How to Eject Drive in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever plugged in a USB flash drive or external hard disk and wondered, “How do I safely eject this?”

You’re not alone. Many Windows 11 users still get confused about how to safely remove external drives — and for good reason. The “Safely Remove Hardware” icon isn’t always visible, and sometimes Windows says, “This device is currently in use.”

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you exactly how to eject a drive in Windows 11, using multiple easy methods. You’ll learn how to safely disconnect USB flash drives, external SSDs, hard drives, and memory cards — without risking data loss or corruption.

Why You Should Safely Eject Drives

Ejecting a USB or external drive safely isn’t just about being cautious — it’s about protecting your data.

When you copy, move, or delete files, Windows temporarily stores information in cache memory. If you unplug the drive too soon, the process might not be complete.

Here’s why safe ejection matters:

• 🧱 Prevents file corruption or data loss

• 💾 Ensures all cached data is written to the drive

• 🔌 Avoids damaging the drive’s file system

• ⚙️ Protects against hardware wear or connection errors

In short — it’s the difference between a healthy drive and one that suddenly stops working.

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What Happens If You Don’t Eject a Drive Properly?

Unplugging a drive without ejecting it first can cause several problems:

So yes — clicking “Eject” may seem minor, but it protects your data every time.

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Different Types of External Drives You Can Eject

Windows 11 allows safe removal of several device types, including:

• USB flash drives

• External SSDs or HDDs

• Memory cards (SD, microSD)

• Portable NVMe drives

• USB-connected phones or tablets (as storage devices)

All these follow the same safe removal procedure.

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How to Eject Drive in Windows 11 (Overview)

Here’s a quick summary before we dive into the details:

Let’s explore each method step by step.

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Method 1: Use the System Tray (Safely Remove Hardware)

This is the classic and most common method.

Steps:

1. Look at the bottom-right corner of your taskbar (the system tray).

2. Click the “Show hidden icons” arrow (▲) if you don’t see the USB icon.

3. Find the USB with a checkmark icon — labeled “Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media.”

4. Click it, then select your drive name (e.g., Eject SanDisk USB Drive).

5. Wait for the message:

   “Safe to Remove Hardware.”

6. Now, unplug your drive.

✅ Tip: If you don’t see the icon, jump to How to Make the “Safely Remove Hardware” Icon Reappear.

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Method 2: Eject Drive from File Explorer

You can also safely eject drives directly from File Explorer.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

2. Under This PC, locate your removable drive.

3. Right-click the drive → select Eject.

4. Wait for the drive to disappear from File Explorer.

Once it disappears, it’s safe to unplug.

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Method 3: Use the Settings App

Windows 11’s modern Settings app also allows safe drive removal.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Bluetooth & devices → Devices.

3. Scroll down to find your external drive under “Other devices.”

4. Click the three dots (…) next to the drive and choose Remove device.

5. Confirm by clicking Yes.

This is handy for users who prefer using the new Windows 11 interface over legacy tools.

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Method 4: Use This PC Window

If you’re in a hurry, the This PC window offers another easy way.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer → This PC.

2. Find your external drive under “Devices and drives.”

3. Right-click → select Eject.

4. Once you see no more activity lights on your drive, you can safely remove it.

⚠️ Important: Never remove a drive while files are still being copied or used.

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Method 5: Eject Drive Using Command Prompt

For tech-savvy users, Command Prompt offers a more manual but effective method.

Steps:

1. Press Start → type “cmd” → Run as administrator.

2. Type:

   diskpart


3. Then type:

   list volume


4. Identify your external drive by label or size.

5. Type:

   select volume X


   (Replace X with your drive’s number.)

6. Finally, type:

   remove all dismount


7. Wait for confirmation, then unplug the drive.

💡 This method is useful if your USB icon isn’t working or the drive won’t eject normally.

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Method 6: Eject Drive Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides a faster, scriptable option for advanced users.

