This post shows students and new users steps to safely eject external storage devices from Windows 11 so as not to corrupt the data on the disk.
Simply unplugging an external storage device from Windows may seem trivial, but Microsoft recommends following certain steps to ensure that data is not lost from the device.
Like any modern operating system, Windows 11 allows you to use external devices like USB flash drives, CDs/DVDs, and other removable devices. However, if you don’t follow the best practice of safely removing or ejecting devices before unplugging, you may corrupt or destroy data on the device that you may never recover.
Also, suppose you unplug a device and not do it safely. In that case, you risk unplugging it while an application is still using it, which may also cause the application to end abruptly and introduce performance issues.
There’s always a process to get things done in Windows. There’s a proper and improper way to get things done in Windows. Just like there’s a proper way to shut down or reboot your computer, there’s also a proper way to eject an external USB device from your Windows computer.
To learn how to properly eject or remove a USB drive from your Windows computer, follow the steps below:
Again, if you don’t do it properly, you may lose your important data on the disk. Even if you use an optical disc like a CD or DVD, you can use the same steps to eject the disc from your computer.
How to safely remove external drives in Windows 11
To eject removable devices from Windows, locate the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon on the taskbar or corner overflow, as highlighted below.
When you click the icon, it should list all the removable devices attached to your Windows computer.
Then click the Eject device name. The device name should appear with Eject.
When you click Eject on the device name, Windows will message that the device is Safe To Remove Hardware.
You can then safely unplug the device from your computer without losing or corrupting its data.
You can also eject removable devices from File Explorer. Locate the device in File Explorer, then right-click it and select Eject, as highlighted below.
When will the message be displayed that the device can safely be removed from your computer?
If any files on the device are open and used by an application, you cannot safely remove the device. You will be prompted with a window telling you the disk or volume is busy.
You will have to close all the files on the device or stop the application from accessing the drive and click the eject icon to remove or eject the device safely. Alternatively, right-click the device’s name in File Explorer and eject it.
That should do it!
Conclusion:
- Safely ejecting external storage devices in Windows 11 prevents data corruption and loss.
- Utilizing the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon or File Explorer ensures a secure disconnection.
- Always check for open files or applications using the external device before ejecting.
- Following these steps maintains your data’s integrity and your applications’ performance.
- Remember that a proper eject procedure is essential for all removable devices, including USB drives and optical discs.
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