There is No Media in The Specified Device Error Fixed

Experiencing the frustrating "There is No Media in The Specified Device" error? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Dive into this comprehensive guide to uncover multiple methods to fix this issue and get your device back up and running smoothly.

Sebastian

By Sebastian Updated on April 3, 2024

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Are you frustrated by the There is No Media in The Specified Device error message popping up when you try to access your USB drive, SD card, or other storage devices? You're not alone. This error can be incredibly frustrating and can occur for various reasons, from hardware issues to corrupted file systems. But fear not!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore multiple methods to troubleshoot and resolve this error, allowing you to regain access to your valuable data. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, we've got you covered with step-by-step solutions and troubleshooting techniques. Let's dive in and get your device back up and running smoothly.

Symptoms and Causes of the Error

You're not alone if you've encountered the dreaded no media in the device USB error. This message can appear when trying to access a USB drive, SD card, or other storage device. But why does this error occur? There are several symptoms and potential reasons:

Symptoms:
• An error message pops up when trying to access a USB drive, SD card, or other storage device.
• The device is not recognized or detected by the computer.
• Unable to access or open files stored on the device.
• Disk Management utility shows the device as "No Media" or "Unknown" status.
• File Explorer displays the device with 0 bytes of storage capacity.
• The device appears to be empty or inaccessible despite containing data.

Causes:
• Corrupted or damaged file system on the storage device.
• Physical damage to the storage device or its connection port.
• Outdated or faulty device drivers on the computer.
• Malware or virus infection affecting the storage device.
• Improper ejection or removal of the storage device without safely ejecting it.

Fear not! In the following sections, we'll explore multiple methods to troubleshoot and resolve this error, allowing you to regain access to your valuable data.

Solution 1: Rescan Your Device

This method is the simplest one and is often used as a cause of poor contact with equipment at times. And it could be the reason why it shows no media for USB drives. So, You can try it before you do anything else.

1: Follow Start >> Disk Management.

2: Find Action >> Rescan Disks.

Rescan Disks

3: Check if the drive is there in Disk Management. If not, restart the computer and repeat this instruction to check it again.

Solution 2: Update or Reinstall Device Driver

This also could be due to outdated or corrupted device drivers. Updating or reinstalling the device driver can often resolve this issue. Below are the steps to update or reinstall the device driver.

Update Device Driver:

1: Follow Start >> Device Manager.

2: Go to Disk Drives, choose your drive, and click Update Driver.

3: Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

Update Driver

Reinstall Device Drive:

1: Go to Disk Drives >>  Uninstall Device Instead.

2: Restart your computer, and check if this driver is reinstalled automatically.

3: Repeat the instruction of Method 1 to see if it is scanned.

Solution 3: Scan and Repair Using File Explorer

If an error like There is No Media in The Specified Device keeps happening, it could indicate file system corruption on the storage device. Scanning and repairing the device using File Explorer can help resolve this issue. Follow the steps below to perform this method:

1: Open File Explorer and right-click on the target drive.

2: Follow Properties >> Tools >> Check.

Disk Check

3: There are two options for you to check: Automatically fix file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors. Tap them both and click Start.

Solution 4: Use Third-Party Software to Wipe Disk

If you're still encountering the "There is No Media in The Specified Device" error after attempting the previous methods, you may need to perform a disk wipe on the USB drive. In this way, nothing on your USB drive will remain, so as the problem. You may consider using AOMEI Backupper Professional. This software provides users with a safe and hassle-free method to securely erase all data from any device.

• With its easy-to-use features and user-friendly interface, this tool is suitable for users of all skill levels.
• Apart from its wipe disk feature, the software offers backup, restore, clone, and sync functionalities. Creating a backup before erasing your storage device is particularly crucial.
• Users can customize the wiping process, whether it's wiping the entire disk, specific partitions, or unallocated space, according to their preferences.
• The software is capable of recognizing all types of drive disks, including internal or external hard drives, USB drives, SSD/HDDs, SD cards, and more.
• It is compatible with all Windows operating systems available, including Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP.

Before the Disk Wipe task:

If you don’t want to lose your data from our device, it's advisable to create a file backup before proceeding with the wipe. Ensure that you connect your USB drive to your computer correctly.

Download Demo Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

1: Install and open this tool, and click Tools >> Disk Wipe.

Tools Disk Wipe

2: Select Wipe disk to delete all partitions and sectors, and click Next.

Choose Wipe Disk

3: Choose the USD drive and continue to tap Next.

Wipe Data Select Disk

4: Select the first wiping method: Fill sectors with Zero. Tap Start to begin the task.

Wipe Method

Note:
For higher security levels, you may use the other three wiping methods: Fill sectors with random data, DoD 5220.22-M, and Gutmann. The more complicated the method is, the longer time the wipe process will take.
After wiping, your device will become an unallocated space. To continue using it, you can use Disk Management to create a new simple volume on it.

FAQs About the No Media in the Device Error

Q: Is it possible to recover data from a media displaying this error?

A: In some cases, data recovery may be possible using specialized software or services. However, You still need to have a previous backup to achieve this. That is why it is important to have an automatic backup software.

Q: Are there any preventive measures to avoid encountering this error in the future?

A: To minimize the risk of encountering this error, always safely eject external media before removing them from your computer, regularly update device drivers, and avoid using damaged or unreliable media.

Q: Will formatting the media fix the error?

A: Formatting the media may resolve the error in some cases, especially if the issue is related to corrupt file systems or partition tables. However, be aware that formatting will erase all data on the media, so proceed with caution and consider data backup before formatting.

Conclusion

The There is No Media in The Specified Device error can be troublesome when you try to access your USB drive, SD card, or other storage devices. But with the methods outlined in this article, you have various solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Whether it's updating device drivers, scanning and repairing the device in File Explorer, or using AOMEI Backupper for disk wiping, you have options to address the problem effectively. Remember to consider the symptoms and causes, try different methods, and consult the FAQs if needed.

By following these steps, you can overcome this error and regain access to your media devices. If you encounter persistent issues or require further assistance, don't hesitate to seek professional help. With patience and persistence, you can resolve the There is No Media in The Specified Device error and ensure smooth operation of your devices.

Sebastian
Sebastian · Editor
Sebastian, a professional editor at AOMEI, brings personal product experience and a user-focused mindset to solve data protection issues. With valuable technical insights and a dedication to user experience, he simplifies complex concepts and provides reliable solutions. Sebastian's expertise and skills make him an invaluable resource for readers seeking technical guidance.