{"id":6721,"date":"2023-07-21T20:00:28","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T20:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/?p=6721"},"modified":"2025-10-17T22:15:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T22:15:14","slug":"fix-external-hdd-too-slow-to-open-files","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/fix-external-hdd-too-slow-to-open-files\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix External Hard Drive Too Slow to Open Files?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s no doubt we heavily depend on external hard drives to store and access our crucial information. However, it can be frustrating and time-wasting when they become slow and unresponsive.<\/p>\n<p>Some reasons that may cause a slow external hard drive include outdated drivers, insufficient power supply, fragmented data, and even hardware issues. This guide will show you how to fix these problems.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s begin.<\/p>\n<h2>How To Fix Slow External Hard Drive<\/h2>\n<p>If you want to speed up external hard drive transfer , check the following solutions. However, before you proceed with any of the methods, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-back-up-windows\/\">back up your files<\/a> to ensure you don\u2019t lose any data. When you\u2019re done, proceed with the solutions below:<\/p>\n<h3>Solution 1: Check for Hardware Issues<\/h3>\n<p>Hardware issues can cause your external hard drive to run slow. You can check if that&#8217;s your problem by searching for any damage on the external hard drive case.<\/p>\n<p>If you find any damage, you can replace the case and check if it\u2019s working properly. You can also check if the drive&#8217;s LED light is blinking. If it\u2019s not working, you may have to send the drive for repair.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, check for any damages on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/encyclopedia\/term\/chips-vs-disks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">external hard disk chips<\/a>. Send the drive to a repair shop if any chips are broken.<\/p>\n<h3>Solution 2: Defrag and Optimize Drive Performance<\/h3>\n<p>Poor computer performance can slow down how quickly your external hard disk loads. The Disk Defragmentation program can improve your drive&#8217;s overall performance and loading speed.<\/p>\n<p>This program combines fragmented data to help your external hard disk drive run more efficiently. Use the following process to defragment your external drive:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Connect your external hard drive, type <code>defrag<\/code>, and click <em>Run as administrator.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/defragment-and-optimize-drives.png\" alt=\"Type in defrag and select Run as administrator\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Select your hard disk drive and click <em>Optimize. <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/optimize-drives-on-Windows-10.png\" alt=\"Select your hard disk drive and click <em>Optimize<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>The fastest way to defrag the external drive is to use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/\">Auslogics BoostSpeed\u2019s Disk Defrag<\/a>. The program uses advanced algorithms to analyze the external drive and use the best approach to defragment the files.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>\ud83d\udccc Related<\/b><strong>: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/auslogics-disk-defrag-best-defragmenter-for-windows\/\">Auslogics Disk Defrag: Best Defragmenter for Windows!<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/optimize-drives-with-Auslogics-BoostSpeed-13.png\" alt=\"optimize drives with Auslogics BoostSpeed 13\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>After the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/beginners-guide-to-disk-defragmentation\/\">disk defragmentation<\/a>, reboot your computer, connect your external drive, and check if it\u2019s working faster.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udccc Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-improve-hdd-performance-and-make-it-faster\/\">How to Speed Up a Hard Drive Performance on Windows<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Solution 3: Update Device Drivers<\/h3>\n<p>One effective way to fix external hard drive is to update your drivers. Luckily, solutions are available that streamline and simplify the driver update process. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/software\/driver-updater\/\">Auslogics Driver Updater<\/a> is one such tool.<\/p>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5626105816785274\"\r\ncrossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Middle_CTA -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5626105816785274\" data-ad-slot=\"4017758677\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\n<p>This user-friendly tool makes it simple for you to update your drivers. It gives you a thorough list of every device on your system, making it simpler for you to recognize them.<\/p>\n<p>Auslogics Driver Updater updates any out-of-date or in-need-of-update drivers. Furthermore, it fixes any problems with these devices and, if necessary, installs any missing drivers.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udccc Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/auslogics-driver-updater-update-your-drivers\/\">Auslogics Driver Updater: New Drivers in One Click!<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Solution 4: Scan for Malware and Viruses<\/h3>\n<p>When your external hard drive is slow, it\u2019s always recommended to scan for malware and viruses. You can use third-party anti-malware software like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/software\/anti-malware\/after-download\/\">Auslogics Anti-Malware<\/a> or Window\u2019s in-built anti-virus software. Here\u2019s how to use Window\u2019s virus protection to scan for viruses:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Click <code>Windows + Q<\/code>, and type <code>Windows Security<\/code>. and click <em>Open<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Optimize-your-drive-with-Windows-Security.png\" alt=\"Optimize your drive with Windows Security\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Select <em>Virus &amp; threat protection.