In this article, we’ll address how to resolve the issue when Windows fails to display a second drive in File Explorer after a system reinstall, update, or the addition of a new hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD). We’ll also cover what to do if a partition, such as Drive D, isn’t visible in File Explorer but still appears in the BIOS.
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Step 1: Open Disk Management
1. Press the Win+R key combination on your keyboard (the Win key is the one with the Windows logo).
2. In the “Run” dialog box that appears, type diskmgmt.msc and click “OK.”
This will launch the Disk Management utility.
Step 2: Check the Drive or Partition
1. In Disk Management, check if a partition has disappeared or if there’s unallocated space.
2. If a partition exists but lacks a drive letter, right-click it and select “Change Drive Letter and Paths.”
3. If the partition is in RAW format, you’ll need to format it to NTFS first.
Step 3: Initialize a New HDD/SSD
If you’ve installed a new HDD or SSD and it’s not showing up:
1. Look for an uninitialized disk (e.g., if the disk name shows “Not Initialized”).
2. Right-click the disk name and select “Initialize Disk.”
3. Choose a partition scheme:
– If unsure, select MBR (Master Boot Record). This works on any computer.
– For modern UEFI systems, GPT (GUID Partition Table) is preferable, but choose MBR if uncertain.
Step 4: Create a Simple Volume
1. After initializing the disk, if it’s still not visible in File Explorer and shows unallocated space:
– Right-click the unallocated space and select “New Simple Volume.”
– Click “Next” and specify the volume size (by default, it will use all available space).
– Assign a drive letter (e.g., D) and format the volume as NTFS.
– Click “Finish” and complete the process.
If a pop-up asks about formatting, close it, as the disk is already being formatted.
Wait a few seconds, and your drive should appear in File Explorer.
If the Issue Relates to a Partition, Not the Physical Drive:
1. If there’s no unallocated space but NTFS partitions aren’t showing due to missing drive letters, assign letters to them in Disk Management to make them visible.
