‘D’ Drive Suddenly Missing in Windows? 8 Ways to Fix It

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Is your D Drive mysteriously disappearing from your Windows system? It can be quite unsettling, especially if you rely on that drive for storing important files or applications.
This issue can stem from various causes, including software glitches, driver problems, or hardware malfunctions.

Users who have their ‘D’ drive missing, sometimes also get an issue named “Local Device Name is Already in Use”.
In addition to that, people who use OneDrive actively, can get a OneDrive.exe Bad Image error, 0xc0000020.

Fortunately, there are several simple and effective methods to resolve this issue and restore your missing drive. In this guide, we’ll explore various solutions ranging from basic troubleshooting to more advanced techniques.

TRY IT NOW: Quick Tips to Solve the D Drive Missing in Windows 10 or 11

1. Restart your system

Start by restarting your computer to resolve minor software issues and refresh the system. This simple step can help your operating system recognize the missing drive.

2. Execute DISM and SFC scans

System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) scans can repair corrupted system files that may cause the drive to disappear.

• Open “Command Prompt” as an administrator.
• Type sfc /scannow and press ‘Enter’. Wait for the scan to complete.
• After the SFC scan, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press ‘Enter’.
• Allow the scan to finish.

3. Remove any CD or DVD drive from your PC

Sometimes, having a CD or DVD in the drive can interfere with the detection of other drives. Eject any CD or DVD from your computer’s optical drive. Restart your PC.

8 Ways to Fix Drive Missing Issue in Windows 10 or 11

4 Quick & Easy Solutions to Fix ‘D’ Drive Missing Issue in Windows

If the general tips did not resolve the issue, start with these quick solutions:

Solution 1: Rescan the Disks using Disk Management 

Fix Drive Now Advanced SystemCare will automatically fix your Windows "D" drive errors and other PC glitches that might lead to the issue.

Rescanning disks can force the system to detect the missing drive. Follow these steps:

  • Press the ‘Windows + S’ keys, type “Disk Management” and open it.
Type Disk Management
  • In the “Disk Management” window, select the “Actions” option from the menu bar.
  • From the list, choose “Rescan Disks” to re-identify all connected drives and devices.
Click Rescan disks
  • After completing these steps, check if the “D drive” appears in the “Disk Management” options.

Solution 2: Update Disk Drivers 

Outdated or corrupt drivers can lead to issues like the D drive becoming inaccessible or even disappearing altogether. To fix this, update your device drivers.

  • Press the ‘Win + S’ keys and type “Device Manager”. From there, find “Disk Drives”.
Type device manager
  • Expand “Disk Drives”, then right-click on the hard disk, and select the option to “Update driver”.
Update driver for Disk drives
  • The system will automatically update the driver. Afterward, check to see if your local D drive is still missing.

Solution 3: Unhide Drives

You can also attempt to unhide the D drive if it has disappeared from your Windows 11 or 10. Here’s how:

  • Press the ‘Windows key + R’ to open the “Run” dialogue, then type “gpedit.msc” and press ‘Enter’ to access the “Local Group Policy Editor”.
Type gpedit
  • Navigate to “Computer Configuration”, select “Administrative Templates” and then “Windows Components”. Look for “File Explorer” in the right window and double-click on it.
Computer Configuration > File Explorer
  • Find the option labeled “Hide these specified drives in My Computer”, right-click on it, and select “Edit”.
Click Edit on Hide these specified drives in My Computer
  • Make sure that the option “Not Configured “is selected. Then, click “Apply” and “OK” to confirm the changes.
Select Not Configured

Solution 4: Assign a New Drive Letter 

Assigning a new letter to the missing drive can also help resolve the issue. Here’s how to do it:

  • Press the keys ‘Win + R’ to open the “Run” dialogue box.
  • In the dialogue box, type “diskmgmt.msc” and press ‘Enter’ to open the Disk Management utility.
Type diskmgmt.msc
  • Look for the disappeared drive, right-click on it, and select “Change Drive Letter and Paths” from the dropdown menu.
Change drive letter and paths
  • In the window that appears, click “Change” to assign a drive letter. Then, choose a new letter from the dropdown menu and click “OK”.
Assign new letter to Drive D
  • Confirm the changes by clicking “Yes”.

4 Advanced Solutions to Solve ‘D’ Drive Not Showing Up in Windows 10 or 11

If your D drive is missing after trying all the quick fixes, please attempt the below advanced solutions.

Adv. Solution 1: Disconnect and Reconnect the Local Disk D 

Fix Drive Now Advanced SystemCare will automatically fix your Windows "D" drive errors and other PC glitches that might lead to the issue.

An issue with a port or a broken cable can occasionally be the reason for the D drive missing error or the D drive constantly disappearing and reappearing. Physically disconnecting and reconnecting the drive can resolve connection issues.

Use a different cable or port
  • Simply use a different cable or port to reconnect the D drive, then check it. 

Or 

  • Shut down your computer. You can remove local disk D and place it in a USB-equipped hard drive enclosure. Later, check whether the d drive is restored.

Adv. Solution 2: Diagnose Local Disk D in Safe Mode

Let’s check if your local hard drive appears in the BIOS. If it doesn’t, we’ll troubleshoot in Safe Mode.

  • Restart your computer and press the ‘F8 key’ repeatedly while it boots up. Choose the “Enable Safe Mode with Networking” option.
Select Enable Safe Mode with Networking
  • Once in Safe Mode, open the “Command Prompt” as an administrator.
  • Execute the following commands one by one:
    sfc /scannow
    chkdsk /f /r
Type sfc /scannow
Type chkdsk /f /r
  • If prompted to schedule chkdsk for the next system restart, type “Y” to confirm.

These steps can help diagnose and fix issues with your local hard drive.

Adv. Solution 3: Use System Restore

Using the system restore will take you back to a point where your D drive works. Here’s how to do it:

Open the ‘Start’ menu, type “System Restore”, and click the “Create a restore point”.

Type System Restore
  • Choose “System Protection” from the top, then select “System Restore”.
Choose System Protection then System Restore
  • Pick the restore point you want and click “Next” then “Finish” to undo recent changes and restore your Windows 11/10 so that the D drive is usable again.
  • Once started, don’t interrupt the process. Your device will restart when it’s done. Make sure to close all programs before running the “system restore”.

Adv. Solution 4: Replace Hard Drive (last resort option)

Replace Hard Drive

If even the system restore didn’t solve the error, the hard drive could be physically damaged, and replacing it might be necessary. Consult a professional technician to replace the hard drive.

Tips to Prevent Local Disk ‘D’ Missing Problem

Continuously Backup: Regular backups ensure you can recover data if your drive fails or goes missing. Use built-in tools like File History or third-party software to schedule regular backups. Store backups on external drives or cloud services.

Updated Drivers and System Files: Regularly update your Hardware Drivers and system files to avoid compatibility issues. 

Conclusion

By following the solutions mentioned above, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue of a missing D Drive in Windows and avoid it, ensuring your data remains safe and accessible.

Also, if you’re experiencing other issues like missing Taskbar, Menu or other UI elements — see here.
And once your D drive is discovered, you can also transfer files from your ‘C’ drive without any issues.

We really hope that one of the solutions fixed the problem for you.

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rmory tech
June 13, 2024 11:00 am

[…] great, the step 4 helped me fix it! […]

About the author
Joshua Hohendorf
Joshua Hohendorf - Author

Joshua is an author at WindowsFixHub.

His experience involves Product and Program Management with the knowledge and ability to get things done. Utilizing basic to advanced IT work such as setting up new networks, troubleshooting software, and computer maintenance.