<\/em><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Click on the <em>Scan options<\/em><em>.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Windows-security-virus-and-threat-protection_2.png\" alt=\"Click on the <em>Scan options<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Select <em>Custom scan<\/em> and click <em>Scan now.<\/em><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Select the external drive and scan. After, reboot your computer to see if the solution worked.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Windows-Security-scan-for-viruses.png\" alt=\"Select <em>Custom scan<\/em> and click <em>Scan now<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>Alternatively, you can use Auslogics Anti-Malware software to automatically check for any security risks or other issues that could slow down your PC.<\/p>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5626105816785274\"\r\ncrossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Middle_CTA -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5626105816785274\" data-ad-slot=\"4017758677\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udccc Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/auslogics-anti-malware-features-and-reviews\/\">Auslogics Anti-Malware: Features and Reviews<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Solution 5: Free Up Storage Space<\/h3>\n<p>The external drive can sometimes open files slowly because of the full storage space. So to get a faster external hard drive, try the following steps to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/windows-update-cleanup-a-comprehensive-guide-to-free-up-disk-space\/\">free up storage space<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Connect the external hard drive and press <code>Win + E<\/code>\u00a0to open <em>File Explorer.<\/em><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Right-click on your external hard drive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/how-to-free-up-storage-on-your-pc.png\" alt=\"Right-click on your external hard drive \" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Select <em>Properties<\/em>\u00a0and click <em>Disk Cleanup.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Go-to-Properties-and-click-Disk-Cleanup.-.png\" alt=\"Go to \u201cProperties\u201d and click \u201cDisk Cleanup.\u201d\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Check the <em>Delivery Optimization Files<\/em>\u00a0option and click <em>OK<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">After the scan, check the items you want to delete under <em>Files to delete<\/em> and click <em>OK<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Delivery-Optimization-Files.png\" alt=\"After the scan, check the items you want to delete under <em>Files to delete<\/em> and click <em>OK<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3>Solution 6: Use a Different USB Port or Cable<\/h3>\n<p>An external hard drive running slow could be caused by a faulty USB connection. Check for any damage or breaks in the USB cable that connects to your external HDD. If any, replace the cable and reconnect the external drive to your PC.<\/p>\n<p>Remember to connect a USB 3.0 external drive to a USB 3.0 port. That\u2019s because using a USB 2.0 port can cause the external hard drive to slow down the computer.<\/p>\n<p>It also may be that some of your USB ports are damaged. So try changing the ports to see if the hard drive is faster.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udccc Also read: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-speed-up-usb-3-0-transfer-speed\/\">How to speed up USB 3.0 transfer speed in Windows 10?<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Solution 7: Consider Upgrading to an SSD<\/h3>\n<p>If you want to know how to fix an external hard drive, consider upgrading your hard disk drive to a solid-state drive. SSDs use flash memory instead of traditional hard disk drives, leading to read faster and write rates.<\/p>\n<p>Switching improves the speed performance, allowing you to open your files quickly and efficiently.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udccc Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/ssd-vs-hdd-whats-the-difference-and-what-to-choose\/\">SSD vs. HDD: What&#8217;s the Difference<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Solution 8: Use Disk Cleanup Tool<\/h3>\n<p>Your external hard drive&#8217;s performance can decline as unnecessary files, temporary data, and system junk build up over time. You can use the built-in Disk Cleanup program to help clear up space and boost performance.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udccc Also read: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-find-and-remove-duplicate-files-in-windows\/\">How to Find and Remove Duplicate Files in Windows 10\/11<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>This program examines your system, finds unused files, and lets you remove them securely to improve performance and optimize storage. Here&#8217;s how to speed up external hard drive transfer using the disk cleanup tool:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Connect your external hard drive.