How to Fix The Request Failed Due to a Fatal Device Hardware Error in Windows 10
The request failed due to a fatal device hardware error in Windows 10 is a common error for the users. This can be due to various factors. Some related causes behind the error are listed below.
How to Fix The Request Failed Due to a Fatal Device Hardware Error in Windows 10Method 1: Troubleshoot Hardware ConnectionMethod 2: Verify Hard Drive Through SMART AttributesMethod 3: Update Disk Drive DriverMethod 4: Run Drive Error CheckMethod 5: Repair Corrupt FilesMethod 6: Modify External Drive LetterMethod 7: Initialize Hard Drive Via Disk ManagementMethod 8: Format Hard DriveMethod 9: Change External Hard Drive
Faulty, damaged, or loose hardware cable connection. Presence of older disk drive version. Existence of too many bad sectors on the external hard drive. If the hard drive is not initialized then it might not even function. Incompatible drive letter. Hardware or system fault. File system error issues.
Try all the solutions mentioned below one by one as they are effective and easy.
Note: It is also recommended to create a data backup through software of your choice in advance.
Method 1: Troubleshoot Hardware Connection
The basic troubleshooting step for any hardware device error is to remove and re-plug its connection. As you are very well aware that the key behind any hardware device functioning is any proper connection. In this case, it is mandatory to check that the hardware device is connected properly to your desktop. You can try the below-listed steps to fix the error.
Remove and re-plug the externally connected drive. It is recommended to re-plug to a different port, if available.
Check if the hardware connection cable is not loose, old, or broken. If such a condition exists, then replace to a new cable.
Finally, try to connect the hardware drive to a different PC.
If the above-mentioned instructions worked out, then well and good. But if the error still appears then don’t be disheartened. This method helped greatly in ruling out the connection issues as culprits. Try the following methods one by one till you get a fix.
Method 2: Verify Hard Drive Through SMART Attributes
Using SMART (Self-monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) attributes is another way to resolve the request failed due to a fatal device hardware error. This SMART technology is an in-built feature in Windows used to observe the status of external disk health. Follow the steps given below to check the status.
Press the Windows key, then type cmd and click Run as administrator to launch Command Prompt as administrator.
Type the following command and hit the Enter key to execute it.
You will receive these three results: OK, Bad/Caution, Unknown
OK: This result shows that your hard drive is healthy. Hence, you can proceed with other methods. Bad/Caution: If such a result appears, then your hard disk is in bad shape. Try out other methods given in this article to find a fix. If no solution works, then it is recommended to repair your hard drive in the maintenance store. Unknown: This word result shows that the command executed could not find the status of the hard drive. Thus, execute other methods and see if they help you. If not, the only option you have is to take the hard drive to the maintenance store.
Also Read: Fix Hard Drive Not Showing Up in Windows 10
Method 3: Update Disk Drive Driver
Sometimes updating the outdated driver in the device manager could fix the issue. This is because the older versions could cause trouble. Hence, implement the steps given below to upgrade your hard drive.
Press the Windows key, type Device Manager, and hit the Enter key.
Double-click on Disk drives to expand the drivers.
Then, right-click on a drive and select Update driver.
Then, select Search automatically for drivers on the Update Drivers window.
Windows will automatically download and install updates if available.
Once done, reboot your PC and check if the effort made to resolve the request failed due to a fatal device hardware error is helpful.
Method 4: Run Drive Error Check
Checking the disk could fix the inaccessibility issues. It also improves the performance of your computer. Try the below-mentioned steps to run the disk error check.
Press the Windows + E keys together and launch File Explorer.
Right-click the destined drive and select Properties.
On the Properties popup, navigate to the Tools tab. Select the Check button under Error checking section.
Now, if the check process detects any error a prompt appears which will ask you to scan the hard drive.
Finally, restart your PC. Once done, check if the fatal device hardware error is rectified.
Also Read: Fix: New Hard Drive not showing up in Disk Management
Method 5: Repair Corrupt Files
Bad sectors are not terrible unless they spread out all through the hard disk. Hence, it is required to resolve it as soon as possible. The tool Windows DiskPart utility is used to repair corrupt files and bad sectors on the hard drive. Diskpart commands are executed in the tool to verify and repair bad sectors. To perform it, implement the instructions given below. Read our guide on How to Check Disk for Errors Using chkdsk?. Then, follow our guide to repair system files on Windows 10.
Method 6: Modify External Drive Letter
All external drive connected to your PC is configured with a drive letter. When conflict arises in certain disks, it prevents access and causes the error. Therefore, alter the drive letter with a new letter. To do so, execute the steps one by one mentioned below.
Right-click the This Pc option and select Manage on the desktop screen.
On the Computer Management window, select Disk Management as shown under the Storage section.
Right-click the error-causing hard drive and select Change Drive Letter and Paths…
Select Change… on the popup prompt.
Click the dropdown and assign a new letter to your hard drive. Then, click OK to finalize the changes.
Once the drive letter is modified, check if you can open the external drive without any error message.
Also Read: Best External Hard Drive for PC Gaming
Method 7: Initialize Hard Drive Via Disk Management
Sometimes it is possible that the external drive will not be initialized in disk management. Thus, it is recommended to check and initialize it. To do so, follow the steps given beneath and fix the request failed due to a fatal device hardware error.
Right-click the This Pc option and select Manage on the desktop screen.
On the Computer Management window, select Disk Management as shown under the Storage section.
Now, right-click the destined hard drive and select Initialize Disk.
Select an option among MBR or GPT partition styles as per your requirement and click OK to initialize the drive.
Method 8: Format Hard Drive
If none of the above-given methods worked out, then the final option you have to get rid of this error is to format the drive. But note that formatting the device completely erases all your data present in the hard drive. Here is how to format your hard drive.
Press Windows + E keys together to open File Explorer.
Right-click the external hard drive folder and select Format.
On the Format pop-up, uncheck the Quick Format box under the Format options section. Then, click Start to initialize the formatting process.
Also Read: How to Eject External Hard Drive on Windows 10
Method 9: Change External Hard Drive
Still no luck? Even after trying all the methods. Then the only final option left to make the request failed due to a fatal device hardware error vanish is to simply replace the faulty external hard drive. Alternatively, call the hardware manufacturer for help or locate a local repair shop and try to resolve the issue.
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We hope this article helped you to find a potential fix to the request failed due to a fatal device hardware error on Windows 10. Let us know which method worked the best for you. Please feel free to reach out to us for any queries or suggestions via the comment section given below.
