Unplugging an external hard drive while Windows is still writing to it can corrupt files or, in rare cases, damage the drive’s file system. Ejecting the drive first tells Windows to finish any pending work and release the drive so it’s safe to disconnect. It only takes a moment, and Windows 10 and Windows 11 give you several ways to do it.
Method 1: Use the Taskbar Icon
- Look in the notification area at the right end of the taskbar for the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon (a USB plug with a checkmark). If you don’t see it, click the up arrow (^) to show hidden icons.
- Click the icon. A list of connected removable devices appears.
- Click Eject next to your hard drive’s name.
- Wait for the Safe to Remove Hardware message, then unplug the drive.
Method 2: Use File Explorer
- Open File Explorer (Windows + E) and click This PC.
- Right-click the external hard drive.
- Choose Eject. In Windows 11, you may need to click Show more options first if Eject isn’t on the short menu.
- When the drive disappears from the list, it’s safe to unplug.
Method 3: Use Settings
In Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices. Find the drive, click the three-dot menu, and choose Remove device. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, select the drive, and click Remove device. Note that this also removes the device’s pairing information, so Windows sets it up again the next time you connect it.
Method 4: Use Disk Management
For drives that don’t show an eject option, open Disk Management (right-click Start > Disk Management), right-click the disk label (for example, “Disk 1”) on the left, and choose Offline. Bring it back online the same way the next time you connect it. Use this method carefully, and only on the external drive.
What If Windows Says the Drive Is in Use?
If you see “Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device” or “This device is currently in use,” something still has a file open on the drive.
- Close open files and windows. Close documents, photos, or videos from the drive, and close any File Explorer windows showing it.
- Wait for copying to finish. Check for file transfer windows still running.
- Pause sync and backup apps. OneDrive, backup software, and antivirus scans can keep the drive busy.
- Find the culprit. Open Resource Monitor (search for it in Start), go to the CPU tab, and type the drive letter in the Associated Handles search box to see which program is using it. Close that program.
- Sign out or shut down. If nothing else works, shutting down the PC fully before unplugging is also safe.
Do You Really Need to Eject?
By default, Windows uses a Quick removal policy for USB drives, which disables write caching so drives are generally safe to unplug when no transfers are happening. Ejecting is still the safest habit, especially for large external hard drives, drives formatted for performance with Better performance enabled, or when you’re not sure whether a program is still writing. You can check the policy by opening the drive’s Properties in Device Manager and looking at the Policies tab.
Tips
- Wait for the drive’s activity light to stop blinking before unplugging.
- Avoid unplugging during file transfers or backups.
- For laptops, eject before closing the lid if you plan to unplug the drive afterward.
Related: Increase USB transfer speed in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t the eject icon appear on my taskbar?
It may be hidden behind the up arrow, or the setting to show it may be off. In Windows 11, check Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Other system tray icons.
Can I eject an internal hard drive?
No. Internal drives aren’t removable while the PC is on. Shut down the computer before working with internal drives.
What happens if I unplug without ejecting?
Usually nothing, if no files were being written. But if a transfer or save was in progress, the file can be incomplete or the drive may need repair. Windows may then offer to scan and fix the drive the next time you connect it.
Summary
To eject a hard drive on Windows, click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the taskbar and choose Eject next to your drive, or right-click the drive in File Explorer and select Eject. If Windows says the drive is in use, close programs using it, pause sync apps, or shut down before unplugging.
Related: how to eject a USB drive in Windows 11.
Setting up a new drive? See how to format an external hard drive in Windows 11.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.