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Make Sure It's Plugged In and Powered On. I know, I know, but hear me out: just because you.
Take a look at our dependable external hard drives for backup, storage, and gaming, from desktop to portable use. Help preserve your memories when you're on the go with the easystore External USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive with plug-and-play USB connectivity and WD Backup software.
How to use an external hard drive? In this article, you can know how to add an external drive to your computer. In addition, you are offered the way to manage, use and maintain an external hard drive. MiniTool Partition Wizard is a good tool to help you to manage the drive.
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What Is an External Hard Drive
Cheap External Hard Disk
An external hard drive is a portable storage device that can be attached to a computer wirelessly,or through a USB FireWire connection. It becomes more and more popular in computer users for the following benefits:
Best Ssd For Mac Backup
- It is portable. An external hard drive can be connected to almost all computers because they have a USB port. Therefore, you can easily pick up your external hard drive, take it out and connect it to another computer.
- It comes with a high storage capacity. An external hard drive can store much larger data than a USB flash drive. It helps a lot if you are found of videos or audios, whichtake up a large amount of disk space. In addition, you can use it to store lots of photos, entire programs, and more on it.
- It is a safe Backup Device. To avoid data loss, you can use an external hard drive to back up your files and programs. After system crashes, you can easily connect the external hard drive to another computer so that you can recover important data.
- It is easy to be upgraded. If your external hard drive is running out of storage space for your backup files, you can easily replace it with a bigger one.
- It can prevent your computer from getting clogged up with downloads and large files. You could transfer large files from your computer to an external hard driveto improve
How to Add an External Hard Drive to Your Computer
If you get a new external hard drive, you need to add it to your computer before you can use it. Here is how to do it.
Step 1: https://newlinemedicine527.weebly.com/ibarcoder-3-11-1.html. Plug one end of the external hard drive's cable (usually the larger end) into the USB port on the housing to see whether it works.
Step 2: Plug the other end of the cable into your external hard drive.
Step 3: Now you need to format the external hard drive.
- Double click This PC.
- Right-click your external hard drive and choose Format.from menu.
- Uncheck Quick Formatand select a file system. Then click Start.
After formatting the external hard drive, you should partition the drive reasonably for better management. As for partitioning tool, you can choose freeware MiniTool Partition Wizard.
How to Use an External Hard Drive in Windows 10
Extra Storage Device
It has been mentioned that an external hard drive has many benefits. The basic one is to use it as an extra storage device, especially when you need to free up disk space.
You can transfer files to an external hard drive after you connect it to your computer. Here is a tutorial on how to use an external hard drive in Windows 10.
Step 1: Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
Step 2: Select the folders or files you want to move and press Ctrl + X to cut them.
Step 3: Click your external hard drive from the left action panel to access the external hard drive and press Ctrl + V to paste the folders and files. Www trimble com.
Data Backup Device
Do you know your data is in danger? If you don't have more than one backup solution, plenty of critical information includes photos, music, videos, financial and official documents could be lost when your computer dies due to hardware failure, natural disaster, system crashes or viruses attacks.
Clearly, the more copies you have, the less risk of data loss you face. Thus, just create as many copies as you entail. In other words, you'd better protect the original data with two backups.
Usually, cloud backup can be a good choice,such as Google Cloud Storage, Microsoft Onedrive, etc.
However, they are not the best solutions.They may cost you much. Some cloud services such as iCloud and IDrive just offer you a storage capacity about 5 GB for free, and most cloud services need you to pay for month. What's more, it will be troublesome if you decide to shift among these services.
In addition, it may take much time to download everything from a cloud-based backup service if you want to manage large files or large quantities of files.
On the other hand, data stored in a cloud service is possible to be attacked by a hack. So, you can store your backup in an external hard drive, which is portable and safer. Some external devices come with security features like fingerprint recognition, which prevents other people from gaining access to the stored data.
To buy the right backup drive, here are some tips you need to know.
With MiniTool Partition Wizard,a free backup tool, you can easily back up your partitions or the whole disk to your external hard drive. Here is how to use an external hard drive for backup.
Step 1: Click the following button to download and install the tool.
Step 2: Make a backup.
- To copy disk, just right-click the disk you want to back up and choose Copy from menu.
- To copy partition, you can click the Copy Partition Wizard from action panel and choose the partition you want to back up.
- Then follow the instructions to finish the copy
Create a Windows To Go Workplace
Windows To Go is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to boot and run Windows from USB flash drives or external hard disk drives so that you can take it to anywhere.
