If you just added a new hard drive or SSD to your computer and you don’t see it in File Explorer, don’t worry! You probably need to initialize and set it up before you can use it.

What does initializing a disk mean? It means Windows prepares your new drive so it can be used. This process erases any data on the drive (which is okay if it’s brand new). After initializing, you’ll format the drive and give it a drive letter (like D: or E:) so you can save files on it.

Important: If the drive already has data and you don’t see it, don’t initialize it because that will erase the data. Instead, try to fix the problem without formatting.

How to Initialize a New Disk Using Windows Settings

Follow these simple steps to set up your new disk:

1. Open the Settings app: Click the Start menu button and then click Settings. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. Go to System > Storage: In the Settings window, click on System on the left side, then click on Storage on the right.
3. Open Advanced Storage Settings: Scroll down and click Advanced storage settings to expand the options.
4. Select Disks & Volumes: Click on Disks & volumes.
5. Find your new disk: You should see a list of all connected drives. New disks usually say Not initialized.
6. Initialize the disk: Click the Initialize button next to the new disk.

7. A window will pop up asking you to choose a partition style:

• GPT (GUID Partition Table) – Best for most modern PCs and supports large drives (over 2 TB).
• MBR (Master Boot Record) – Older style, used for smaller drives or older computers.

Select GPT if you’re unsure, then click Initialize.

8. After initializing, the disk will show as Unallocated. Now click Create volume to start setting up a partition.

9. A new window will appear asking you to:

• Give the drive a name (called a label).
• Pick a drive letter (like D: or E:).
• Choose a file system (usually NTFS for Windows).

After filling these out, click Format to finish setting up the drive.

10. Once formatted, your new drive will appear in File Explorer, and you can start saving files on it!

How to Initialize a Disk Using Disk Management (Another Way)

You can also use the older Disk Management tool to do the same thing:

1. Click the search box on the taskbar, type Disk Management.
2. Right-click on Disk Management and select Run as administrator. Click Yes if asked.
3. In Disk Management, find your new disk (it will say Not Initialized or Offline).
4. Right-click the disk and choose Initialize Disk. If it’s Offline, right-click and select Online first.
5. Pick the partition style (GPT or MBR) and click OK.
6. Right-click the unallocated space on the disk and choose New Simple Volume.
7. Follow the setup wizard to name, assign a drive letter, and format the drive.

After formatting, the drive will be ready to use in File Explorer.

Summary

• New drives need to be initialized and formatted before use.
• Use the Settings app or Disk Management tool to set up your disk.
• Be careful not to initialize a disk that already has important data.
• Choose GPT for most new drives, and MBR if you have an older system.
• After setup, the drive will be available in File Explorer to store your files.

If you want to learn more, check out the official Microsoft guide: Initialize New Disks – Microsoft