USB Flash drive not showing in File Explorer

Had the same issue as in

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/usb-flash-drive-not-showing-up-in-file-explorer/b6dbe7f7-d69d-4156-a018-c556a5e11cd3?page=1 , which is now locked and the last reply is "reinstalled Windows and fixed the issue".

Posting the solution, that worked for me as separate question - it might be useful for somebody and moderator might put it in the correct question(s).

In nutshell:

• multiple USB flash drives not working on specific PC any USB port
• having different PC next to it - all of the USB flash drives working on it
• tried driver updates, uninstall / install, USB devices reformatting, multiple restarts - none of it worked
• noticed, that the USB flash drives appear in Task Manager, Device Manager and Disk Management without any issues showing up in there

Solution that worked for me:

• right button on Windows menu and select Disk Management
• ensure the drive is listed in there and no Drive letter is allocated for it (might be separate case if it is otherwise)
• ensure the drive is formatted and the space on it is not listed as unallocated (might need formatting otherwise)
• right click on the device and select "Change Drive Letter and Paths..."

• the list of drive letters is expected to be empty, click on "Add..."
• make sure "Assign the following drive letter" is selected from the radio buttons and it has appropriate value in the drop down next to it
• click "OK" on the 2 dialogs
• the device should show in the File Explorer right away

The solution in a nutshell - my Windows lost the ability to auto mount (assign drive letters) USB flash drives and now i have to manually mount them via Disk Management -> Change Drive Letter and Paths