External Hard Disk For Pc And Mac
To create a portable Windows, you need to prepare a device with requirements as follows:
- With 32 GB capacity at least
- With USB 2.0 and faster USB connections.
With an external hard drive, you can easily achieve it. Here is how to do it.
Step 1: Connect your external hard drive to the computer.
Step 2: Search for Windows To Go in Windows and click it from the results.
Step 3: Choose your external hard drive to create a Windows To Go workplace and follow the guide to complete the process.
Then you can connect the external hard drive to another computer and boot Windows from the external drive when you go out.
How to Use an External Hard Drive for Longer
You may be aware that an external hard drive is necessary for you. However, it is easy to be broken if you don't maintain it in the right way. To avoid decreasing the life of it, you can read these tips on how to use an external hard drive for longer.
- To protect your external hard drive, you'd better place it on a stable, flat and hard surface. Considering that the hard disk is a mechanical device, it can be damaged by vibrations. And you should also be careful to prevent it from falling off the table.
- You need to make sure that it will not be banged around or treated roughly. Since the external hard drive is a portable device, you should treat it carelessly when you take it out.
- You have to avoid getting your hard drive wet or exposing it to liquid.
- Do not place your external hard drive in a restrictive area where there is no air flow. Similar to the internal hard disk in your computer, the external hard drive also gets hot when it works too long. To avoid overheating, which can damage the disk, you need to place it in an open area to dissipate the buildup of heat.
- Check error before you transfer files to an external hard drive. It can fix disk errors and ensure that you are starting with a well-functioning drive.To do that, you can use the error checking tool in Windows.
- Always eject the drive before you unplug it from your computer. It ensures data still stored in the cache memory will be removed, which prevents existing data on the disk from being damaged.
- The best way to protect your data in the external hard drive is to back up it as much as possible. Hard drive failure may happen to your external hard drive.To ensure the security of your files, you'd better prepare a second external drive to back up it.
Save Lost Data from an External Hard Drive
Similar to internal hard drivers, an external hard drive may also lose data due to various reasons, such as mistaken deletion or hard drive failure when you manage it.
If you have a backup for the data in the external hard drive, you can restore your data with the backup.
If you unfortunately find that your files or programs stored in the external hard drive is lost and you have no backup for the drive, you need to stop using it right now and try to recover files from the external drive with a third-party software as soon as possible.
MiniTool Partition Wizard is powerful in recovering deleted files and data from formatted or virus attacked disk. It is worth trying.
Step 1: Launch MiniTool Partition Wizard.
Step 2: Click Data Recovery from the tool bar and select your external hard drive in This PC. And then click Scan.
Step 3: Now you just need to check the files you want to recover and then click Save to place the recovered files into a safe position.
If it is the first time to recover files from an external drive, you may be a little confused. To know more details, you can read the following article: The Full Guide to SSD File Recovery on Windows 10/8/7/XP.
Bottom Line
You can benefit a lot from an external hard drive. With the high storage capacity, you can store a huge number of videos, photos and programs, and it is a proper device for data backup.
This article helps you to know how to add an external hard drive to your computer, how to use an external hard drive in Windows 10, and how to maintain it to use it longer.
If you still have any questions about the external hard drive, you can contact [email protected] or post it in the comment section below.
Do you want to try it now?
How to Use an External Hard Drive FAQ
- It has large storage capacity.
- It's portable so that you can take it anywhere.
- It's a safe backup device.
- It can be used for a long time.
- Plug the external hard drive into the computer.
- Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
- Navigate to your program setup file and double-click it.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to install the program, and when you are asked where you want to save the program, choose on location on your external hard drive.
Top 5 Ways to Fix a Slow External Hard Drive in Windows 10/8/7
Several solutions can be performed to fix this issue if your external hard disk is slow to respond or open. Here are the top 5 external hard drive slow and unresponsive solutions:
Workable Solutions | Step-by-step Troubleshooting |
---|---|
Fix 1. Defragment external hard drive | Connect your external hard drive to your Windows 10 computer. Open 'This PC'.Full steps |
Fix 2. Clean up large files | Download and install EaseUS Tools M. Select 'System Cleanup' on the main screen.Full steps |
Fix 3. Check corrupted files | Open EaseUS Partition Master on your computer. Then locate the disk, right-click the partition.Full steps |
Fix 4. Replace the cable | If you connect your disk to the front panel USB port, try connecting it to USB ports.Full steps |
Fix 5. Remove viruses | Open your antivirus scanning tool (e.g., AVG). Select the 'Scan' option.Full steps |
My External Hard Drive Is Slow to Respond
'Hi, there. Do you know how to fix a USB 3.0 external hard drive slow speed on Windows 10? I have a Seagate USB 3.0 external hard drive with 1TB space. It has worked for more than two years, and almost all my data like videos, images, worksheets, etc. are all saved on the drive. But recently, when I tried to transfer or save a new file to the external hard drive, it became very slow to respond.
