Windows 10: Does Windows eject media/external drives on shutdown?

I'm usually very careful with my external backup HDD but today pulled both the power and data cable without first ejecting the drive in Windows. This was however after the PC had been through a shutdown process so my question is can external media be disconnected safely after a system shutdown without first ejecting the media in Windows?

:)

 

Eject options inconsistent between USB stick and USB external drive - Windows 10

When I want to eject a USB stick I can do it 2 different ways (a) by clicking on the 'Safely remove hardware and eject media' icon in the notification area of the taskbar and selecting the device (b) in File Explorer by right mouse button on the drive letter
for the USB stick and clicking the Eject option

When I want to eject a USB external drive I only have one option, by clicking on the 'Safely remove hardware and eject media' icon in the notification area of the taskbar and selecting the device. In File Explorer if I right mouse button on the drive letter
for the USB external drive, there is no Eject option in the list of options.

Since I am usually in File Explorer when I have either a USB stick or a USB external drive plugged in, it is most natural to me to want to eject from within File Explorer after I have finished with the USB device.

Is there any way to 'switch on' an 'Eject' option within File Explorer for a USB external drive ?

Ron

PS this is true for both Windows 10 Home 32 bit and Windows 10 Pro 64 bit

 

Missing Eject in "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" List

Hi Tze Lin Wong,

The configuration to this can be found under settings. To enable this feature follow these steps:

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
   
2. Under Notification Area, choose
   Select which icons appear on the taskbar.
3. Scroll to Windows Explorer: Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media
   and turn it on.

If this doesn't work, I suggest that you check with your USB drive manufacturer for new drivers or other updates.

All the best.

 

Eject options inconsistent between USB stick and USB external drive - Windows 10

Hi,



Before we proceed, I need more information to help you better.

• 
  Have you tried connecting different external drive?
  
• 
  Do you face the same issue with different external drive?
  

As a work around , I suggest you to connect different external drive to your system and check whether will you get the option to Eject from File explorer or not.

And also try connecting same external drive to different system and check if the issue persist.



Reply with necessary information so that can assist you better.