The laptop does not see the bootable USB flash drive

The main use of computer technology is to process, store and move information in various formats. Over time, the amount of data increases, so special media are developed to store it. One such device is a flash drive, which provides quick storage and the ability to move data from various equipment.

In stores you can find various models that differ in appearance, memory capacity and cost. Select the appropriate option for ease of use. Modern versions of external drives are used for various purposes. They can be used when working with a computer, laptop, and when using special adapters, interaction with tablets and phones is possible. In our article we will look at the main problems when connecting a flash drive using a laptop as an example.

Why doesn't my laptop see the bootable USB flash drive?

Usually, when connecting removable storage media correctly, users do not have problems, and the equipment functions normally. However, in some cases, the laptop may simply not recognize the connected equipment. In this case, it is worth carefully diagnosing the system and finding out the source of the malfunction. Most often, problems can occur for the following reasons:

• Using an inappropriate storage format.It is worth checking compatibility in advance when choosing and purchasing; if necessary, you can purchase a special adapter for pairing equipment. But, as a rule, Windows does not have problems.
• Mechanical damage to the flash drive due to impact or water. If the integrity of the internal components is damaged, the removable media will not be recognized by the system.
• Failures in the computer's operating system can disable some capabilities, including recognition of connected equipment.
• Infection with software virus applications when downloading files from unofficial sources.
• A BIOS failure may also disable detection.
• Incorrect configuration by the user. In some cases, the cause may be the human factor.

Try to troubleshoot the problem yourself if possible. Often the problem is solved by restarting the computer and closing unnecessary programs.

Important! If the problem cannot be identified, or it is too complex, you should contact a specialized service center for help. Do not throw away your warranty; it will provide you with free assistance in diagnosing and troubleshooting problems.

How to view a flash drive if the laptop does not see it?

If you encounter a situation where the laptop does not recognize the flash drive, you should read the instructions and re-set up the work, and then reboot the system. If this does not help, you can refer to the BIOS settings. To do this, you need to use the following plan and perform simple manipulations:

1. Turn off your laptop or reboot it.
2. When the main boot menu and sound signal appear on the screen, press the F10, F9, Del key (depending on the device model) to enter Bios.
3. Among the suggested options, find “boot method”.
4. Use the arrows to select this section and activate the “boot from flash drive” value. In this case, all files and documents stored on the media will be downloaded automatically.
5. Open the desktop, go to the menu and operating parameters, make sure the connection is correct and check the quality and capabilities of various functions.

There are other ways to view data from external storage. For example, you can download data to disk using a special program via a computer, and then open all the data on a laptop.

Important! In some cases, to restore operation it is necessary to install special applications. If the data was not valuable, buy a new drive or change its format by moving the information electronically to another computer.

To quickly and comfortably work and download various data, use the following tips:

• Do not use a flash drive without antivirus enabled.
• Do not trust the drive to strangers; each device must have one user.
• Periodically remove unnecessary databases.
• Monitor the condition of the equipment, perform preventive diagnostics, cleaning and troubleshooting.