Hard drive missing/not detected after Windows 11 Insider Preview Update (28020.1362)

kun zhang 5 Reputation points
2026-01-10T21:48:20.43+00:00

"I recently updated my system to the Windows 11 Insider Preview feature update (Build 28020.1362). Immediately after the restart, my hard drive [insert drive letter, e.g., D: drive] disappeared.

It is not showing up in File Explorer. I have checked Disk Management, and the drive does not appear there either. This issue only started after the update.

Is this a known issue with this build, and is there a workaround?"

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Files, folders, and storage
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  1. AI answer

    2026-01-10T21:48:26.7466667+00:00

    It appears that you are experiencing an issue where your hard drive is not detected after updating to the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1362. This type of issue can occur with preview builds as they may contain bugs or compatibility issues that affect hardware detection.

    While the specific build you mentioned does not have a documented known issue regarding hard drives not being detected, it is common for preview builds to have unresolved issues that may affect system functionality.

    Here are some general troubleshooting steps you can try:

    1. Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve detection issues.
    2. Check BIOS/UEFI settings: Ensure that the hard drive is recognized in the BIOS/UEFI settings. If it is not listed there, it may indicate a hardware issue.
    3. Re-seat the hard drive: If you are comfortable doing so, physically check the connections of the hard drive to ensure they are secure.
    4. Rollback the update: If the issue persists, consider rolling back to a previous build where the hard drive was functioning correctly.
    5. Check for additional updates: Microsoft may release subsequent updates to address known issues in preview builds.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to report this problem through the Windows Feedback Hub, as it helps Microsoft identify and address issues in Insider builds.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. kun zhang 5 Reputation points
    2026-01-10T21:56:33.78+00:00

    I have checked the BIOS, and the hard drive is detected there correctly.

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  3. CrazyKats 19,245 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-01-10T22:01:27.7366667+00:00

    Hi,

    I also have Canary build and my disk drive

    is there both in File Explorer and Device Manager.

    I would look under Windows Update, Update History,

    Uninstall Updates and uninstall the update KB5073122

    and then try the update again.

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  4. CrazyKats 19,245 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-01-11T13:50:46.09+00:00

    Because that's the update that got

    you to 28020.1362.

    That's when you started having problems .

    Did you do any rollback or recovery?

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  5. Johnny55 5,155 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-01-11T23:19:37.5933333+00:00

    Hello kun zhang,

    It is probably too late to attempt a rollback. Suggest removing the last CU kb5073095 for 28020.1362

    Screenshot 2026-01-11 181226

    Lets see if that returns your D:\drive. I have not seen any other reports of this occurring.

    Regards,

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