Windows dows not recognise external SSD

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djchapple

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I have Windows 11 pro OS .

Until rtecently I have had a Crucial external SSD connected to mt Router, which I used for data trasnfer between several computers.

I have now dispensed with this method of sharing data and wish to use the external SSD on one of my Windowss 11 computers.

When I connect the external SSD to my computer the computer hangs, whether I am in Windows 11 or Command Mode.

The external SSD works OK when attached to the modem!

Is there any, not too complex or expensive solution?

Could I try Linux? I have a raspberry pi 4 I could set up?

Thank you
 
Solution
That is an excellent, step-by-step troubleshooting strategy for diagnosing SSD connection issues, especially when dealing with seemingly random freezes or unrecognized drives. Here’s a brief recap plus a couple of extra pointers:

1. Try Different Ports/Cables​

  • Use another USB port (preferably USB 3.0) or a powered USB hub to rule out power or port glitches.
  • Swap the USB cable if possible—bad cables are a common cause of intermittent connectivity.

2. Test on Another PC​

  • If the SSD works on a different Windows computer, the issue is likely with your original PC’s settings or drivers.

3. Check Disk Management​

  • On the PC, launch Disk Management...
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Thanks for the detailed info! Let’s break down what’s happening:
  • Your Crucial external SSD worked fine when connected to your router (as a networked drive).
  • When you connect it directly to your Windows 11 PC, the system hangs—even in Command Prompt/Recovery/Command Mode.
  • The SSD still works with the router but causes issues with direct USB connection to Windows.
Possible causes:
  1. File system or partitioning problem not natively supported by Windows.
  2. Power delivery issue with the USB port.
  3. Driver or hardware compatibility issue.
  4. Corrupt SSD partition or bad sectors confusing Windows.
Here are some steps you can try:

1. Try Different USB Ports & Cables​

  • Use all available USB ports (preferably USB 3.0 or higher), and try a different (ideally short, good quality) cable.

2. Check Disk Format (File System)​

Since it worked on your router, it may be formatted in a file system that Windows can’t read (e.g., ext4, exFAT, or something the router requires).

On Windows:​

  • Connect the SSD (even if it hangs—but if you get any response at all).
  • Open Device Manager—do you see a yellow exclamation or "Unknown device"?
  • Open Disk Management (Win + X → Disk Management) and look for the disk. Do you see the drive at all? Does it show as “Unallocated” or with a weird file system?

If Windows hangs completely and never detects it:​

  • Don’t keep plugging it in repeatedly—this suggests Windows is trying to mount or scan the file system and failing.

3. Boot from Another OS (Linux/Raspberry Pi)​

  • Connecting the SSD to a Raspberry Pi 4 running Linux (e.g., Raspberry Pi OS) is a good idea—Linux reads more file systems than Windows.
  • If the drive mounts fine under Linux, check the file system (lsblk -f or sudo fdisk -l).
  • You can copy the files off, reformat the drive as NTFS or exFAT (compatible with both Linux and Windows), and copy your data back.

4. Safe Data Recovery (if needed)​

If the drive does have corruption or an odd format, Linux’s data recovery tools (like ddrescue, testdisk, or even just copying in the GUI) are better for first aid.

Summary – What to Do Next​

  1. Check with a different port/cable.
  2. Try the drive in Disk Management on Windows—note what you see (take a screenshot if unsure!).
  3. If Windows is totally freezing, immediately proceed to connect the SSD to your Raspberry Pi.
    • If it mounts on Linux: copy your data, reformat the drive to NTFS/exFAT, and restore your data.
    • If not: let me know what errors you see.
There’s a high chance the file system is the issue here. Using your Pi is a smart, cost-free troubleshooting step! Let me know what you find out, and I can walk you through the next steps—or data recovery/formatting commands for either system if needed.
If you get stuck at any point or want specific instructions (e.g., on mounting in Linux or using data recovery tools), just tell me what you see, and I’ll guide you!
 
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First, try using a different USB port or cable—preferably a USB 3.0 port or a powered USB hub. Test the SSD on another Windows computer to see if the issue is specific to your PC. If your system doesn’t freeze, check Disk Management to see how the drive appears. You can also try connecting the SSD to your Raspberry Pi running Linux. If it works there, back up your data and consider reformatting the drive to exFAT or NTFS. Another option is to boot your PC from a Linux USB and check the drive outside of Windows. If Linux can read the SSD, it’s likely a Windows-related issue. Make sure to back up your files before reformatting.
 
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That is an excellent, step-by-step troubleshooting strategy for diagnosing SSD connection issues, especially when dealing with seemingly random freezes or unrecognized drives. Here’s a brief recap plus a couple of extra pointers:

1. Try Different Ports/Cables​

  • Use another USB port (preferably USB 3.0) or a powered USB hub to rule out power or port glitches.
  • Swap the USB cable if possible—bad cables are a common cause of intermittent connectivity.

2. Test on Another PC​

  • If the SSD works on a different Windows computer, the issue is likely with your original PC’s settings or drivers.

3. Check Disk Management​

  • On the PC, launch Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc). See if the SSD shows up as healthy, uninitialized, RAW, or with partition errors.

4. Check on Raspberry Pi/Linux​

  • Connect the SSD to a Raspberry Pi or any Linux device.
  • If Linux can read it, the file system (e.g., ext4, exFAT, NTFS) or a Windows driver may be the culprit.
  • Back up your data immediately from Linux if the drive is accessible.

5. Boot With a Linux USB​

  • Create a bootable Linux USB (Ubuntu or Mint work great).
  • Boot your PC from the Linux USB and check if the drive mounts and data is visible.
  • This helps confirm it’s not a hardware failure, but a Windows or file system issue.

6. Reformat (After Backup)​

  • If the SSD works under Linux but is problematic in Windows, back up your files and reformat the SSD to exFAT (cross-platform) or NTFS (best for Windows).
  • Always reformat only after you’ve safely copied your data elsewhere!

Extra Tips:​

  • Run diagnostics like SMART checks if your drive utility or BIOS/UEFI supports it.
  • Keep your SSD’s firmware updated.
  • For persistent Windows issues, update chipset/storage controllers and check Event Viewer for USB-related errors.
If you’ve uploaded logs or drive reports, let me know what you’re seeing—I can help interpret the results or walk you through next steps based on specific errors noted in Disk Management or your Linux test results!
 
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Solution
you can do this to know what is happening with you ssd. or ty this ssd to another computer
 
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