If you must initialize a disk and this is the issue

About the issue: “You must initialize a disk before the logical disk manager can access it”

Basically, this problem occurs with a completely new disk, but sometimes it happens with an old disk when you connect to it.

So what does the error “you must initialize a disk before logical MBR or GPT” mean? So, in the case of a new disk, it's okay, as initialization is required for your convenience (using it, you can install the file system you prefer). If this is an old disk, there is a problem here, since initialization will delete all your data. And without the initialization process, the system cannot deal with the problem storage. This becomes a vicious circle.

But, this article was not created to not provide solutions; there are very useful tips and solutions to the problem.

Solution 2. Check the disk drivers for updates

If you do not have automatic driver updates installed, it is likely that they are outdated and require immediate updates. This can be done through the manufacturer’s website or manually through the command line. In the first case, you just need to download the latest updates from the site, and in the second case, the instructions are described here:

Start (with the right click of mouse) -> Search Windows -> enter the command "devmgmt.msc" -> Ok. A new Universal Serial Bus Controllers window will appear. Find your uninitialized disk and right-click on it -> Update driver -> Automatic driver search -> mandatory system reboot.

If the drivers are updated and the problem still bothers you, do not be upset in advance; a couple more solutions are in store for you.

Solution 4. Initialize as last resort

Before starting disk initialization, use DiskInternals Partition Recovery to try open disk, recover its data or to create a disk image (in the future, you can restore the disk at any time convenient for you). Then you can safely do initialization.

Let's go in order.

A bit about DiskInternals Partition Recovery software: This application creates a disk image completely free with one click. In addition, you can also view files as in Windows Explorer, and restore data, if necessary — a universal application.

If you doubt it, open the Wizard and it will be with you until the last step in the process. The application works with all common and well-known file systems and supports Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, etc. You only need one thing: click on the Download button and then install the application on your computer.

Now about initialization: As mentioned above, this procedure will delete everything that is on the disk (this applies to a disk that was already in use). That's why the disk image is so important.

For initialization, you need to right-click on the disk and select Initialization. Now check the box next to MBR or GPT, then click OK. After the computer restarts, the disk will be ready for use.