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Type <code>Disk Cleanup<\/code>\u00a0on the search bar and click to open. A dialog box will appear to choose a hard drive to clean up. Select the external hard drive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Disk-Cleanup-Drive-Selection.png\" alt=\"Disk Cleanup Drive Selection\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Check all the boxes under <em>Files to Delete<\/em>\u00a0and click <em>OK<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">The <em>Disk Cleanup<\/em> tool will delete all the unnecessary files on your external drive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Use-Disk-Cleaup-to-optimize-a-hard-drive.png\" alt=\"Use Disk Cleanup to optimize a hard drive\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>\ud83d\udccc Related<\/b><strong>: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/ways-of-using-drive-more-efficiently-to-save-disk-space-in-windows-10\/\">Disk Cleanup Tips: How to Compress a Drive to Save Disk Space in Windows 10<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Solution 9: Disable Unnecessary Background Processes<\/h3>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/optimize-your-hard-druve-with-Auslogics-BoostSpeed-13.png\" alt=\"optimize your hard druve with Auslogics BoostSpeed 13\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>Running many background programs can drain your system&#8217;s resources and slow down your external hard disk.<\/p>\n<p>You can lighten the load on your disk and free it to concentrate on critical activities by finding and eliminating unnecessary processes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"cta-block cta-block_native top\" data-cta-type=\"native\" data-cta-position=\"bottom\">\r\n\t<div class=\"cta-block__top\">PRO TIP<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"cta-block__text_native\">You can use the Task Manager or third-party applications like  <a href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/after-download\/\">Auslogics BoostSpeed 13<\/a>  to identify resource-intensive programs and disable them.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the Auslogics BoostSpeed makes managing your files, services, and applications easy to keep your computer running smoothly.<\/p>\n<p>It also contains numerous features that can improve overall PC health, including external drives. <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"cta-block__btn-group top\">\r\n        <a class=\"cta-block__download-btn\" href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/after-download\/\">Download for Free<\/a>\r\n        <a class=\"cta-block__learn-more\" href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/\">Learn More<\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udccc Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/auslogics-boostspeed-13-get-your-pc-in-shape\/#5-startup-manager\">Speed Up Slow Computer as a Pro: Auslogics BoostSpeed 13<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Solution 10: Avoid Overheating<\/h3>\n<p>Excessive heat can significantly affect your external hard drive&#8217;s performance, and excessive heat might dramatically impact lifespan. Make sure the drive has adequate ventilation, and keep it out of hot places.<\/p>\n<p>Consider fans to control the temperature if you plan to use it for a long time. Also, don&#8217;t pile anything on the drive that can block airflow and cause overheating.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>A slow external hard disk can make it difficult to access files quickly. But using the recommendations in this article, you can fix external hard drive running slow.<\/p>\n<p>You can take many measures to maximize the speed of your external hard drive. For example, you can check for hardware problems, defragment the drive and update device drivers.<\/p>\n<p>You can also run a malware scan automatically using third-party software like Auslogics Anti-Maware. Consider upgrading to an SSD and using the Disk Cleanup to improve speed and efficiency further.<\/p>\n<h2>FAQs<\/h2>\n<div class=\"best-faq\">\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__header\">How to Transfer Files From PC to External Hard Drive Faster?<\/div>\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__content\">\r\n\t\tHere\u2019s how to transfer files faster to the external hard drive. First, ensure your PC and the external hard drive use USB 3.0 or higher connections to transfer files to the external drive more quickly. Compared to USB 2.0, USB 3.0 enables faster data transmission rates.<\/p>\n<p>Also, close any unnecessary background programs or processes to free up more system resources for the file transfer process.\r\n\t\t\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"best-faq\">\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__header\">Will an External Hard Drive Make My Laptop Faster?<\/div>\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__content\">\r\n\t\tIt\u2019s possible that using an external hard drive won\u2019t necessarily speed up your laptop. However, shifting storage-intensive operations to the external drive and freeing up space on your laptop\u2019s internal storage can help your laptop operate better. This can improve the overall computer responsiveness and performance.\r\n\t\t\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"best-faq\">\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__header\">What to Do If Your External Hard Drive Stops Working?<\/div>\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__content\">\r\n\t\tMake sure the cable is connected properly, and experiment with other cables or ports. Also, check if Disk Management or Disk Utility recognizes the drive. Furthermore, try attaching the disk to a separate computer to avoid compatibility difficulties.\r\n\t\t\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A slow external hard drive can be frustrating, delaying access to important files. This article covers essential fixes, including hardware checks, defragmentation, driver updates, malware scans, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":80943,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[879,819,811,831,873],"tags":[563,711,281,109,85,619],"class_list":["post-6721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-device-issues","category-how-tos","category-optimization","category-pc-performance","category-windows-system","tag-defragmentation","tag-hard-drive","tag-overheating","tag-pc-performance","tag-ssd","tag-windows-tweaks"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Fix External Hard Drive Too Slow to Open Files?&#8212; Auslogics Blog | Tips to Diagnose &amp; Resolve Computer Issues<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Annoyed with your slow hard drive? 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