Removing an external hard drive from your PC might seem as simple as pulling out the cable but doing it the wrong way can result in data loss or even damage to the drive. Whether you are using a USB external hard drive or a portable SSD, it is essential to follow the proper steps to safely eject it. This ensures that all files have been saved correctly and that no data transfers are interrupted.
In this guide you will learn how to eject a hard drive from a Windows PC using different methods. We will also cover what to do if your drive will not eject properly and why safely removing hardware is so important.
Why Safe Ejection Matters
When you connect a hard drive to your PC the system may continue to access or cache files in the background even when you are not actively using it. If you remove the drive without properly ejecting it, you risk corrupting data that is still being written or read.
Safely ejecting the drive tells the operating system to stop any ongoing processes and unmount the drive. Once this is complete it is safe to disconnect the cable.
Using the System Tray Method
The most common way to eject an external hard drive is via the system tray. Look for the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen, near the clock.
Click this icon and a list of connected USB devices will appear. Find your external hard drive and click Eject [Drive Name]. A notification will appear stating it is now safe to remove the device. You can now unplug the drive from your PC without risk.
If the icon does not appear, you can click the small arrow in the system tray to reveal hidden icons. You can also access it through Settings > Devices > USB.
Using File Explorer
Another way to eject a hard drive is through File Explorer. Open File Explorer and go to This PC. Right-click on the external drive you want to eject and select Eject from the context menu.
This method performs the same action as the system tray but some users find it easier when they already have File Explorer open.
Once you select Eject, wait for a message confirming it is safe to remove the device before disconnecting the cable.
What to Do If the Drive Will Not Eject
Sometimes Windows may display a message saying the device is in use and cannot be safely removed. This usually means a file is still open or the system is accessing the drive in the background.
First, check that you have closed all documents, music, videos or applications that were using files from the drive. You can also open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check if any processes are still using the drive.
If the problem persists you can shut down your PC completely before unplugging the drive. This ensures all activity has stopped and makes it safe to remove the device.
Ejecting Internal Hard Drives
If you are trying to remove or replace an internal hard drive the process is more technical. You must shut down the computer and physically disconnect the power and data cables from inside the case. This should only be done if you are confident in working with PC components. Internal drives cannot be safely ejected using software as they are an essential part of the system.
Final Thoughts
Ejecting a hard drive properly is a small but important task that protects your data and keeps your hardware in good working condition. Whether you use the system tray or File Explorer, always wait for confirmation before unplugging. If Windows reports that the drive is in use, take the time to close all relevant applications or restart your system. These extra steps help avoid problems like corrupted files or damaged storage devices.