How do I fix my WD Passport external hard drive not recognized?
Emily Sparks
Published Mar 17, 2026
How do I fix my WD Passport external hard drive not recognized?
Fix WD external hard drive not recognized error
- Go to Setting > Update & security.
- Tab on Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart now.
- PC will automatically boot into another Startup Settings screen.
- Press F4 to initiate PC reboot into Safe Mode.
- Then check whether the WD external hard disk can be detected or not.
How do I use my WD My Passport as an external hard drive?
From the manufacturer
- Step 1: Connect the USB cable to your My Passport and to your Windows PC.
- Step 2: Open My Passport and install WD Discovery from the drive.
- Step 3: Activate WD Backup and WD Security to password protect your data.
Why is my external USB not showing up?
If the drive still isn’t working, unplug it and try a different USB port. It’s possible the port in question is failing, or just being finicky with your specific drive. If it’s plugged into a USB 3.0 port, try a USB 2.0 port. If it’s plugged into a USB hub, try plugging it directly into the PC instead.
How do I fix my external hard drive not responding?
How to Fix the External Hard Disk Is Not Detected Issue?
- Inspect Hard Drive. Carefully inspect your hard disk for any physical damage.
- Run CHKDSK.
- Use an Antivirus & Anti-Malware Tool.
- Re-Install the Drivers.
- Format the Disk.
Why is my WD hard drive not recognizing?
Here are some possible reasons for a WD hard drive not recognized: A hardware problem (damaged components such as a scratched platter or a failed headstack) File system corruption of the hard drive partition. Outdated or corrupt hard drive driver (download and install the latest driver to update WD)
How do I unlock my WD external hard drive?
▪ Go > Applications > WD Drive Utilities On the Unlock Drive dialog: a. Type your password in the Password box. b. Click Unlock Drive.
How do I reset my WD Passport external hard drive?
For a system only reset, the battery has to have at least a 25% charge.
- With the power ON , hold down the Power and WPS buttons at the same time for around 10 seconds until the drive reboots and the Power and Battery Status LED flashes white.
- Wait until the Wi-Fi LED is blue before reconnecting.
How do I fix USB device not recognized?
How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized in Windows
- Method 1 – Unplug Computer.
- Method 2 – Update Device Driver.
- Method 3 – Restart & Disconnect USB Devices.
- Method 4 – USB Root Hub.
- Method 5 – Connect Directly to PC.
- Method 6 – USB Troubleshooter.
- Method 7 – Update Generic USB Hub.
- Method 8 – Uninstall USB Devices.
Why is my external hard drive malfunctioning?
External hard drives are especially prone to failure due to frequent improper use, outdated drivers, bundling with incompatible software on different operating systems, frequent connection and disconnection to different devices, and, in the case of portable or USB hard drives, unsafe ejection.
How do I reset my external hard drive?
To reformat a drive on Windows:
- Plug in the drive and open Windows Explorer.
- Right-click the drive and choose Format from the drop-down menu.
- Select the file system you want, give your drive a name under Volume label, and make sure the Quick Format box is checked.
- Click Start, and the computer will reformat your drive.
How do I reset my WD My Passport external hard drive?
Why is my WD passport Ultra not recognized?
Check the following list, you may find the exact cause that makes your WD Passport Ultra external not recognized error: 1. A faulty USB port/cable, or a damaged USB hub on PC 2. No drive letter is assigned to WD Passport drive 3. Corrupted file system or bad sectors makes WD drive unreadable 4. WD drive driver is out of date 5.
How to fix WD external hard drive not recognizing?
1. Click Start > Type: devmgmt.msc in the Search box and hit Enter. 2. Open Device Manager > Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers. 3. Right-click on the USB Root Hub > Select Properties. 4. Go to Power Management and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
How to uninstall USB controllers on WD my passport?
Uninstall/Reinstall USB controllers on WD My Passport drive Step 1. Right-click on the Windows icon at the left corner and select Device Manager. Step 2. Find and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers > Right-click on USB controllers on your WD drive and select Uninstall device. Step 3.
How to update WD my passport on Windows 10?
Update WD Device Driver from Device Manager: 1 Right-click on the Windows icon and select “Device Manager”. 2 Expand Device Manager and right-click the WD My Passport Ultra drive. 3 Select “Update driver”. 4 Select “Search automatically for updated driver software”, wait for the process to complete.
Check the following list, you may find the exact cause that makes your WD Passport Ultra external not recognized error: 1. A faulty USB port/cable, or a damaged USB hub on PC 2. No drive letter is assigned to WD Passport drive 3. Corrupted file system or bad sectors makes WD drive unreadable 4. WD drive driver is out of date 5.
How can I connect my WD passport to my PC?
Both with my WD My Book as well with my WD Passport Ultra external USB drive the following worked: Connect USB drive directly to the PC Drive will not show in Windows Explorer Open Windows Disk Management Utility Right-click on the drive and assign the missing drive letter Safely remove the drive from Windows Reconnect the drive to your WD My Cloud
1. Click Start > Type: devmgmt.msc in the Search box and hit Enter. 2. Open Device Manager > Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers. 3. Right-click on the USB Root Hub > Select Properties. 4. Go to Power Management and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Uninstall/Reinstall USB controllers on WD My Passport drive Step 1. Right-click on the Windows icon at the left corner and select Device Manager. Step 2. Find and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers > Right-click on USB controllers on your WD drive and select Uninstall device. Step 3.