Extreme Portable SSD Not Recognized on Windows 11

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I recently upgraded to Windows 11 and now my SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is not being recognized by my system. I’ve tried different USB ports and cables, but it still doesn’t show up in File Explorer. I’ve also checked Device Manager, but the SSD doesn’t appear there either. I’ve verified that the SSD works on other devices running Windows 10. https://19216801.pro/
Has anyone else encountered this issue after upgrading to Windows 11? Are there any specific drivers or updates needed for compatibility with the new OS?

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Hi @anarose192,

Have you checked our knowledge base articles?
(Get Support for Your SSDs and Flash Products | SanDisk)

Try this.

Have you opened a Support Case?
If not, contact SanDisk Technical Support for assistance.
(Contact Support | SanDisk)

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This is a common issue for SSDs. SanDisk has released a firmware update for the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD for compatibility with Windows 11. You can download the firmware update from the SanDisk website. You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the SSD’s drivers. If all else fails, you can try installing the SSD. This will erase all data on the SSD, so be sure to back up any important files before continuing.

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How can you install the firmware if the drive isn’t recognised? I’m trying to get a SanDisk PRO-G40 4Tb SSD installed.

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Exactly. I can’t do anything with it since the system doesn’t know it exists. Changed cable to a known working cable, changed ports - again known working port, rebooted computer. About ready to scrap it and ship it back.

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Have you looked for any specific drivers or firmware updates from SanDisk for Windows 11?

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I was able to get my G-Drive working on Windows 11 by reformatting the G-Drive itself using the step-by-step instructions offered on this Sandisk support article:

Steps to Format SanDisk Professional External Drives For Windows

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If your SSD isn’t showing up in Windows, it could be due to several reasons, like a corrupted file system, a loose connection, or outdated drivers. Since you’ve ruled out connection issues, the problem is likely with your computer. This blog walks you through various troubleshooting steps—I suggest giving them a try one by one.

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There are many ways to fix this problem. You have mentioned that Windows 11 cannot recognize your SanDisk SSD after upgrading from Win 10 to Win 11; maybe it will be helpful to update SSD driver in Windows 11 in the Device Manager.
If it’s not helpful, try :

  1. Change the drive letter
  2. Initialize SSD
  3. Format SSD
  4. Change BIOS settings
  5. Professional help
    Here’s a detailed guide.
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I can appreciate how annoying it must be to have your SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD not work with Windows 11, particularly if it has important files on it. Rest assured, this is a typical problem that is frequently resolved with a few troubleshooting techniques. There are multiple reasons why SSD is not detected. If you are using outdated or missing USB/SSD drivers. Sometimes, SSDs do not show because of connection or cable issues.

Check Basic Connections

  • Use a different cable or try plugging your SSD into a different USB port.
  • To check if it works, plug it into a different computer.

Update or Reinstall Drivers

  • Select Start > Device Manager > Disk Drives with a right-click.
  • Find your SSD and use the right-click menu to update the driver.
  • Reinstall USB drivers and look under Universal Serial Bus Controllers if it’s not visible.

Assign a Drive Letter

  • To access Disk Management, press Win + X > Disk Management.
  • If there isn’t a letter on the SSD, right-click → Change Drive Letter and Paths → Give a fresh letter.

Run Hardware & Disk Troubleshooter

  • Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  • Run the hardware troubleshooter.

Check Disk for Errors

  • Right-click the SSD in File Explorer → Properties > Tools > Check if it is visible but won’t open.

You can use a trustworthy program like BLR Tools Data Recovery Software if the SSD is still not recognized. It assists you in scanning, fixing, and retrieving data from Windows 11 SSDs that are not recognized or that are corrupted. Don’t format the SSD until you’ve tried recovery software if your data is important.