It takes a very long time to load on Windows 10 and even becomes extremely slow to respond when I try to copy or transfer a new file or image to the external hard drive. I don't know why it comes so slow, and how can I fix the slow speed on my external hard drive?'
It seems that storage devices such as external hard drive, USB, or SD card with slow response or slow transfer rate issues have become one of the top concerns among ordinary users. So what can you do when your external hard drive or USB devices become extremely slow? Buy a new and bigger external hard drive to replace your current one? It is not a wise choice. Here are some cost-effective methods for fixing the external hard drive very slow to respond to issue in Windows 10/8/7.
Also read:How to fix hard drive slow suddenly
Fix 1. Defragment External Hard Drive to Optimize the Performance
If you haven't run disk defragmentation for a long time, your external hard drive and hard drive could be slower than before. Thus, the first thing to do is to run disk defragmentation. Fragmentation makes your hard disk do extra work that can slow down your computer and hard drive. Disk Defragmenter in Windows rearranges fragmented data so your disks and drives can work more efficiently. To defragment external hard drive:
Step 1. Connect your external hard drive to your Windows 10 computer.
Step 2. Open 'This PC', right-click your external hard disk and select 'Properties'.
Step 3. Select 'Tools > Optimize'. Then, select the drive again, and the drive will be optimized automatically.
Fix 2. Clean Up Large Files on the Slow External Hard Drive
A very frequent reason for the disk to go slow – even if it is not external – is the heavy load. For example, at the same time, you may be downloading several torrent files to your disk, watching a film from the same disk, and checking the same disk for viruses. Thus, you can speed up the slow external hard disk by cleaning up unnecessary large files or stop some programs.
Professional disk cleanup software - EaseUS Tools M would help you remove slow speed, low transfer rate, or slow to respond issue from your external hard drive, USB or SD card, etc. devices with just a few simple clicks. Just free download, install it on your PC and follow guidelines here to speed up your slow to respond external hard drive now.
Step 1. DOWNLOAD EaseUS Tools M for free and install it on your computer.
Step 2. Launch EaseUS Tools M in Windows PC. Select 'Large File Cleanup' on the main screen.
Step 3. Select the drive and click 'Scan' to let the program locate, find all large files on your disk.
Step 4. Identify and select useless large files and click 'Delete' to remove those files from your PC or laptop. A message pops up and tells you this process will permanently delete the files. Click 'Yes' to start the process.
Fix 3. Check and Repair Corrupted Files that Slows Down the Disk
If corrupted system files or bad sectors exist on the storage devices, it may also slow down the device transfer rate. You can quickly check file system errors and repair them with EaseUS free partition tool. This free tool can check and fix external hard drive error easily. It also has many other highlights:
- Increase C drive space with ease
- Merge partitions to enlarge partition space
- Create, format, or delete a partition
- Perform MBR/GPT conversion without data loss
Steps to check and repair file system errors:
Telecharger photoshop cc 2015. Step 1. Open EaseUS Partition Master on your computer. Then locate the disk, right-click the partition you want to check, and choose 'Check File System'.
Step 2. In the Check File System window, keep the 'Try to fix errors if found' option selected and click 'Start'.
Step 3. The software will begin checking your partition file system on your disk. When it has completed, click 'Finish'.
- To copy disk, just right-click the disk you want to back up and choose Copy from menu.
- To copy partition, you can click the Copy Partition Wizard from action panel and choose the partition you want to back up.
- Then follow the instructions to finish the copy
Create a Windows To Go Workplace
Windows To Go is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to boot and run Windows from USB flash drives or external hard disk drives so that you can take it to anywhere.
External Hard Disk For Pc And Mac
To create a portable Windows, you need to prepare a device with requirements as follows:
- With 32 GB capacity at least
- With USB 2.0 and faster USB connections.
With an external hard drive, you can easily achieve it. Here is how to do it.
Step 1: Connect your external hard drive to the computer.
Step 2: Search for Windows To Go in Windows and click it from the results.
Step 3: Choose your external hard drive to create a Windows To Go workplace and follow the guide to complete the process.
Then you can connect the external hard drive to another computer and boot Windows from the external drive when you go out.