Steps:

1. Press Start, search PowerShell, right-click → Run as administrator.

2. Type:

   Get-WmiObject -Query "SELECT * FROM Win32_Volume WHERE DriveType=2" | Select Name


   This lists all removable drives.

3. Then run:

   $drive = Get-WmiObject -Query "SELECT * FROM Win32_Volume WHERE DriveLetter='E:'"
$drive.Dismount($false, $true)


   (Replace E: with your actual drive letter.)

Your drive will safely eject and stop appearing in File Explorer.

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Method 7: Eject Using Device Manager (Advanced)

If nothing else works, you can disable the drive from Device Manager.

Steps:

1. Right-click Start → Device Manager.

2. Expand Disk drives.

3. Right-click your external drive → Disable device.

4. Wait for confirmation, then unplug your device.

✅ Tip: You can re-enable the drive later by right-clicking it again → Enable device.

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What to Do If You See “This Device Is Currently in Use”

Sometimes Windows won’t eject a drive because a process is still using it.

Try these fixes:

• 🧩 Close all open files or folders on the drive.

• 🚫 Exit apps that may be accessing files (e.g., media players, backup tools).

• 🔄 Wait 10–15 seconds after file transfers complete.

• 💻 Use Task Manager:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

  2. Go to Processes tab.

  3. End any process using your drive (e.g., “Windows Explorer” → Restart).

• 🧰 Force eject via Command Prompt:

  mountvol E: /p


  (Replace E: with your drive letter.)

If you still get the message, restart your computer and remove the drive once you’re back on the desktop.

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How to Make the “Safely Remove Hardware” Icon Reappear

If the USB eject icon is missing from your system tray, here’s how to bring it back.

Method 1: Check Hidden Icons

• Click the small up arrow (▲) on the right side of the taskbar.

• The icon might simply be hidden there.

Method 2: Customize Taskbar Icons

1. Right-click the Taskbar → Taskbar settings.

2. Scroll to Other system tray icons.

3. Turn “Windows Explorer: Safely Remove Hardware” to On.

Method 3: Restart Explorer

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open Task Manager.

2. Find Windows Explorer, right-click → Restart.

The eject icon should now appear again.

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Tips to Keep Your USB Devices Safe

Here are a few quick best practices to extend the life of your drives:

• Always eject safely. Never pull it out mid-transfer.

• Avoid using USB hubs for critical transfers — direct ports are more stable.

• Keep drivers updated to avoid disconnection errors.

• Don’t eject while Windows is updating or sleeping.

• Use high-quality drives from trusted brands to prevent hardware issues.

Following these habits ensures your data stays safe and your devices last longer.

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Conclusion

Learning how to eject a drive in Windows 11 is simple — and it’s one of those small habits that save you from big headaches later.

You can use several methods:

• The System Tray for quick removal,

• File Explorer for convenience, or

• Command Prompt/PowerShell for advanced control.

No matter which you choose, the key takeaway is: never unplug a drive without ejecting it first. Doing so ensures your files remain intact, your drive stays healthy, and your system keeps running smoothly.

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FAQs

1. Why can’t I eject my USB drive in Windows 11?

Because a program or background process is still using it. Close all files and apps, then try again.

2. Is it safe to unplug my USB without ejecting?

It’s risky — you could lose or corrupt data. Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware” option when possible.

3. How do I eject a drive using my keyboard?

Press Windows + E → Tab → Arrow keys → Right-click (Shift + F10) on the drive → select Eject.

4. Can I eject drives that don’t show up in File Explorer?

Yes — use Disk Management, Device Manager, or the Command Prompt methods to dismount them manually.

5. What should I do if my USB keeps reconnecting automatically?

Try disabling “USB selective suspend” in Power Options or update your USB drivers from Device Manager.

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Summary: Key Takeaways

✅ In short:
To safely eject a drive in Windows 11, click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the system tray or right-click the drive in File Explorer → Eject. Wait for confirmation, then unplug your device — and your data will stay safe and sound.