Step-by-Step Guide- How to Add Your External Drive to File Explorer on Windows

How to Add My Drive to File Explorer

Adding your drive to the File Explorer on your Windows computer can greatly enhance your file management experience. Whether it’s an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or network drive, having quick access to your drive can save you time and streamline your workflow. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to add your drive to the File Explorer.

Step 1: Identify Your Drive

Before you can add your drive to the File Explorer, you need to identify it. First, connect your drive to your computer’s USB port or network connection. Once connected, you should see a new drive appear in the File Explorer sidebar or on the desktop. If you can’t find it, try disconnecting and reconnecting the drive to refresh the connection.

Step 2: Open File Explorer

To add your drive to the File Explorer, you need to open the File Explorer application. You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar, searching for “File Explorer” in the Start menu, or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.

Step 3: Navigate to the Sidebar

Once the File Explorer is open, navigate to the sidebar on the left side of the window. You should see a list of frequently used folders, such as Documents, Pictures, and Music. If your drive is not listed here, you can add it manually.

Step 4: Add Your Drive to the Sidebar

To add your drive to the sidebar, right-click on the “This PC” or “Computer” entry in the sidebar. Then, select “Manage” from the context menu. This will open the Computer Management window.

Step 5: Add a New Drive

In the Computer Management window, click on “Disk Management” in the left pane. This will display a list of all the drives connected to your computer, including your new drive. Right-click on the drive you want to add and select “Change Drive Letter and Paths.”

Step 6: Assign a Drive Letter

In the “Change Drive Letter and Paths” window, click on “Add” to assign a drive letter to your new drive. Choose a letter that is not already in use, and then click “OK.” This will add your drive to the File Explorer sidebar.

Step 7: Close Computer Management

After assigning a drive letter, close the Computer Management window. Your new drive should now be visible in the File Explorer sidebar, making it easy to access and manage your files.

Conclusion

Adding your drive to the File Explorer is a simple process that can greatly improve your file management experience. By following these steps, you can quickly and easily add your drive to the sidebar and have instant access to your files. Whether you’re working on a project or simply organizing your digital life, adding your drive to the File Explorer is a valuable addition to your Windows computer.