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Last update by William Davis at 9 June 2025

Summary
If files disappeared from your external hard drive, don’t worry. This authoritative guide covers simple checks and advanced recovery methods tailored for users, ensuring you safely restore files disappeared external hard drive cases efficiently.



Have you ever plugged in your external hard drive, ready to access an important file, only to find it’s gone? It’s a sinking feeling, but don’t panic—there are several reasons why files disappear from an external hard drive, and most of the time, you can get them back. Whether it’s a misplaced document, a deleted video, or a hidden folder, this guide will walk you through the best ways to recover files that disappeared from your external hard drive. We’ll also cover how to fix issues that cause files to keep vanishing, so you can prevent this headache in the future.

Thoroughly Check Your External Hard Drive for Disappeared Files

Before diving into complex recovery methods, let’s start with the basics. Sometimes, files that seem to have disappeared from your external hard drive are just misplaced in a different folder or hidden from view. A quick, careful check can save you a lot of trouble.
1. Plug your external hard drive into your computer.
2. Open File Explorer (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS) to view your drives.
Windows: Open File Explorer by typing “This PC” in the Start menu or clicking its desktop shortcut.
macOS: Open Finder, locate your external hard drive in the sidebar under “Devices.”
3. Configure Windows File Explorer or Finder(macOS) to show Hidden items.
Windows: In File Explorer, go to the “View” tab, check “Hidden items”, or use the search bar to find files by name.
Solving the Issue: SD Card Says Full But Nothing on It - Rene.E Laboratory
macOS: In Finder, press Command + Shift + . (period) to reveal hidden files and folders.
4. Locate your external hard drive in the list, click it, and browse through each folder manually. If you know the file name, use the search bar to find it faster.
find files in Windows 11
Take your time to explore every folder—sometimes files are saved in unexpected places. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, it’s time to try more advanced recovery techniques.

How to Recover Files That Disappeared from Your External Hard Drive

If a thorough search doesn’t turn up your missing files, don’t worry—there are reliable ways to recover files that have disappeared from your external hard drive. Below, we’ve outlined the most effective methods, starting with a versatile solution and moving to more specific fixes if needed.
Important Tip: Stop using your external hard drive immediately. Adding new files could overwrite the data you’re trying to recover, making it impossible to retrieve.

Method 1: Use Professional Data Recovery Software to Retrieve Disappeared Files

When manual searches fail, professional data recovery software becomes your most reliable option. For comprehensive file recovery from external hard drives, Renee Undeleter stands out as a powerful solution that can help you retrieve lost or deleted files with remarkable efficiency.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 11,10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8+.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

This professional data recovery tool offers a user-friendly interface while maintaining high success rates for file recovery. What makes it particularly effective for external hard drive recovery is its ability to find and recover around 400 different file formats, even after data has been overwritten. The software combines signature scanning with file system-based recovery, supporting all major Windows file systems, making it ideal for retrieving files that haven’t been completely overwritten but have simply been misplaced or corrupted.
Here’s how to use Renee Undeleter to recover your disappeared files:
Step 1: Download, install and run Renee Undeleter on your Windows computer.
Step 2: Select the [ Fast Partition Scan ] option in the main interface.
Important: Avoid installing the software on the same disk containing the data you want to recover. This prevents data overwriting. Also, refrain from saving new data to the same disk partition after discovering missing files to avoid further damage or complete loss.
Renee Undeleter, select Fast Partition Scan
Understanding the Data Recovery Features
Fast Partition Scan: Perfect for recovering files from accidental deletions or recycle bin clearance on your external hard drive.
Whole Partition Scan: Ideal for restoring files from inaccessible or formatted partitions.
Whole Disk Scan: Provides comprehensive disk analysis for thorough partition information scanning.
Image Creation: Allows you to generate a partition mirror image for backup purposes before recovery.
Step 3: Next, select the partition where the lost data is located, and click [ Next ] .
Choose your external hard drive from the list of available partitions. This step is crucial as it determines which part of your storage device will be scanned for missing files.
select partition to scan for fast partition scan 
Step 4: Select the [ Fast Scan ] option and click the [ Next ] button to scan.
The Fast Scan mode efficiently scans the initial 30GB of available space on your chosen external hard drive. If your desired files aren’t found during this quick scan, you can switch to Deep Scan mode for a more thorough examination of the entire hard disk partition, though this will require additional time.
Select Fast scan in Fast Partition Scan 
Step 5: Wait for the scan to complete
Once the scanning process finishes, you can preview files by double-clicking them to ensure they’re intact. Select the files you need to recover by checking the boxes next to them, then click the [ Recover ] button to save the files to a different disk location.
preview before recovery 
Recovery Tips: Always select a different disk (not your external hard drive) when choosing the recovery destination to prevent overwriting existing data. If the quick scan doesn’t locate all your necessary files, try the deep scan mode for a comprehensive search.
Using professional software like Renee Undeleter significantly increases your chances of successful file recovery from external hard drives. Remember, the sooner you act after discovering missing files, the higher your chances of complete recovery become.

