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How to Remotely Access Your External Hard Drive:
3 Effective Methods

Editorial Team Mar 18, 2025

Many people think that external hard drives are accessible only through physical ports and channels. But now, it's possible to access them remotely if the device has network features. This means you can manage files from any device that is connected to the internet, without needing to physically connect the hard drive.

In this article, we will explain three simple ways to connect to an external hard drive remotely from another device on the same network. We’ll also talk about software and tools that allow remote access to USB hard drives as if they are physically attached to each other.

Contents

Method 1: Access External Hard Drives via Remote-Access Models.
Method 2: Use USB Over Ethernet for Remote Hard Drive Access.
Method 3: Share the Remote Hard Drive over the Network with FlexiHub.
Final Thoughts: How To Access External Hard Drive Remotely?

Method 1: Access External Hard Drives via Remote-Access Models

Our first method is to use an external hard drive that is designed for remote access and file transfers over the internet. In other words, it can be thought of as an external hard drive with remote access. These are called remote-access external hard drives.

Unlike traditional external hard drives, remote-access models come with built-in features that allow you to manage files from any device connected to the internet, without needing a physical connection.

If you decide to buy one, here are some things to consider:

Brand (and its reputation)
Security features
User-friendliness
Storage Capacity

There are many options available, so choose the one that best fits your needs.

For example, the WD Easystore 1TB Portable Hard Drive shown above is a good choice.

This remote external hard drive offers 1 terabyte of storage and is equipped with USB 3.2 Gen 1 for fast performance and quick transfers. Along with its portability and efficient data storage, it also supports remote USB drive access for both Windows and macOS devices.

Method 2: Use USB Network Gate for Remote Hard Drive Access

USB Network Gate is a software solution that makes it possible to access a USB drive or other USB devices like dongles or scanners from any network-attached machine. It works by allowing an external hard drive attached to your computer’s USB interface to be shared remotely from any location. The device will function like it is physically connected to the remote machines.

How to Access Hard Drive Remotely with USB Network Gate

1

Install USB Network Gate on the computer that will share the USB drive over a LAN or the Internet. Use the app’s interface to share the locally connected device.

2

Click the “Share” button to allow other users to access the hard drive remotely and modify the device’s settings if required.

Note: The host user can set a password for the HDD or other USB device.

connect external hard drive to remote desktop

3

Install the USB over Ethernet application on the computer that will access the hard drive remotely.

4

Open the "Remote USB Devices" tab on the client machine, locate the device you wish to connect to, and click "Connect." If prompted, enter the password. Once the password is entered, the device will be connected successfully.

Note: A remote USB drive appearing on the list doesn't always mean it's fully connected. To finalize the connection, select the device and click "Establish connection." If the device is protected, enter the password and then click "Connect."

access external hard drive from remote desktop

5

Once the connection is implemented the device will be recognized by your operating system in the same way it sees a locally attached USB drive.

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The Benefits of USB Network Gate for Connecting External Hard Drives Remotely

✅ Reverse connections

USB Network Gate makes it possible to easily access hard drives that are plugged into computers to which the user connects via RDP.

✅ Advanced safety and security

USB Network Gate utilizes advanced security encryption protocols that prevent your transmitted data from being accessed by unauthorized users. Password protection is also available, meaning that only users with the password can access specific external drives remotely.

✅ Cross-platform hard drive redirection

USB Network Gate is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems allowing users to easily share devices between different platforms. Regardless of whether they share the same operating system or not, any computer can be configured as a “server” or “client” machine.

Method 3: Share the Remote Hard Drive over the Network with FlexiHub

Another software for network-based remote hard drive access is FlexiHub. FlexiHub allows you to access a USB hard drive over a network. This software provides enterprise-level security, supports cloud-based connectivity, and works across multiple platforms.

For more information about how to share USB HDD via Flexihub, read USB Hard Drive sharing guide.

The Benefits of FlexiHub for Connecting External Hard Drives Remotely

✅ Remote Access

With Flexihub, you can easily access your hard drive from another computer. It allows you to share USB and hard drives over a network.

✅ Cross-Platform Support

Flexihub supports remote connections on Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux devices.

✅ Secure Connections

When you share an external hard drive over a network, all data is protected by TLS encryption, which ensures secure and safe data transmission.

✅ RDP Compatibility

FlexiHub seamlessly supports remote drive access during remote desktop sessions (RDP), so you can work with your external drive while using a remote desktop.

✅ Real-Time Access

FlexiHub provides fast connectivity between shared devices so you can access the hard drive remotely anytime, anywhere, without delays.

Final Thoughts: How To Access External Hard Drive Remotely?

In this guide, we’ve covered several methods to access an external hard drive without a physical connection between devices. Now you can make an informed decision about which solution best fits your needs.

Using Remote-Access External Hard Drives:

These devices, with built-in network connectivity features, are ideal for users who prefer simple, seamless remote file management without needing third-party applications.

Using Software solutions for remote HDD access:

There are two specialized software options to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences:

USB Network Gate: This software connects an external hard drive to a network and remote machine. It provides a reliable solution for establishing connections over a local area network (LAN), ensuring fast and secure device access from remote locations.
FlexiHub: This software offers cloud-based connectivity and cross-platform support, making it ideal for internet-based sharing and global access to an external hard drive.