Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Recover Files • Proven solutions
Clicking noise from the hard drive is often the cause of concern among users. It can be a signal of a minor disconnection or can even be serious hard drive damage. Here we will discuss the cause of hard drive clicking and different methods to fix it.
Do you hear the sounds like click, click, click or tick, tick, tick, or any such strange noise when a hard drive connects with your computer? You must be worried when you hear hard drive clicking, especially when you are working on some important project.
It can be a serious issue or a minor problem. Do not worry, as, in this article, we will discuss the common causes of hard drive clicking and different ways to fix it.
Hard drive clicking can be a result of a number of reasons. It can be the result of hardware or software issues. Here are some of the common causes of hard drive clicking:
These are the common causes that can make a hard drive clicking. Now lets us see how you can fix it.
As you have seen above, that hard drive clicking can be the result of a number of reasons. You must be wondering then how can you fix the issue and save your data from being lost. Don’t bother, as we are moving to the methods to fix the issue. Check these and follow step by step to fix the issue at the earliest.
When you hear the hard drive clicking disc, we always recommend taking backup of your system immediately and avoid any data loss. However, there are certain times when you forget to take the backup, and suddenly it stops working. If this happens with you and you lose any of your important data, Wondershare Recoverit is there to help you in getting back your lost files.
It is one of the best software that helps users recover their lost data quickly. With maximum recovery rate, Wondershare Recoverit performs recovery in the quick 3 steps. The software supports 1000+ data types and formats and can perform recovery from recycle bin, external storage device, internal hard drive, laptop, and crashed computer.
Here are the quick steps for you:
Step 1: Select Location
Once you successfully download and install the software on your system, select the drive from where your important data is lost. Wondershare Recoverit will scan for the lost files in that drive.
Step 2: Begin Scan
After making the selection, click on “Scan.” It will begin the all-around scan. The scan can take some time if the file size is large. As you can see the scan results in real-time, you can even pinpoint files and stop or pause the scan in-between if you see that your required files are recovered. However, if you wish to recover any video, then you can go with the option “enhanced recovery.” By using this option, you will allow the software for deep scan and look for the lost large-sized videos.
Step 3: Preview and Recover Your Files
Once the scan completes, Wondershare Recoverit allows you to preview all the recovered files. You can see the recovered files to ensure that your lost data is fully recovered. Once you get the full assurance, click on “Recover” and save them at the required location. With this step, your data recovery completes.
A hard drive clicking sound can be the result of an insufficient power supply. There can be any broken cable that makes the connection lose, or it can be an incompatible connection cable behind the hard disk clicking. In this case you can fix it with the below steps:
Step 1: Check the connection cable. If it’s broken, try reconnecting the hard drive with the new cable.
Step 2: Check the connected power cable. Unplug and replug it to ensure no loose connection.
Step 3: Look for hard drive and cable compatibility. If these are not compatible, then also you hear clicking sounds. So connect the compatible cable with the hard drive.
Step 4: You can even try connecting the hard drive with another computer to see if the issue still persists or the problem is with your system only.
Step 5: Also, try removing the hard drive from the disk enclosure and try connecting it with an external disk.
After these steps, if the hard drive clicking is still there, then the issue is not in connection. You need to try other fixes. If the clicking sound fades away, you can use your system again, but if it persists, then try the next method.
If the hard drive overheats, then also you hear a hard drive clicking sound. In this scenario, you need to freeze your hard drive to let your device cool down and work again properly.
Here are steps to freeze hard drive safely:
Step 1: Look for any dust in the fan by opening the computer or laptop case. If you see any, clean that from the fan.
Step 2: Now, to make your hard drive cool down faster, add an extra fan to your system.
Step 3: Do not use the laptop or computer till the hard drive cools down completely. When you are able to work again with your hard drive, we advise backup or recover your data. While performing all these steps, if you realize your hard drive is too old, it would be better to replace it with the new one and get rid of hard drive clicking.
After trying all the mentioned fixes, if you are not able to fix it, or you observe any damage to the hard drive, then sending it to experts for complete repair is recommended.
You can take the hard drive out of your system and reach the repair center, or you can even contact with the support team and get the required help. The specialists will analyze the drive to look for any fault and fix it. However, if the hard drive is beyond repair, you are left with no option other than replacing it with the new one.
When you hear the hard drive clicking, you might get worried as you fear the loss of your vital data stored on it. You can search the internet to fix the issue yourself. Though it is tempting to diagnose and fix the issue on your own, you need to be careful to avoid any further damage. We have discussed 4 fixes in the above guide. Try them by following the detailed steps as guided above. It’s good if you are able to fix it on your own, or you can prefer reaching the specialist.
However, if you are unable to fix it and lost your data while trying to resolve the hard drive clicking issue, then recover your data. We recommend using the Wondershare Recoverit Data Recovery software for successful recovery of data.
Is the hard drive clicking bad?
It depends upon the sound. A little clicking sound is normal, but if you hear it repeatedly, it can cause harm to the platter. You need to power down the system soon you hear the repeated hard drive clicking. If you don’t do it, it will erase your data quickly, leaving you to look for ways to recover your important data if you don’t have a backup.
What are the signs of a failing hard drive?
You can save data from being lost if you are successful in understanding the warning signs given by your laptop or computer’s failing hard drive. Here are the signs that indicate a hard drive can fail:
What does hard drive clicking sound like?
You hear strange noises when your hard drive has some issue, or it is about to die. Hard drive clicking sounds can be like grinding, squealing, vibrations, knocking, drilling, musical siren, scratching, beeps, sweeping, clunking, humming, or buzzing noise. These are some sound types that you can hear from clicking the hard drive.
Theo Lucia
chief Editor