Method 2: Check the Recycle Bin for Disappeared Files

When files disappear from an external hard drive with an NTFS or ReFS file system, they might just be sitting in the Recycle Bin. When you delete files from these drives, they’re moved to a hidden $RECYCLE.BIN folder on the drive itself, which you can access via the desktop Recycle Bin. Note that this doesn’t work for FAT32 or exFAT drives.

Windows

1. Connect your external hard drive to your computer.
2. Open the Recycle Bin from your desktop.
Windows Recycle Bin
3. Look for files deleted from your external hard drive—they’ll appear alongside other deleted files.
Restore PPT files from recycle bin
4. Right-click the file you want and select “Restore” to return it to its original location.

macOS

1. Connect your external hard drive.
2. Open the Trash from the Dock.
Trash in MacOS
3. Look for files deleted from the external drive.
4. Drag files back to their original location or right-click and select “Put Back.”
If the Recycle Bin or Trash is empty (maybe you cleared it), try data recovery software like Renee Undeleter to dig deeper for your disappeared files.

How to Fix an External Hard Drive When Files Keep Disappearing

If you’ve recovered your files but they keep disappearing from your external hard drive, there’s likely an underlying issue with the drive itself. This could be due to file system errors, hardware issues, or malware. Below, we’ve outlined the top fixes to stop files from disappearing again. Before trying these, ensure you’ve recovered and backed up your important files, as some fixes could lead to data loss.

Fix #1: Run CHKDSK to Fix File System Errors Causing Files to Disappear

File system errors, like cross-linked files or mismatches, can make files disappear from your external hard drive. Windows’ CHKDSK tool can scan and repair these issues, but be cautious—it might delete or corrupt files during the process, so back up first.
Here’s how to run CHKDSK:
1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing “cmd” in the Windows search bar and selecting “Run as administrator.”
Windows 11, run cmd as administrator
2. Type chkdsk x: /f (replace “x” with your drive letter) and press Enter. The /f command fixes file system errors.
Run CMD and type CHKDSK command
3. Wait for the scan and repair to finish. This could take a while, depending on your drive’s size and condition.
CHKDSK command results 
If you suspect bad sectors, use chkdsk x: /r instead, but this takes longer as it checks the entire drive surface.

Fix #2: Run the Hardware Troubleshooter for External Hard Drive Issues

Hardware problems, like a faulty connection or a failing drive, could cause files to disappear from your external hard drive. Windows’ Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter can help diagnose these issues.
Here’s how to run it:
1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (type “cmd” in the search bar, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
2. Type msdt. exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.
Run device diagnostic from CMD 
3. Follow the troubleshooter’s prompts to diagnose and fix any hardware issues.

Fix #3: Scan for Viruses That Hide Files on Your External Hard Drive

Viruses or malware can hide or delete files, making them seem to disappear from your external hard drive. Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus, is a good starting point for scanning and removing threats.
Here’s how to run a scan:
1. Open the Start Menu and go to Settings.
2. Click “Privacy & Security,” then select “Windows Security.”
3. Under “Virus & threat protection,” click “Scan options.”
4. Choose “Full scan” and click “Scan now” to check your external hard drive for malware.
For tougher threats, consider trusted third-party antivirus software for a deeper scan.

Fix #4: Format the Drive to Stop Files Disappearing from Your External Hard Drive

If none of the above fixes work and files keep disappearing, your drive might have severe file system corruption that CHKDSK can’t resolve. Formatting the drive rebuilds the file system from scratch, but it erases everything, so ensure you’ve recovered and backed up your files first.
To format your drive:
1. Right-click your external hard drive in File Explorer and select “Format.”
Windows format volume/partition
2. Keep the default settings (or uncheck “Quick Format” for a deeper scan of bad sectors) and click “Start.”

Conclusion

Files disappearing from an external hard drive can happen for many reasons—accidental deletion, hidden files, viruses, or hardware issues. The methods above, from checking the Recycle Bin to using tools like Renee Undeleter, should help you recover your files and fix the root cause. To prevent future issues, always eject your drive properly, keep antivirus software updated, and back up your files regularly.

FAQ: Files Disappeared from External Hard Drive

How do I recover files that disappeared from my external hard drive?

To recover files that disappeared from your external hard drive, try these steps:

- Check the Recycle Bin or Trash for deleted files.

- Show hidden files in File Explorer or Finder.

- Scan for malware using Windows Defender or third-party antivirus software.

- Use data recovery software like Renee Undeleter to retrieve lost files.

Why do files disappear from my external hard drive?

Files can disappear from an external hard drive due to accidental deletion, file system errors, malware infections, improper ejection, or hardware issues like power surges or physical damage. The chances of recovery depend on the cause and whether new data has overwritten the files.

How do I find missing folders on my external hard drive?

To locate missing folders on your external hard drive:

- Use the search bar in File Explorer or Finder.

- Enable “Show hidden items” in folder settings.

- Restore from a backup if available.

- Use data recovery software to scan for lost folders.

What should I do if files disappeared from my external hard drive but are still taking up space?

If files are missing but still occupying space:

- Enable “Hidden items” in File Explorer to reveal hidden files.

- Run CHKDSK to fix file system errors.

- Use a disk cleanup tool to clear unnecessary data.

- As a last resort, format the drive after recovering your files.

Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 11,10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8+.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

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