USB Port not functioning: Another problem has to do with a faulty USB port. This also can be resolved with the information provided by this article.

Part 2: How to Fix USB not showing up in Windows 10

Step 1 – Diagnose the Problem

To identify where the fault lies you will have to perform a complete diagnosis using the Disk Management system.

• Tap the Windows key and the X key at the same time. Pick Disk Management

• Search for your USB drive listed as a Removable disk. If you can locate it, proceed to the next step

• If you can’t find the drive try the following

Change to a different port in case the port you are using is not working

Avoid using USB Hubs because hubs may present a problem of their own. It’s better to connect the drive directly

You may also want to consider trying a different computer. If you still can’t find the drive it may be that the drive is dead.

Check to see if your USB drive has a power button. If it does, make sure the power is on.

Step 2: Fix the Problem

the accurate description for the particular issue you want to address. If Windows is asking you to format a partition once you insert your USB drive it will display a notification like this one below.

Don’t rush to perform a partition just yet as this action may wipe off all your data. You may be seeing such notification because the drive was formatted before and the file system has isn’t supported by Windows. However, if the files in the drive are not important you can format it.

If your computer cannot see the drive but other computers can then it means that the USB driver on your computer is faulty. To fix the problem, follow these steps.

• Press Windows key with the X button at the same time

• Expand Disk Drivers category and the Universal Serial Bus Controllers to check if any device is marked with a yellow exclamation

( If you see other marks like a question mark an error notification or a down arrow mark or maybe an error code, make sure you type the code into the search bar to get solutions)

• If you find any driver with a yellow exclamation mark, double click the mark to view the Properties window.

• Navigate to the Drivers tab and pick the update driver option provided
• Wait for Microsoft to locate an appropriate driver and hope that it will bring back your flash drive.

These two methods have proven to be very effective in fixing a USB Drives not showing up in Windows 10 problem but in a few cases, they may prove ineffective. If it doesn’t work for you seek alternative solutions or discard the USB drive if other solutions fail.

Video Tutorial on How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized

Part 3. How to Recover Data After Fixing the USB Drive Not Showing Up Issue

Suppose you formatted your drive in process of fixing the 'USB Drive not Showing up' error, you might later realize that you need the lost data. It’s easy to lose data. And if you’re wondering if there is a way to recover data lost from a USB drive, the answer is yes.

Losing important data is quite a scary scenario.

However, with the right tool, it is possible to recover nearly all the lost data—depending on the situation of the data loss.

And out there, is a world of data recovery options. The only problem is that not all deliver data recovery solution in the right way. But let’s only focus on one of the prominent software that has proven to deliver results for Windows 10—Recoverit.

Why Recoverit Data Recovery is suggested?

1. Indispensable Data Recovery Solutions

Utilize an ultimate and professional data recovery solution that is nearly 100% reliable.

Lg Portable Super Multi Drive Not Showing Up

Recoverit scrapes deeper into your USB drive, to recover over 1000 file formats, from all file system, NTFS, FAT, HFS, APFS. It is non-oppressive in recovery. It recovers photos, video, audio, emails, archive files,

2. Ridiculously High Recovery Rate

Recover nearly 100% of all your lost data with a tool that has one of the highest recovery rates in the industry. The tool utilizes sophisticated utility that drills deeper into your USB drive, find all the pieces of your lost data, and neatly arrange them to improve the chances of retrieving usable data.

3. No-Brainer Data recovery

Recover all of your lost data in only 3 simple steps.

No coding. No long-tied procedures. No BS. Only a 3-clicks procedure--Select, Scan, Preview, and Recover. Very simple.

4. Clutter-free User Interface

Recover data readily using a seamlessly designed user interface that allows you to get your lost data back nearly effortlessly.

The developer of the tool combines the use of graphics and words to present flawless navigation through the software as you are retrieving your data.

The UI functions flawlessly with a smooth transition without any lag.

Step-by-step Guide to Recover Data Lost in a USB drive with Recoverit

After launching the app and connecting your USB drive to the system, proceed with the following steps to recover data lost in a flash drive.

Step 1. Select a location

Choose the USB drive you want to recover by selecting its location. Then, click on the ‘Start’ button to let the program begin the recovery process.

Step 2. Scan the location

Hit the ‘Start’ button to begin the scanning of the storage media. The scanning duration will depend on the number of files the system needs to scan. You have the leisure of stopping the scan process and resuming it at your convenience.

Step 3. Preview and Recover

After the scan, hit the ‘Preview’ button to have a look at the data you wish to recover. Then select the data you wish to recover and hit the Recover button to retrieve your files back.

You mustn’t save the recovered file in the save USB dive they were before. Choose a different safer storage device to prevent data overwriting.

USB Solution

Portable Drive Not Showing Up On Mac

Recover USB Drive

Format USB Drive

Fix/Repair USB Drive

Know USB Drive