There is No Media in The Specified Device Error Fixed

Experiencing the frustrating "There is No Media in The Specified Device" error? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Dive into this comprehensive guide to uncover multiple methods to fix this issue and get your device back up and running smoothly.

Sebastian

By Sebastian Updated on August 29, 2024

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Diskpart No Media Error

“I have a Kingston USB drive that seems not working well so I decided to reformat it completely. Run Diskpart as administrator and input these commands: list disk > select disk 1 (where 1 is my Kingston drive) > clean. I got this error: Virtual Disk Service error: There is no media in the device. It does not allow me to run format commands as well. What should I do to get rid of this issue?”

– Microsoft Community

 

Dealing with the "There is No Media in the Specified Device" error when trying to access your USB drive, SD card, or other storage devices? You're not alone—it’s a common issue caused by anything from hardware glitches to corrupted file systems. But don't worry!

Clean There is no media in the device

In this guide, we’ll walk you through several ways to fix the problem and recover access to your important data. Whether you're new to this or have experienced troubleshooting, you'll find simple, step-by-step solutions to get your device working again. Let’s get started and solve this issue quickly!

Symptoms and Causes of the Error

You're not alone if you've encountered the dreaded no media in the device USB error. This message can appear when trying to access a USB drive, SD card, or other storage device. But why does this error occur? There are several symptoms and potential reasons:

Symptoms:
• An error message pops up when trying to access a USB drive, SD card, or other storage device.
• The device is not recognized or detected by the computer.
• Unable to access or open files stored on the device.
• Disk Management utility shows the device as "No Media" or "Unknown" status.
• File Explorer displays the device with 0 bytes of storage capacity.
• The device appears to be empty or inaccessible despite containing data.

Causes:
• Corrupted or damaged file system on the storage device.
• Physical damage to the storage device or its connection port.
• Outdated or faulty device drivers on the computer.
• Malware or virus infection affecting the storage device.
• Improper ejection or removal of the storage device without safely ejecting it.

Fear not! In the following sections, we'll explore multiple methods to troubleshoot and resolve this error, allowing you to regain access to your valuable data.

Solutions for "There is No Media in the Specified Device" Error

Before opting for professional repair, try these simple steps to fix the "Virtual Disk Service error: There is no media in the device" or "There is no media in the specified device" error on your USB drive:

💡 Tip: Start by checking your USB connection. Try switching to a different USB port, using a rear port instead of a front one, or plugging the USB into another computer to see if the issue persists.

Solution 1: Rescan Your Device

This method is the simplest one and is often used as a cause of poor contact with equipment at times. And it could be the reason why it shows no media for USB drives. So, You can try it before you do anything else.

1: Follow Start >> Disk Management.

2: Find Action >> Rescan Disks.

Rescan Disks

3: Check if the drive is there in Disk Management. If not, restart the computer and repeat this instruction to check it again.

Solution 2: Update or Reinstall Device Driver

This also could be due to outdated or corrupted device drivers. Updating or reinstalling the device driver can often resolve this issue. Below are the steps to update or reinstall the device driver.

Update Device Driver:

1: Follow Start >> Device Manager.

2: Go to Disk Drives, choose your drive, and click Update Driver.

3: Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

Update Driver

Reinstall Device Drive:

1: Go to Disk Drives >>  Uninstall Device Instead.

2: Restart your computer, and check if this driver is reinstalled automatically.

3: Repeat the instruction of Method 1 to see if it is scanned.

Solution 3: Scan and Repair Using File Explorer

If an error like There is No Media in The Specified Device keeps happening, it could indicate file system corruption on the storage device. Scanning and repairing the device using File Explorer can help resolve this issue. Follow the steps below to perform this method:

1: Open File Explorer and right-click on the target drive.

2: Follow Properties >> Tools >> Check.

Disk Check

3: There are two options for you to check: Automatically fix file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors. Tap them both and click Start.

Solution 4: Use Third-Party Software to Wipe Disk

If you're still facing the "There is No Media in the Specified Device" error, you may need to completely wipe the USB drive. This process will erase everything on the drive, resolving the issue. A great tool for this is AOMEI Backupper Professional, which provides a safe and easy way to securely wipe data.

User-friendly: The software has an intuitive interface, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Multiple Functions: Beyond wiping disks, it offers features like backup, restore, clone, and syncing. It's a good idea to back up your data before wiping the device.
Custom Wipe Options: You can choose to erase the entire disk, specific partitions, or even unallocated space.
Wide Compatibility: It works with all kinds of storage devices—USB drives, external or internal hard drives, SSDs, SD cards, etc.
Windows Support: It supports all versions of Windows, from XP to Windows 11.

Before the Disk Wipe task:

If you don’t want to lose your data from our device, it's advisable to create a file backup before proceeding with the wipe. Ensure that you connect your USB drive to your computer correctly.

FREE Download Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

1: Install and open this tool, and click Tools >> Disk Wipe.

Tools Disk Wipe

2: Select Wipe disk to delete all partitions and sectors, and click Next.

Choose Wipe Disk

3: Choose the USD drive and continue to tap Next.

Wipe Data Select Disk

4: Select the first wiping method: Fill sectors with Zero. Tap Start to begin the task.

Wipe Method

Note:
For higher security levels, you may use the other three wiping methods: Fill sectors with random data, DoD 5220.22-M, and Gutmann. The more complicated the method is, the longer time the wipe process will take.
After wiping, your device will become an unallocated space. To continue using it, you can use Disk Management to create a new simple volume on it.

FAQs About the No Media in the Device Error

Q 1: Is it possible to recover data from a media displaying this error?

A 1: In some cases, data recovery may be possible using specialized software or services. However, You still need to have a previous backup to achieve this. That is why it is important to have an automatic backup software.

Q 2: Are there any preventive measures to avoid encountering this error in the future?

A 2: To minimize the risk of encountering this error, always safely eject external media before removing them from your computer, regularly update device drivers, and avoid using damaged or unreliable media.

Q 3: What should I do if none of these solutions work?

A 3: If all methods fail, it might be time to consult a professional data recovery service, as physical damage may require specialized tools and expertise for data retrieval.

Three Expert Tips to Avoid 'No Media' Errors

  1. Safely Eject Devices: Always safely remove external devices from your computer to prevent partition corruption.
  2. Keep Backups: Regularly back up your critical data to prevent permanent loss in case of device failure.
  3. Monitor Device Health: Use monitoring tools to check the health of external drives and address any issues before they worsen.

Conclusion

The There is No Media in The Specified Device error can be troublesome when you try to access your USB drive, SD card, or other storage devices. But with the methods outlined in this article, you have various solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Whether it's updating device drivers, scanning and repairing the device in File Explorer, or using AOMEI Backupper for disk wiping, you have options to address the problem effectively. Remember to consider the symptoms and causes, try different methods, and consult the FAQs if needed.

By following these steps, you can overcome this error and regain access to your media devices. If you encounter persistent issues or require further assistance, don't hesitate to seek professional help. With patience and persistence, you can resolve the There is No Media in The Specified Device error and ensure smooth operation of your devices.

Sebastian
Sebastian · Editor
Sebastian, a professional editor at AOMEI, brings personal product experience and a user-focused mindset to solve data protection issues. With valuable technical insights and a dedication to user experience, he simplifies complex concepts and provides reliable solutions. Sebastian's expertise and skills make him an invaluable resource for readers seeking technical guidance.