Since the release of Windows 10 version 1809, Quick Removal mode has been the default setting for removable USB drives. This means that you can safely detach the USB drive as long as Windows is not writing to the drive. However, if you switch to Better Performance mode, you will need to go through the process of removing the USB drive to avoid data loss. This wikiHow teaches you how to safely remove a USB drive in Windows 10.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Removing Quick Drive (Quick Removal Mode)
Step 1. Save the open document on the fast drive
In most programs, you can save your changes or progress by clicking on the “ File " and choose " Save " In general, you can also press the " Ctrl " and " S" simultaneously to save the job.
Step 2. Make sure Windows is not writing anything to the USB drive
When saving a large file to a fast drive, it may take a few minutes for Windows to complete the copy. Windows will display a progress bar when you copy files to another drive. Check the taskbar to make sure no copying process is running. You can also press the " Windows" and " E" simultaneously to open File Explorer. Open the USB drive under the "This PC" section and make sure all files have been copied.
If the USB drive has an LED light, the blinking light usually indicates that the computer is accessing the drive. Never pull or unplug a drive from the computer while the LED is flashing
Step 3. Carefully remove the drive
If you use the default Quick Removal settings and no files are currently being copied, you can remove the USB drive at any time without risking data loss. Gently pull the drive from the USB slot to release it.
Method 2 of 4: Enabling Better Performance Mode
Step 1. Make sure the drive is inserted into the computer
Plug the drive into an available USB port on the computer. When Better Performance mode is on, Windows uses the local write cache when writing data to the USB drive. This feature makes writing to the drive faster, but also increases the risk of data loss if the drive is not safely unplugged.
Step 2. Right-click the “Start” button
It's the button with the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen. A pop-up menu will appear after that.
You can also hold down the " Windows " and press the button " X" to display a pop-up menu.
Step 3. Click Device Manager
It's at the top of the pop-up menu.
Step 4. Click the icon
on the left side" Disk Drives".
The “Disk Drives” section is at the top of the “Device Manager” window. Click the arrow on its left side to display the disk drives on the computer, including the fast drive currently connected to the computer.
Step 5. Right-click the name of the fast drive
The name of the drive may be different, but you can usually see a "USB" label in the name or title.
Step 6. Click Properties
It's at the bottom of the right-click drop-down menu.
Step 7. Click the Policies tab
This tab is the second option at the top of the " Properties " window.
Step 8. Click the radio button next to “Better Performance”
This option is the second option on the “Policies” menu.
Step 9. Click OK
Better Performance mode will be enabled. Writing to the drive is faster, but you must remove the drive with one of the secure release methods to avoid data loss.
Method 3 of 4: Using the Safe Drive Eject Options on the Taskbar
Step 1. Save the open document on the fast drive
In most programs, you can save your changes or progress by clicking on the “ File " and choose " Save " In general, you can also press the " Ctrl " and " S" simultaneously to save the job.
Step 2. Click
on the taskbar.
This option is indicated by an upward-facing corner bracket icon. You can see it on the left side of the clock on the Windows taskbar. The hidden icons will appear on the Windows taskbar.
Step 3. Click the USB drive icon
The icon is a button for safely removing the USB drive from the computer. Once the icon is clicked, a drop-down menu will appear.
Step 4. Click Eject
This option is at the bottom of the drop-down menu. Usually, options are labeled with “ Eject SDHC (E:) ”, with the name of the fast drive written after the " Eject " command.
Step 5. Wait until the "Safe to Remove Hardware" prompt is displayed
Once this notification appears in the lower right corner of the screen, you can safely unplug the USB drive.
If the USB drive has an LED light, the blinking light usually indicates that the computer is accessing the drive. Never pull or unplug a drive from the computer while the LED is flashing
Step 6. Carefully remove the fast drive from the computer
The drive can be detached easily. The next time you connect the speed drive to your computer, all files will be saved as they were when the drive was last attached to your computer.
Method 4 of 4: Using File Explorer
Step 1. Save the open document on the fast drive
In most programs, you can save your changes or progress by clicking on the “ File " and choose " Save " In general, you can also press the " Ctrl " and " S" simultaneously to save the job.
Step 2. Press Win+E to open File Explorer
File Explorer is indicated by a folder icon with a blue click. Click the File Explorer icon or press the " Windows" and " E" simultaneously to open File Explorer.
Step 3. Click the “This PC” icon
This computer monitor icon is in the left pane of File Explorer.
Step 4. Search for the fast drive name
The drive name appears under the " Devices and drives " heading, in the middle of the page. Usually, the fast drive is on the right side of the page. You can see the code "(E:)" or "(F:)" after the drive name.
Alternatively, you can search for the drive in the sidebar panel on the left of the screen
Step 5. Right-click the fast drive name
A drop-down menu will appear after that.
Step 6. Click Eject
It's in the middle of the drop-down menu. After that, the name of the drive will disappear from the “This PC” window.
Step 7. Wait until the “Safe to Remove Hardware” prompt is displayed
Once this notification appears in the lower right corner of the screen, you can safely unplug the USB drive.
If the USB drive has an LED light, the blinking light usually indicates that the computer is accessing the drive. Never pull or unplug a drive from the computer while the LED is flashing
Step 8. Carefully remove the fast drive from the computer
The drive can be detached easily. The next time you connect the speed drive to your computer, all files will be saved as they were when the drive was last attached to your computer.
