External hard drives are known for being quiet and tend to settle into the background.
If you buy the right type of external hard drive, it’s not going to get in the way and it will offer consistent value. However, the external hard drive may start making a buzzing noise.
If the external hard drive is making a buzzing noise, it is likely caused by the power supply. It’s common for a bit of noise to be produced by the external hard drive but when it becomes noticeably loud, the power supply has been compromised. To fix the issue, check the power supply, reconnect the external hard drive, and make sure the light is not blinking.
Each external hard drive is different but a buzzing noise should not be too loud.
If it is a gentle noise, it is okay to accept this type of sound as it will come from a hard drive. However, once the buzzing noise is noticeable and starts to grow louder, it will be time to check out what’s going on with the power supply.
This guide will show you a few steps to fix an external hard drive making buzzing noises.
Table of Contents
Steps To Fix External Hard Drive Making Buzzing Noise
1. Check The Power Supply
If a hard drive is making a grinding noise, you will want to check the power supply.
The hard drive is going to have a specialized power supply that is used to keep it active. When this is damaged or compromised, you are going to notice a change in the sound it makes.
A functional hard drive will make a subtle buzzing noise. It will not be loud and you will have to get close to the hard drive to pick it up. However, a malfunctioning hard drive is going to make a noticeable buzzing noise.
This is when you will want to take a step back and check the power supply going to the external hard drive.
See if it has been compromised.
This can become one of the main reasons for the hard drive working overtime because it is not getting enough power.
2. Reconnect The External Hard Drive
You will also want to unplug the external hard drive.
Look to reset it.
To do this, you are going to take it out of the port, wait 10 minutes, and then connect it again. Sometimes, the hard drive stops working properly because it has been jammed up.
To fix this issue, reconnecting the external hard drive will go a long way.
3. Check The Port
Have you taken the time to look at the port?
The port that has been used to connect the external hard drive might be the root cause of your troubles. You will want to make sure the port is in good shape.
If it is not, the hard drive is going to start making odd noises assuming it is still working.
The best solution is to make sure all of the drivers are updated on your computer while also making sure the port is in good health.
4. Check The Drive For Damage
You will want to look at the physical casing of the hard drive.
It can get damaged.
When it gets damaged in the wrong spot, this is when things break down. You will want to make sure this is not the case by testing the hard drive’s exterior.
Be methodical while looking at the details associated with the hard drive.
You will also want to look near the cable to make sure it is not frayed. When the cable begins to give out, this is when things break down and the buzzing hard drive becomes an issue.
Final Thoughts
These steps will go a long way when it comes to an external hard drive making a buzzing noise.
When an external hard drive is making a buzzing noise, this means the power supply has been compromised. To fix this issue, check the connection, reconnect the hard drive, and look for physical damage to the casing. One of these reasons will be the root cause of the buzzing noise being made by the external hard drive.
Do not rush the troubleshooting process.
You will have to go through each step to make sure you are not dealing with a buzzing external hard drive that is going to stop working soon.
The faster your respond to this, the better your chances of fixing it. The buzzing noise is often a warning that the hard drive is going to break down.
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