Is the hard drive lost after Windows 11 update? MiniTool provides you with practical solutions!

Many users have reflected in the forums the common problem of losing hard drives after Windows 11 update. If you also have this problem, how can you fix it and use your computer properly? Don't worry, this article will provide some effective solutions.

After Windows 11 update, the hard disk disappears in disk management

To experience the new operating system, Windows 11, some users choose to install it on their computers to enjoy the new user interface, settings, features, and more. However, Windows update issues always happen unexpectedly and are frustrating.

Windows 11 is no exception. For example, you may encounter compatibility issues between Oracle VirtualBox and Windows 11, the screenshot tool does not work after the Windows 11 update, Windows 11 causes performance issues for computers using AMD processors, and so on.

Recently, some forum users have reported another issue: the hard drive disappeared after the Windows 11 update. Sometimes you can only see C drives in File Explorer. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, common causes include system files corruption, problematic Windows updates, hardware issues, outdated/corrupted drivers, and more.

Fortunately, you can easily fix this if you try the following troubleshooting tips.

How to fix the loss of hard drive after Windows 11 update

Check disk connection (external hard disk)

First, you can check if the hard drive connection is loose. Maybe this is why your external hard drive is lost. The best way is to disconnect the disk from the port, blow away the dust, and reconnect. If this doesn't work, try another USB port to check.

Uninstall recent Windows updates

If you have Windows 11 issues with your hard drive disappearing after installing the update, you can try uninstalling them to see if it will fix the problem.

Step 1: Start Windows 11 settings through the Win X menu.

Step 2: Click Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Update .

Step 3: In the pop-up window, right-click the recently installed update and select Uninstall . Confirm the operation.

After uninstalling, check whether the hard drive returns to the computer. If yes, this means there is an error in the recent update and you should wait for Microsoft to release another update.

Update or reinstall the disk driver

If there are outdated or damaged disk drivers, there may be issues with the loss of hard disk after Windows 11 update. Additionally, your drive may also disappear if the driver is incompatible with the current Windows version. To resolve this issue, update or reinstall the driver.

Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager .

Step 2: Expand the disk drive , right-click the driver, and select Update Driver .

Step 3: Select the first option to let Windows automatically update the disk driver.

If this does not resolve your issue, right-click the disk driver and select Uninstall the device . Then, restart your computer and Windows will reinstall it.

Run SFC Scan

To fix the issue of losing hard drives after Windows 11 update, you can try performing an SFC scan because there may be corrupt system files.

Step 1: Start the command prompt as an administrator in Windows 11.

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter . Windows will then scan the system files in the system to corrupt and repair them.

Assign drive letters

If you can find your hard drive in Disk Management but can't see it in File Explorer, it's possible that the drive does not have a drive letter. Therefore, assign one to it.

Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select Disk Management .

Step 2: Right-click on the target drive and select Change drive letter and path .

Step 3: Click Add and assign a drive.

Step 4: Click OK .

Other tips for fixing the disappearance of hard drives in Windows 11

Additionally, you can try the following other methods to solve your problem:

1. Format drive: If the drive becomes RAW, it will also be lost in File Explorer. You can try to recover data from that drive and format it.
2. Change the power management settings for external drives: Go to Device Manager, click View > Show Hidden Devices , expand Universal Serial Bus Controller , right-click on the USB Root Hub , select Properties , and under the Power Management tab , select the Allow computer to turn off this device to save power check box.

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