USB Drive No Media | 4 Fixes in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7

Are you currently facing the "USB shows No Media in Disk Management" error on your computer?

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to fix similar problems and restore the functionality of your storage devices on your Windows computer without compromising any data. Follow the methods outlined below to resolve your issues effectively.

What does no media device mean?

Do you know what is a USB Drive No media error? When a removable disk is labeled as "No Media," Windows fails to recognize it and typically displays an error message stating, "There is no disk in the drive" or “Please insert a disk to USB drive”.

Additionally, when you check the drive status in DiskPart, it shows as "No Media 0 Bytes". Moreover, you will find USB flash drive not showing up; that is to say, you won't be able to access the drive from any other location on your PC.

Identifying the cause of the malfunction becomes challenging when Disk Management and DiskPart do not provide clear indications, necessitating the use of deductive reasoning.

Potential reasons for the "USB Drive No Media" error

Numerous factors can contribute to the improper functioning of a USB removable drive on a computer. It is important to exercise patience while troubleshooting these issues. Here are some possible causes that can lead to the "No Media" issue with your flash drive:

File system corruption: Corruption or damage to the drive's file system or Master Boot Record (MBR) can result in the USB displaying the "No Media" error. Moreover, a corrupted file system leads to RAW USB as well, forcing you to recover data from RAW USB drives. 

Loose connection: If the connection of the USB port becomes loose, it can cause the aforementioned issue. 

Outdated USB driver: Outdated or corrupted USB drivers on your PC can trigger this issue. 

Forceful removal: Abruptly removing the USB drive can lead to logical errors, subsequently causing a dead file system and this issue. 

Physical damage: Physical damage will lead to hard bad sectors, which can cause this problem as well as a corrupted/damaged USB drive. 

Malware or virus: Malware/virus infection can damage the USB drive unusable by changing/deleting the file system/MBR, etc.

How to recover data from corrupted USB drive showing no media?

Before attempting to fix the USB drive, it is advisable to recover any important data to avoid potential data loss. In this case, you might as well try using some USB recovery software to scan your files.

To thoroughly scan and recover media files and data from the USB drive, we recommend using MyRecover.

This specialized software can retrieve lost, hidden, and permanently deleted files from Windows PC hard drives, external hard drives, USB drives, and other devices with just a few clicks.

Follow these steps to recover your data using MyRecover:

• MyRecover offers a free version along with Monthly/Yearly/Lifetime subscriptions. Upgrading to MyRecover Pro/Tech allows for unlimited data recovery from any device.

Notes:✎...

Before initiating the data recovery process, stop using the USB drive, avoid adding new files, and refrain from reformatting. 

Ensure that the recovered data is saved in a different location than the original drive.

Step 1. Download and install the software, then connect your USB device to the PC > hover the mouse over the thumb device you have connected > click Scan.

Step 2. MyRecover will automatically execute a Quick Scan and Deep Scan to locate your lost and deleted files. During the scanning process, you can sort, filter, preview, and recover the data.

Step 3. The scanned files will be categorized by type. Select and choose the necessary files for restoration. We recommend saving the recovered files in a different location than the original drive.

How to resolve the “USB Drive No Media” issue?

Learn how to fix it when USB flash drive not showing up by following the feasible solutions provided below.

Solution 1: Change USB port/adapter/device

If your USB flash drive displays no media in Disk Management, try changing the USB port and reconnecting it to a different port on your PC.

• Safely unplug the USB from your computer > connect the USB flash drive to a different USB port on your PC.
• Change the adapter you use.
• Connect the USB to another computer device to see if the problem comes from the computer.
• Check if Disk Management detects the USB flash drive as a normal removable disk.

Solution 2: Update the USB driver

Outdated or corrupt drivers can also cause the "No Media" problem on USB drives, but they can be easily resolved.

Windows supports updating automatically within the Microsoft. If that doesn't resolve the issue, you may need to download the latest driver directly from the manufacturer's website.

>> Right-click the Windows Start menu and select Device Manager > locate the connected USB flash drive and choose Update Driver.

This also can be a solution when you find Windows 10 keeps restarting after upgrade.

Solution 3: Give a new drive letter to the USB

Sometimes, a simple method can solve complex problems in Windows. If you haven't been able to resolve the "No Media" issue with the USB drive, changing the drive letter might do the trick.

Step 1. Connect the USB drive and press Win+R to open the Run window > type "diskmgmt.msc" > click OK.

Step 2. Locate the drive containing the deleted GPT partition, right-click on it, and select Change Drive Letter and Paths.

Step 3. Click Add on the lower-left part of the panel and choose an unused drive letter. Click OK to confirm.

Solution 4: Format the USB Drive

If the previously mentioned solutions fail to resolve the "No Media" issue on your USB drive, formatting it may be necessary.

Formatting the drive will erase all data, so it's crucial to back up USB files before proceeding.

Step 1. Right-click the Windows Start menu and select Disk Management.

Step 2. Right-click the USB and choose Format. Specify the desired file system, such as exFAT or FAT32.

Remember, formatting will erase all data on the drive, so ensure that you have a backup if possible.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have presented effective troubleshooting methods for resolving the “USB Drive No Media” error in Disk Management. These methods include checking the connection, updating the USB driver, assigning a drive letter, and fixing USB errors through disk formatting.

If you have tried all the troubleshooting methods provided here and are still notice that USB flash drive not showing up, consider exploring additional info below for further assistance.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions and the detailed answers for you.