My Windows 11 laptop doesn't recognize a USB drive when I plug it in. I checked Device Manager and couldn't find a solution, and Disk Management won't even open while the drive is connected. I also tested the drive on an Xbox, but it wasn't detected there either. The drive contains Xbox 360 mod files, so I'd like to preserve the data if possible. What should I try next?
2 Answers
First, test the USB port with another device, then try the drive with a different USB cable or adapter if it has a detachable one. Since it also isn’t detected by the Xbox, the problem may be with the drive, its enclosure, or the cable rather than Windows. Avoid formatting or initializing it while you’re trying to recover the files.
If connecting the drive prevents Disk Management from opening, Windows may be waiting for the device to respond and timing out. Unplug it, let Windows start normally, and then check whether Device Manager refreshes or shows an unknown USB device when you reconnect it. You can also try a different computer, but don’t run repair, format, or partition commands until the data is backed up or recovered.
Because the drive contains important Xbox 360 mod files, data recovery should take priority over making it usable again. If it makes clicking noises, disconnects repeatedly, or is completely absent on multiple systems, stop testing it and consider professional recovery.
I tested the drive on an Xbox too, and it wasn’t recognized there either. I’m mainly trying to avoid losing the files on it.