Disk Unknown Not Initialized? Here are 4 Powerful Solutions to Fix It!

4. Partitions that “Lose Identity”

• Virus attacks like data hijackers: Some special viruses are designed to ruffle partition tables, creating a home-like disk with no address.
• Rushed formatting process: Shutting down the PC during the formatting process is like tearing up a notebook in the middle of writing – the result? Chaos!

How to Fix Unknown Disk Not Initialized: A Step-by-Step Guide Proven to Work!

Your disk is suddenly unreadable and shows a status of “Unknown Not Initialized”? Don’t panic! Facing a disk that isn’t recognized by Windows can feel like a nightmare, especially if it contains important data that hasn’t been backed up. However, don’t rush to give up.

This problem can be fixed with a few simple steps. Here are the proven step-by-step solutions to restore your disk to normal condition:

Solution 1: Check the SATA/USB Cable Connection – A Frequently Missed 5-Minute Solution!

“Why did the disk suddenly disappear?” Before rushing to complicated solutions, check the cable connection! 40% of disk unreadability problems turn out to be just because the cable is loose or damaged.

For Internal Disks:

1. Turn off the PC and open the case.
2. Check the SATA/IDE cable connected to the motherboard and hard drive.
3. Make sure the cable is firmly attached and not loose.
4. If the cord looks damaged or worn, replace it with a new one.
5. Avoid the cable being crowded with other components, as this can interfere with the signal.

For external disks:

1. Try a different USB port (avoid the hub USB port if possible).
2. Replace the USB cable; cables that are often disassembled are prone to damage.
3. Test on another PC/laptop to confirm if the problem is on your disk or system.

Solution 2: Update the Disk Driver – Make Windows “Familiar” with Your Hard Drive Again

If the cable has been checked but the disk is still unreadable, there may be a problem with the driver. Windows sometimes fails to recognize disks due to outdated or corrupt drivers.

Driver Update Steps (Only 2 Minutes!):

1. Press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and then press Enter (open Device Manager).
2. Find the category “Disk drives”, and then right-click on the problematic disk.
3. Select “Update driver” → “Search automatically for driver”.
4. Wait for the process to finish, then restart the PC.

If Windows doesn’t find the update, try downloading the latest driver manual from the disk manufacturer’s website.

For NVMe SSDs, make sure the NVMe Controller driver is also updated.

Solution 3: Reinitialize the Disk – “Reset” Your Hard Drive

“Disk Unknown Not Initialized” still appears? It’s time to give your disk an “ID card” via reinitialization! But be careful – this will delete all data if the disk has been used before.

Secure Disk Initialization Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and then press Enter (open Disk Management).
2. Look for disks with the status “Unknown” and “Not Initialized”.
3. Right-click on the disk → select “Initialize Disk”.
4. Select the partition table:
   • MBR (Master Boot Record) → Suitable for disks<2TB or those that will be used on older Windows.
   • GPT (GUID Partition Table) → More modern, suitable for disks>2TB or used on UEFI systems.
5. Click OK and wait for the process to complete.

Solution 4: Save Data & Disk Format – The Last Step If All Else Fails

Disk still unreadable after initialization? Maybe the partition is severely damaged. But don’t worry, your data may still be salvageable!

Data Recovery + Format Steps:

1. Use Recovery Software (e.g., EaseUS Data Recovery, Recuva, or Disk Drill):

• Install the software → Select the problematic disk → Scan.
• Save the recovered data to another drive!

2. Once the data is safe, the disk format:

• Open Disk Management → Right-click → Format disk.
• Select the file system:
  • NTFS → For Windows (support large files >4GB).
  • exFAT → If you want to be compatible with Mac/Linux as well.
• Name the volume & click OK.