How to Fix External Hard Drive Too Slow to Open Files?

There’s no doubt we heavily depend on external hard drives to store and access our crucial information. However, it can be frustrating and time-wasting when they become slow and unresponsive.

Some reasons that may cause a slow external hard drive include outdated drivers, insufficient power supply, fragmented data, and even hardware issues. This guide will show you how to fix these problems.

Let’s begin. 

How To Fix Slow External Hard Drive

If you want to speed up external hard drive transfer, check the following solutions. However, before you proceed with any of the methods, back up your files to ensure you don’t lose any data. When you’re done, proceed with the solutions below:

Solution 1: Check for Hardware Issues

Hardware issues can cause your external hard drive to run slow. You can check if that’s your problem by searching for any damage on the external hard drive case.

If you find any damage, you can replace the case and check if it’s working properly. You can also check if the drive’s LED light is blinking. If it’s not working, you may have to send the drive for repair.

Furthermore, check for any damages on the external hard disk chips. Send the drive to a repair shop if any chips are broken. 

Solution 2: Defrag and Optimize Drive Performance

Poor computer performance can slow down how quickly your external hard disk loads. The Disk Defragmentation program can improve your drive’s overall performance and loading speed.

This program combines fragmented data to help your external hard disk drive run more efficiently. Use the following process to defragment your external drive:

• Connect your external hard drive, type defrag, and click Run as administrator.

• Select your hard disk drive and click Optimize.

The fastest way to defrag the external drive is to use the Auslogics BoostSpeed’s Disk Defrag. The program uses advanced algorithms to analyze the external drive and use the best approach to defragment the files. 

Related: Auslogics Disk Defrag: Best Defragmenter for Windows!

After the disk defragmentation, reboot your computer, connect your external drive, and check if it’s working faster.

Related: How to Speed Up a Hard Drive Performance on Windows

Solution 3: Update Device Drivers

One effective way to fix external hard drive is to update your drivers. Luckily, solutions are available that streamline and simplify the driver update process. Auslogics Driver Updater is one such tool.

This user-friendly tool makes it simple for you to update your drivers. It gives you a thorough list of every device on your system, making it simpler for you to recognize them. 

Auslogics Driver Updater updates any out-of-date or in-need-of-update drivers. Furthermore, it fixes any problems with these devices and, if necessary, installs any missing drivers. 

Related: Auslogics Driver Updater: New Drivers in One Click!

Solution 4: Scan for Malware and Viruses

When your external hard drive is slow, it’s always recommended to scan for malware and viruses. You can use third-party anti-malware software like Auslogics Anti-Malware or Window’s in-built anti-virus software.

Here’s how to use Window’s virus protection to scan for viruses: 

• Click Windows + Q, and type Windows Security. and click Open.

• Select Virus & threat protection.
• Click on the Scan options.

• Select Custom scan and click Scan now.
• Select the external drive and scan. After, reboot your computer to see if the solution worked. 

Alternatively, you can use Auslogics Anti-Malware software to automatically check for any security risks or other issues that could slow down your PC. 

Related: Auslogics Anti-Malware: Features and Reviews

Solution 5: Free Up Storage Space

The external drive can sometimes open files slowly because of the full storage space. So to get a faster external hard drive, try the following steps to free up storage space:

• Connect the external hard drive and press Win + E to open File Explorer.
• Right-click on your external hard drive.

• Select Properties and click Disk Cleanup.

• Check the Delivery Optimization Files option and click OK.
• After the scan, check the items you want to delete under Files to delete and click OK.

Solution 6: Use a Different USB Port or Cable

An external hard drive running slow could be caused by a faulty USB connection. Check for any damage or breaks in the USB cable that connects to your external HDD. If any, replace the cable and reconnect the external drive to your PC.

Remember to connect a USB 3.0 external drive to a USB 3.0 port. That’s because using a USB 2.0 port can cause the external hard drive to slow down the computer.

It also may be that some of your USB ports are damaged. So try changing the ports to see if the hard drive is faster.

Also Read: How to speed up USB 3.0 transfer speed in Windows 10?

Solution 7: Consider Upgrading to an SSD

If you want to know how to fix an external hard drive, consider upgrading your hard disk drive to a solid-state drive. SSDs use flash memory instead of traditional hard disk drives, leading to read faster and write rates.

Switching improves the speed performance, allowing you to open your files quickly and efficiently.

Related: SSD vs. HDD: What’s the Difference

Solution 8: Use Disk Cleanup Tool

Your external hard drive’s performance can decline as unnecessary files, temporary data, and system junk build up over time. You can use the built-in Disk Cleanup program to help clear up space and boost performance.

Also Read: How to Find and Remove Duplicate Files in Windows 10/11

This program examines your system, finds unused files, and lets you remove them securely to improve performance and optimize storage. Here’s how to speed up external hard drive transfer using the disk cleanup tool: 

• Connect your external hard drive.
• Type Disk Cleanup on the search bar and click to open. A dialog box will appear to choose a hard drive to clean up. Select the external hard drive. 

• Check all the boxes under Files to Delete and click OK.
• The Disk Cleanup tool will delete all the unnecessary files on your external drive. 

Related: Disk Cleanup Tips: How to Compress a Drive to Save Disk Space in Windows 10

Solution 9: Disable Unnecessary Background Processes

Running many background programs can drain your system’s resources and slow down your external hard disk. 

You can lighten the load on your disk and free it to concentrate on critical activities by finding and eliminating unnecessary processes. 

Related: Speed Up Slow Computer as a Pro: Auslogics BoostSpeed 13

Solution 10: Avoid Overheating

Excessive heat can significantly affect your external hard drive’s performance, and excessive heat might dramatically impact lifespan. Make sure the drive has adequate ventilation, and keep it out of hot places.

Consider fans to control the temperature if you plan to use it for a long time. Also, don’t pile anything on the drive that can block airflow and cause overheating. 

Conclusion

A slow external hard disk can make it difficult to access files quickly. But using the recommendations in this article, you can fix external hard drive running slow.

You can take many measures to maximize the speed of your external hard drive. For example, you can check for hardware problems, defragment the drive and update device drivers.

You can also run a malware scan automatically using third-party software like Auslogics Anti-Maware. Consider upgrading to an SSD and using the Disk Cleanup to improve speed and efficiency further.

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