This only applies to external hard disks or SSDs it won't work with thumb drives.ġ. If anything, this will allow you to copy its contents to another drive, or upload it to the cloud, in case it fails completely. If all else fails and you possess the technical know-how, you can triage your hardware by removing it from its enclosure and hooking it up to a computer the old-fashioned way. (Image credit: Future) Install your hard drive directly into your computer or a new enclosure Since Windows and Mac computers have compatibility issues with certain types of drive format, you may find that your drive works in a Windows PC if you're running a Mac, and vice-versa. Failing this, try connecting your external hard drive to another computer, if you have one to hand. Alternatively, check whether your USB hub has an external power port (such as an AC power supply or USB port), since some hubs need an extra boost of energy to power certain devices such as external hard drives.ģ. If you're plugging your drive into a USB hub, try connecting it directly to its own USB port on your computer instead. It may help to restart your computer if this doesn't work, since this should 'refresh' your ports if they're acting up.Ģ. Try plugging your external hard drive into a different USB port on your computer, to see if this makes a difference. (Image credit: Toshiba) Try a different USB port or computerįor all their uses, USB ports like to mess with us from time to time, so it helps to troubleshoot the port.ġ. You may also need to press a power button or flip a power switch to an 'On' position, following this. If it does, connect either an external AC power supply (it's recommended to use the one that it originally came with, or one that matches the ratings printed on the enclosure if you don't have the original) or a USB cable to the port, and it should power on.

Firstly, check the enclosure of your external hard drive to see if it has more than just a single USB port. While most external hard drives get their power from their single USB port that also provides the data transfer channel, others may require an external power source, such as an AC supply or a secondary USB port.ġ.

This may sound like an obvious step to follow, but the simplest faults are often the most common when it come to tech.

Check your external hard drive is powered up Read on for detailed instructions regarding each step.

Install your hard drive directly into your computer or a new enclosure.

Check your drive is enabled and allocated/mounted.

Check your external hard drive is powered up.

How to fix an external hard drive that's not showing up

Mac not detecting usb hd at boot