How to fix ERROR_UNRECOGNIZED_MEDIA

Description

The disk media is not recognized. It may not be formatted.

Causes

This error occurs when the system cannot recognize the disk media:

• Disk is unformatted or never initialized.
• File system is corrupted or unsupported.
• Disk uses a file system not recognized by Windows (e.g., Linux ext4, macOS HFS+).
• Physical damage to the disk or media.
• Incomplete formatting or initialization.
• Disk partition table is missing or corrupted.
• Media is incompatible with the drive.

Solutions

Check Disk Management

Use Windows Disk Management to inspect the disk:

• Press Win + X and select "Disk Management".
• Look for the disk in the list.
• Check if it shows as "Unallocated" or "Not Initialized".
• Verify the disk's status and capacity.

Initialize the Disk

If the disk is not initialized, initialize it:

• In Disk Management, right-click the disk and select "Initialize Disk".
• Choose partition style (GPT for modern systems, MBR for compatibility).
• After initialization, create a volume and format it.

Format the Disk

Format the disk with a supported file system:

• Right-click the unallocated space or volume in Disk Management.
• Select "New Simple Volume" and follow the wizard.
• Choose a file system (NTFS recommended for Windows).
• Assign a drive letter and complete formatting.
• Warning: Formatting erases all data on the disk.

Use Diskpart Utility

For command-line formatting:

diskpart
list disk
select disk <number>
clean
create partition primary
format fs=ntfs quick
assign

• Replace <number> with your disk number.
• Be careful to select the correct disk.
• Warning: This erases all data on the selected disk.

Check Physical Connections

Verify hardware connections:

• Ensure the disk is properly connected.
• Check cables for damage or loose connections.
• Try different USB ports or SATA ports.
• Test with a different cable if possible.

Test on Another Computer

Determine if the issue is with the disk or the system:

• Connect the disk to another computer.
• If recognized elsewhere, the issue may be with the original system.
• If not recognized anywhere, the disk may be damaged.

Check for Physical Damage

Inspect the disk for physical damage:

• Listen for unusual noises (clicking, grinding).
• Check if the disk is detected in BIOS/UEFI.
• If damaged, consider professional data recovery.

Use Third-Party Tools

Employ specialized tools for disk management:

• Use partition management software (e.g., EaseUS, MiniTool).
• Some tools can recover or repair partition tables.
• Data recovery tools may help if data exists on the disk.

Update Disk Drivers

Ensure disk controller drivers are up-to-date:

• Open Device Manager.
• Expand "Disk drives" and "Storage controllers".
• Update drivers for the disk and controller.
• Restart the computer after updates.

Backup Before Formatting

If the disk contains data you want to preserve:

• Use data recovery tools to extract files.
• Copy any accessible data before formatting.
• Consult professional data recovery services for valuable data.