How to Use an External Hard Drive for Longer
You may be aware that an external hard drive is necessary for you. However, it is easy to be broken if you don't maintain it in the right way. To avoid decreasing the life of it, you can read these tips on how to use an external hard drive for longer.
- To protect your external hard drive, you'd better place it on a stable, flat and hard surface. Considering that the hard disk is a mechanical device, it can be damaged by vibrations. And you should also be careful to prevent it from falling off the table.
- You need to make sure that it will not be banged around or treated roughly. Since the external hard drive is a portable device, you should treat it carelessly when you take it out.
- You have to avoid getting your hard drive wet or exposing it to liquid.
- Do not place your external hard drive in a restrictive area where there is no air flow. Similar to the internal hard disk in your computer, the external hard drive also gets hot when it works too long. To avoid overheating, which can damage the disk, you need to place it in an open area to dissipate the buildup of heat.
- Check error before you transfer files to an external hard drive. It can fix disk errors and ensure that you are starting with a well-functioning drive.To do that, you can use the error checking tool in Windows.
- Always eject the drive before you unplug it from your computer. It ensures data still stored in the cache memory will be removed, which prevents existing data on the disk from being damaged.
- The best way to protect your data in the external hard drive is to back up it as much as possible. Hard drive failure may happen to your external hard drive.To ensure the security of your files, you'd better prepare a second external drive to back up it.
Save Lost Data from an External Hard Drive
Similar to internal hard drivers, an external hard drive may also lose data due to various reasons, such as mistaken deletion or hard drive failure when you manage it.
If you have a backup for the data in the external hard drive, you can restore your data with the backup.
If you unfortunately find that your files or programs stored in the external hard drive is lost and you have no backup for the drive, you need to stop using it right now and try to recover files from the external drive with a third-party software as soon as possible.
MiniTool Partition Wizard is powerful in recovering deleted files and data from formatted or virus attacked disk. It is worth trying.
Step 1: Launch MiniTool Partition Wizard.
Step 2: Click Data Recovery from the tool bar and select your external hard drive in This PC. And then click Scan.
Step 3: Now you just need to check the files you want to recover and then click Save to place the recovered files into a safe position.
If it is the first time to recover files from an external drive, you may be a little confused. To know more details, you can read the following article: The Full Guide to SSD File Recovery on Windows 10/8/7/XP.
Bottom Line
You can benefit a lot from an external hard drive. With the high storage capacity, you can store a huge number of videos, photos and programs, and it is a proper device for data backup.
This article helps you to know how to add an external hard drive to your computer, how to use an external hard drive in Windows 10, and how to maintain it to use it longer.
If you still have any questions about the external hard drive, you can contact [email protected] or post it in the comment section below.
Do you want to try it now?
How to Use an External Hard Drive FAQ
- It has large storage capacity.
- It's portable so that you can take it anywhere.
- It's a safe backup device.
- It can be used for a long time.
- Plug the external hard drive into the computer.
- Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
- Navigate to your program setup file and double-click it.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to install the program, and when you are asked where you want to save the program, choose on location on your external hard drive.
Top 5 Ways to Fix a Slow External Hard Drive in Windows 10/8/7
Several solutions can be performed to fix this issue if your external hard disk is slow to respond or open. Here are the top 5 external hard drive slow and unresponsive solutions:
Workable Solutions | Step-by-step Troubleshooting |
---|---|
Fix 1. Defragment external hard drive | Connect your external hard drive to your Windows 10 computer. Open 'This PC'.Full steps |
Fix 2. Clean up large files | Download and install EaseUS Tools M. Select 'System Cleanup' on the main screen.Full steps |
Fix 3. Check corrupted files | Open EaseUS Partition Master on your computer. Then locate the disk, right-click the partition.Full steps |
Fix 4. Replace the cable | If you connect your disk to the front panel USB port, try connecting it to USB ports.Full steps |
Fix 5. Remove viruses | Open your antivirus scanning tool (e.g., AVG). Select the 'Scan' option.Full steps |
My External Hard Drive Is Slow to Respond
'Hi, there. Do you know how to fix a USB 3.0 external hard drive slow speed on Windows 10? I have a Seagate USB 3.0 external hard drive with 1TB space. It has worked for more than two years, and almost all my data like videos, images, worksheets, etc. are all saved on the drive. But recently, when I tried to transfer or save a new file to the external hard drive, it became very slow to respond.
It takes a very long time to load on Windows 10 and even becomes extremely slow to respond when I try to copy or transfer a new file or image to the external hard drive. I don't know why it comes so slow, and how can I fix the slow speed on my external hard drive?'
