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ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED - 8 Step-by-Step Solutions

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Published onSeptember 2, 2024

published onSeptember 2, 2024

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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:

Learn how to fix the ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED error in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) or non-BSOD situations with these neat tricks.

If you connect anew hard driveor SSD before powering on the PC, the operating system attempts to assign the existing drive letter to the storage automatically. However, software or hardware issues might prevent this usual process.

The result could be any of the following scenarios:

You can try the following DIY troubleshooting methods in both situations to resolve the problem.

How To Fix ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED

I’ve tried several different ways to solve this problem and found these methods to be the most effective. Moreover, I’ve listed them from easiest to hardest, so you can start with the simplest solution and work your way up if needed.

Perform These Basic Hardware Checks

Here are the most common reasons that generate this error. Check and fix these before trying any exhaustive troubleshooting:

Detach Hardware and Perform Hot Swapping

Hardware and firmware conflicts are more frequent when you connect a new or different internal device to your PC after powering it down. Since most modern HDDs and SSDs come with the hot swapping feature, you should try to plug in the device when the PC is running.

Also,if the BSOD screen goes away when you detach it,this is the only approach you can try.

Disable and Re-Enable Fast Startup

You can often fix the ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED error easily if you follow these simple steps:

If the issue is resolved, follow the above steps again to re-enable the Windows PC fast startup feature.

Disable Third-Party Services and Startup Programs

Malicious third-party services and apps can also cause the ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED error. Here’s how you can fix this with aClean Bootprocess:

After the PC restarts, it’ll be running only the essential services and drivers. Now,shut down the PCand connect the new drive. See if the issue surfaces again.

If ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED is resolved or you need to try the next method, go back andenable all third-party servicesas well as theTask manager Startup processes.

Update Disk Drivers

You might need to follow both of these methods to ensure your PC has the latest drivers:

Now, open the Settings app by pressing theWindows+Ikeys together. Navigate to theWindows Updatemenu and hit theResume updatesorCheck for updatesbutton.

Let Windows update itself to the newest version. Reboot the PC if it doesn’t do that automatically.

However, if you’re facing an issue with an SSD orNVMe M.2 SSDchip, follow these steps instead.SSDmanufacturers, like Samsung, Micron, WD, etc., develop dedicatedmanagement apps.

Scan for and Remove Malware

You can use the built-in Windows Security tool or a third-party antivirus to get rid of malware which might be causing the ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED error.

Here are the steps for the built-in security software. However, they’re highly similar for most standard third-party apps.

Use System Restore

If you’ve installed the disk successfully but still face the ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED error intermittently, try reverting back to the last known stable configuration:

Wait for the PC to be restored. The device might reboot a couple of times.

Contact the Manufacturer for Technical Support

If none of the above works for you, it’s the right time to reach out to a technical support specialist from either the PC or HDD/SSD manufacturer. Find below website links to some of the top manufacturers:

Summary

These are the tried and tested approaches to fix ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED. The methods will work for various operating systems, like Windows 7, Vista, 8, 10, and 11.

You can also read aboutcommon Windows 11 bugs,how to fix a Windows 11 BSOD, andwhat to do if Windows 11 won’t restart. Additionally, if you keep encounteringERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION, we can help out!

ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED - 8 Step-by-Step Solutions#

How To Fix ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED#

Perform These Basic Hardware Checks#

Detach Hardware and Perform Hot Swapping#

Disable and Re-Enable Fast Startup#

Disable Third-Party Services and Startup Programs#

Update Disk Drivers#

Scan for and Remove Malware#

Use System Restore#

Contact the Manufacturer for Technical Support#

Summary#