How to Fix an Unreadable Flash Drive and How to Take Care of It

Flash drive is an object that is quite important when needed. Flash drive is often used to store important files. Such as presentation documents or documents that need to be printed as soon as possible. The flash size is small and slim, making it a favourite choice in terms of transferring files. With its size, it makes the flash drive easy to carry anywhere. However, because of its small size, it makes the flash prone to problems.

It will be a complicated problem if the flash drive containing important data is damaged or cannot be read by the computer. Before assuming that the flash has been damaged, it's good to try the method below. Here are some ways to deal with an unreadable flash and tips for caring for it.

1. Check the condition of the flash drive via Disk Management

Disk Management is usually used to manage disk partitions on a computer. However, you can also use disk management to check your flash drive.

Disk manager can detect new disk devices on the computer. On a flash drive with normal conditions, disk management will detect it as a new disk and the capacity and memory used.

To check the state of your flash drive, first, of course, you have to plug your flash drive into the available port. Then right-click Start in the lower-left corner, then select Disk Management.

You can also use windows run by pressing the Windows + R shortcut key, then typing "diskmgmt.msc", then click ok.

If detected, generally, your flash is located at the bottom itself as "Removable".

If disk management can read your flash, but the flash is not in the file explorer. You can select format options by right-clicking and selecting "Format". This will indeed delete all the files on the flash. However, this method is the most powerful way.

2. Update drivers in Device Manager to Fix an Unreadable Flash Drive

The second way you can do this is to update the USB root hub driver. There is a high probability that the unreadable flash drive is caused by an outdated USB driver.

To do this, you can go directly to Device Manager by right-clicking on start and then selecting Device Manager. You can also open Device Manager via Windows run by pressing Windows key + R then type "devmgmt.msc".

If the Device Manager window is already open, you have two options. First, you can update the USB driver by looking for USB Root Hub, right-click and select "Update driver".

Second, you can uninstall the USB Root Hub by right-clicking and selecting "Uninstall Device". Then select “Search automatically for updated driver software” to download the latest drivers on the USB Root Hub.

You need to know that both require an internet connection. Wait a moment, and the flash driver will be automatically updated.

3. Make sure there is no dust on the head of the unreadable flash drive

The next way is a step that is quite trivial but needs to be considered. Today's flash drives mostly have a simple and futuristic design that doesn't have a lid. This makes the flash head vulnerable to dust. Excessive dust can reduce the readability of the computer.

Before trying the previous method, you can first check the head of the flash drive. You can use a small brush if there is dirt that is stuck. In addition, also use an eraser to clean the yellow part in the flash port.

4. Turn off the USB selective suspend feature

USB selective suspend is a battery-saving feature that helps save power by turning off the power of the USB port even if the flash drive is plugged in. If the flash is not detected, it could be that this one feature is in the active position.

To turn it off, you can directly right-click Start and select Power Options. The Power & sleep window will appear, then click “additional power settings” on the right side. Then, select Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings > USB settings > “USB selective suspend setting”. In the on battery and plugged-in section, all select Disabled.

5. Tips for taking care of the flash properly

Caring for a flash drive does not require a complicated thing. You just need a little attention to put the flash in the required condition. Here are some tips.

• Choose or buy a flash that has a lid. Make sure you always close the flash drive again after use.
• If you have a flash that doesn't have a lid, then make sure you put the flash in a clean and safe place from excessive dust.
• Avoid placing the flash in any place, especially the narrow ones and potentially containing a lot of small debris such as pants or shirt pockets.
• Always do "eject" when the flash will be unplugged from the laptop and when not in use, immediately remove the flash from the laptop.
• Avoid doing a flash drive defrag and stay away from the habit of running or editing files directly from the flash drive.
• Regularly back up important files on the flash as a precaution
• Perform regular virus and malware scans

That was a review on dealing with an unreadable flash and some tips for taking care of it properly. If you have other methods or tips to share, just write them in the comments column below. It may be useful!