It seems that storage devices such as external hard drive, USB, or SD card with slow response or slow transfer rate issues have become one of the top concerns among ordinary users. So what can you do when your external hard drive or USB devices become extremely slow? Buy a new and bigger external hard drive to replace your current one? It is not a wise choice. Here are some cost-effective methods for fixing the external hard drive very slow to respond to issue in Windows 10/8/7.
Also read:How to fix hard drive slow suddenly
Fix 1. Defragment External Hard Drive to Optimize the Performance
If you haven't run disk defragmentation for a long time, your external hard drive and hard drive could be slower than before. Thus, the first thing to do is to run disk defragmentation. Fragmentation makes your hard disk do extra work that can slow down your computer and hard drive. Disk Defragmenter in Windows rearranges fragmented data so your disks and drives can work more efficiently. To defragment external hard drive:
Step 1. Connect your external hard drive to your Windows 10 computer.
Step 2. Open 'This PC', right-click your external hard disk and select 'Properties'.
Step 3. Select 'Tools > Optimize'. Then, select the drive again, and the drive will be optimized automatically.
Fix 2. Clean Up Large Files on the Slow External Hard Drive
A very frequent reason for the disk to go slow – even if it is not external – is the heavy load. For example, at the same time, you may be downloading several torrent files to your disk, watching a film from the same disk, and checking the same disk for viruses. Thus, you can speed up the slow external hard disk by cleaning up unnecessary large files or stop some programs.
Professional disk cleanup software - EaseUS Tools M would help you remove slow speed, low transfer rate, or slow to respond issue from your external hard drive, USB or SD card, etc. devices with just a few simple clicks. Just free download, install it on your PC and follow guidelines here to speed up your slow to respond external hard drive now.
Step 1. DOWNLOAD EaseUS Tools M for free and install it on your computer.
Step 2. Launch EaseUS Tools M in Windows PC. Select 'Large File Cleanup' on the main screen.
Step 3. Select the drive and click 'Scan' to let the program locate, find all large files on your disk.
Step 4. Identify and select useless large files and click 'Delete' to remove those files from your PC or laptop. A message pops up and tells you this process will permanently delete the files. Click 'Yes' to start the process.
Fix 3. Check and Repair Corrupted Files that Slows Down the Disk
If corrupted system files or bad sectors exist on the storage devices, it may also slow down the device transfer rate. You can quickly check file system errors and repair them with EaseUS free partition tool. This free tool can check and fix external hard drive error easily. It also has many other highlights:
- Increase C drive space with ease
- Merge partitions to enlarge partition space
- Create, format, or delete a partition
- Perform MBR/GPT conversion without data loss
Steps to check and repair file system errors:
Telecharger photoshop cc 2015. Step 1. Open EaseUS Partition Master on your computer. Then locate the disk, right-click the partition you want to check, and choose 'Check File System'.
Step 2. In the Check File System window, keep the 'Try to fix errors if found' option selected and click 'Start'.
Step 3. The software will begin checking your partition file system on your disk. When it has completed, click 'Finish'.
Fix 4. Check and Replace the Cable to Fix Slow External Hard Disk
Sometimes, the USB cable can cause the disk to respond poorly. You can examine the USB cable and power lead when you connect your external hard drive to your PC.
Step 1. If you connect your disk to the front panel USB port, try connecting it to USB ports in the back panel instead.
Step 2. Use USB 3.0 instead of USB 2.0. You might be using a USB 3.0 device in a USB 2.0 port, which often doesn't work. Switch to a compatible port and try again!
External Storage Windows 10
Fix 5. Check and Remove Viruses from Your PC or External HDD
Another problem that can cause the disk to respond slowly is viruses and malware. Your hard drive can get a slow error if your computer or external hard disk is infected with a virus. Even you are not a victim, and you should have a tool to protect your device from virus attack.
Step 1. Open your antivirus scanning tool (e.g., AVG).
Step 2. Select the 'Scan' option to find the virus. If there isn't an option, select the specific partition and let the tool to scan (this differs between security suites).
After the scan, you can deal with these viruses with the help of your antivirus tools.
Conclusion
Whenever you are faced with a slow external hard drive, you can gain better performance with any one of these solutions. Is gs auto clicker safe. If you still have a problem, you may format the external hard drive to NTFS and wipe all data on the drive to optimize its performance. Just one thing that you need to keep noticed: formatting will clear all data on your drive. So if you have valuable data on your slow external hard drive, please export and back up hard drive data to a secure storage device first.