If you use a USB flash drive or an external hard drive, Windows 11 lets you choose how it handles these devices when you plug them in. This guide will show you easy steps to change these settings so your computer works the way you want.

What Are Removal Policies?

Windows 11 has two main ways (called “policies”) to work with removable drives:

• Quick removal (default): You can unplug your device at any time without clicking “Safely Remove Hardware.” But this may slow down your computer a bit.
• Better performance: Your computer works faster with the device. But you must click “Safely Remove Hardware” before unplugging to keep your data safe.

You can pick the setting that fits how you use your device.

Three Easy Ways to Change Removal Policy

Option 1: Change Using Windows Settings

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Click System on the left, then choose Storage on the right.
   
   Or click this link to open Storage settings directly:
   
   Open Storage settings
3. If a pop-up appears asking for permission, click Yes.
4. Scroll down and click Advanced storage settings to expand it, then select Disks & volumes.
   
   Or open directly: Open Disks & volumes
5. Find your removable drive in the list, then click the Properties button.
6. Under Removal policy, pick either Quick removal or Better performance.
7. Close Settings when done.

Option 2: Change Using Disk Management

1. Press Windows key + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open Disk Management.
2. In the list at the bottom, find your removable drive and right-click its label (like “Disk 1”).
3. Select Properties from the menu.
4. Go to the Policies tab.
5. Choose Quick removal or Better performance, then click OK.
6. Close Disk Management.

Option 3: Change Using Device Manager

1. Press Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open Device Manager.
2. Expand the Disk drives section.
3. Double-click your removable drive.
4. Go to the Policies tab.
5. Select Quick removal or Better performance, then click OK.
6. Close Device Manager.

Summary

• Quick removal: Unplug your USB or external drive anytime without extra steps. Slightly slower performance.
• Better performance: Faster data transfers, but always use “Safely Remove Hardware” before unplugging.
• You can change these settings anytime while your drive is plugged in.
• Three ways to change settings: Settings, Disk Management, or Device Manager.
• Administrator permission is needed to make changes.

Changing this setting helps protect your data or improve speed, depending on what you need.

Helpful Links

• Windows official guide on removal policies
• Microsoft Support: Internal SATA drives as removable media