An internal hard drive is essential for a computer since it stores system files and a Windows operating system.

It is common for people to think about recovering files in such a situation.

Therefore, Id like to tell you how to restore files safely before taking action to fix the problem.

scan a partition

The following content will show you how to recover data from a not detected internal hard drive in Windows.

Select one partition that not showing up in Windows and punch theScanbutton.

you’re free to also change to theDevicestab and scan the whole disk at one time.

check files according to their types

yo wait carefully until the process ends automatically.

The found files are listed in different folders in a tree structure under thePathcategory list.

Other three features to improve data recovery efficiency:

punch theFilterbutton at the top toolbar.

other features

This function can find all the matched results to show you.

This feature allows you to preview documents, pictures, videos, and audio files.

Step 4: Tick all the files you need and hit theSavebutton.

save files

You should choose a save destination in the prompt window and clickOKto confirm.

Files might be overwritten if you save them to the original path resulting in data recovery failure.

Thus, yo select a proper path to save files.

initialize the hard disk

This is all about how to recover data from a not detected internal hard drive.

One thing needs to be mentionedMiniTool Power Data Recovery freecan only restore no more than 1GB of files.

Choose one that suits you best.

change the drive letter

If your box cant start up, you should use MiniTool Power Data Recovery to create abootable disk.

Then use this created bootable disk to boot up the problematic computer.

it’s possible for you to read this post to learnhow to recover data when PC wont boot.

update the driver

When this happens, you should first check whether the SATA/IDE cable is well connected or properly working.

Switch to theBoottab to check whether your box boots up from the correct hard drive.

it’s possible for you to change the boot order by using the up and down arrow keys.

run the CHKDSK command

With theSurface Testfeature, the bad sectors will be marked as red.

it’s possible for you to initialize the hard drive inDisk Management.

Step 1: PressWin + Xand chooseDisk Managementfrom the WinX menu.

CHKDSK /F or /R | Difference Between CHKDSK /F and CHKDSK /R

Step 2: grab the target disk and right-select it.

Step 3: ChooseInitialize Diskfrom the context menu.

Step 4: In the following window, you should choose a partition style that fits your system.

format with command line

just note that if your machine BIOS is UEFI-based, you should chooseGPTas the partition style.

If not, chooseMBRorGPTbased on your situation.

Step 5: Choose a drive letter for the internal hard drive.

choose Format Partition

After all these controls, reset your machine and check whether the internal hard drive appears.

If the disk doesnt have a drive letter, File Explorer is unable to display the disk as well.

Go to Disk Management to verify if you better assign a new drive letter to the disk.

Step 1: TypeDisk Managementinto the search box and hitEnterto fire up the window.

Step 2: Right-punch the target disk and chooseChange drive letter and pathsfrom the menu.

Step 3: Click onAddto choose a letter you like from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: ClickOKto save the change.

Fix 3: Update Disk Driver

Step 1: Right-punch theWindowsicon and chooseDevice Managerfrom the context menu.

Step 2: Expand theDisk drivesoption and right-hit the driver.

Step 3: ChooseUpdate driverfrom the menu.

Step 4: ChooseSearch automatically for driversfrom the prompt window.

Now, wait for your rig to find and plant the latest compatible driver for your rig.

Afterward, check whether your internal hard driver shows up.

Run this command to have a go at fix the problem.

Step 1: PressWin + Sand typeCommand Promptinto the search bar.

Step 2: ChooseRun as administratorfrom the right pane.

Step 3: TypeCHKDSK x: /rand hitEnterto execute this command.

Change x to the drive letter of the target drive.

After this, you’re free to restart the computer to perform the check.

Wonder using CHKDSK /f or /r to check & fix hard disk errors?

Check difference between CHKDSK /f and CHKDSK /r.

Learn how to run CHKDSK /f /r Windows 10.

Fix 5: Format the Internal Hard Drive

The last method is toformat the hard drive.

Formatting will return this disk to the default status.

This operation can fix a large number of problems but will erase all your files at the same time.

Therefore, think twice before you decide to format the hard drive.

Thediskpartcommands can be used to format a hard drive.

Step 1: PressWin + Rto launch the Run window.

Step 2: Typecmdinto the text box and pressShift + Ctrl + Enterto run Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 3: throw in the following command lines and pressEnterat the end of each one.

Any operations on this software are concise and user-friendly thanks to clear instructions on the interface.

Furthermore, it provides you with an additional chance to revoke actions if there is something wrong.

Step 1: Download MiniTool Partition Wizard and install it properly.

Step 2: Launch the software and choose the drive that not showing up in Windows.

Step 3: ChooseFormat Partitionfrom the left pane.

Step 4: You should choose aPartition Labeland select an appropriateFile Systemfor this partition in the following window.

ClickOKto confirm the information.

Final Words

This post shares six methods to fix the internal hard drive not detected by Windows.

you’re able to follow this guide to have a go at fix it by yourself.

Should you express any problems with MiniTool software with us by email via[email protected].