Windows Win8.1 can I forcibly turn off a usb-harddrive?

Hi,

I'v got a hybrid Laptop/Tablet. (Convertible?)

It looks like a laptop, but really is a tablet with a base.
The base consists of a laptop-hinge, a keyboard, a second battery and a harddrive.
The system runs Win 8.1 64bit

This harddrive in the base is detected as an external USB-Harddrive, and it's the only moving mechanical part in the system.
I'm usually not using it (it's only a data storage) but it runs all the time.

Is there a way to shut it down and restart it on demand? Like an installable on-off switch?

Best regards,

Xir

 

You could give HDDScan a go, it's a bit clunky and is far from an ideal solution but i can't think of anything else.

 

I suspect you'll only be able to do it by disabling the port in the BIOS.

 

Disable it in Device Manager?

 

Replace it with an SSD?

 

That would be the best course of action if it's possible.

 

While forcibly doing anything, if it's not on already turning on "USB selective suspend" on the power plan (in advanced power settings) may help.

 

It's the data drive, replacing it with a 500GB SSD would almost cost me more than half of what the entire system cost

I'll try, I think it's also indexing, or thumbnailing or whatever the heck Win8.1 thinks is neccesary doing ALL THE TIME.