The Windows 10 system can support multiple hard drives. Some systems, depending on their motherboard, can support both internal SSD and internal HDD. Similarly, you can connect multiple external HDDs (or SSDs) to a system.
It is not difficult to fix a hard format; it connects over a simple USB port, can work with a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port, and is plug & play. Windows 10 will automatically be able to find it and install the correct drivers for it.
To get to hard drive, you can open File Explorer and it will be listed under this PC. You can copy and paste files to it as easily as you would to an internal drive.
The second hard drive not found in Windows 10
A solid shape, whether internally or externally attached, is easily found. You should hear the newly detected hardware sound when you connect it and it may take a few seconds while a driver is installed but the device will be accessible almost immediately .
If your second hard drive was not found in Windows 10, try the solutions below.
1. Change USB port and cable
One of the main reasons is that a hard drive is not often found cable used to connect it to a system. Change it out and find out if the driver is found.
On a similar note, try connecting the driver to a different USB port. A loose port can be the reason why an edge or hard drive does not connect properly.
Connect the hard drive to your system. Do not use a USB hub or extension cable. If so another system, try connecting the driver and look to find it.
2. Scan for hardware changes
Windows 10 may not have found the driver as new hardware. If it is not detected as new hardware, it will not be able to connect.
- Open Device manager.
- Click on the Scan for hardware changes button at the top.
- Windows 10 look for the hard shape and should show up File Explorer under this PC.
3. Install proprietary app / drivers
Some hard drives come property drivers or apps. Without that it may stop the drive from being detected. Check if there are any drivers or app available from your hardware manufacturer. Reconnect the driver and check if it shows up in File Explorer.
4. Update drivers
Windows 10 may have outdated drivers for your hard drive. They can update the driver to connect to your system.
- Open Device manager.
- Expand Disc drives.
- Right-click on your secondary driver and select Update driver.
- Search online for drivers and install the available ones.
- Restart the system for good measure.
5. Change drive letter
When you connect a hard drive to your system, Windows 10 automatically assigns a letter needed to ‘address’ the driver. The drive letter plays an important role in making the drive itself accessible. If your secondary hard drive is not found, try changing the drive letter.
- Tap on the Win + R keyboard shortcut. to open the run box.
- In the run box, apply
diskmgmt.mscand tap on Enter. - Right click on your driver and select the Change Drive Letter and Routes option.
- Choose a new letter assign to the driver.
- Click Next and the The driver will be issued with a new letter.
- Get to driver from File Explorer.
Conclusion
A secondary driver, short of physical damage or data corruption, will be detected with a slight tinkering. If you suspect that the driver is physically damaged, you need to look into data recovery options. You may no longer be able to use the driver to store files. If data has been corrupted, your driver may still need to be used because data corruption does not equate to hardware damage.
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