- Windows 10 and 11 implement the 'quick kill' mode by default, allowing you to remove the USB without certain expulsion.
- Write caching can result in data loss if the device is removed without waiting for the transfer to complete.
- The 'best performance' option improves speed but requires using safe USB ejection.
- In systems such as Linux and macOS, it is mandatory to unmount the USB before physically removing it.
Surely it's happened to you more than once: you connect a flash drive or external hard drive to your computer, copy a file, and when you're done, you just unplug it. So, what could possibly be going on? Although it may seem like a harmless action, behind that little routine lies a whole technical debate about whether or not it's necessary to use the backup function. "Remove hardware “safely” that appears in the Windows system tray. If you're having problems with Windows 10, it's essential that you know how to troubleshoot USB recognition issues in Windows 10.
For years, this recommendation has been considered almost an unwritten law in the computer world. However, with successive Windows updates and improvements in USB technology, many are wondering if it's still necessary or if it's just a baseless myth.
What happens when you connect a USB to your computer?
When you insert a USB memory stick into a port on your computer, the operating system automatically detects the device and loads the files. required drivers to be up and running in seconds. Windows enables an interface between the system and the physical device through a combination of components such as the controller storage, NAND flash memory chip for the data and a quartz oscillator that controls the transfer of information.
Even if it is not seen, from that moment on a relationship is established <strong>constant communication</strong> between both devices, both to exchange data and electricity. Each time a file is copied or read, Windows manages the operations using a feature called “write cache”, which temporarily stores data in memory before transferring it to the USB device. This process is key to understanding why you need to safely unplug a USB device in Windows.
What is write caching and how does it affect your data?
The write caching feature allows the operating system to do not immediately send the data to the USB device, but instead retains them for a moment to optimize performance. This process is ideal for facilitating multitasking, as it doesn't interrupt other operations while waiting for the physical copy to complete.
The problem appears when we decide remove the unit without completing the transfer. If there is still unwritten data on the USB and we remove it abruptly, the files may be left behind. incomplete or corruptWe could even damage the device's file system, which would require formatting or, in the worst case, losing all data.
Furthermore, even though we think that “everything has been copied has been finished”, sometimes there are background processes or applications that are still interacting with the drive. Some programs keep files open without our knowledge, and this can cause errors like the infamous "File is in use" when trying to remove the device.
Is it still mandatory to safely remove a USB drive in Windows?
With the arrival of Windows 1809 update 10, Microsoft implemented by default an option called “rapid elimination”. This option disables write caching, allowing you to disconnect the USB at any time as long as there is no active copy in process.
Quick Erase mode is designed to prevent you from losing data if you don't use Safe Eject, but it also involves a potential slight loss of performance. Especially if you are using old pendrives or bulk copies of files. If you're unsure how to manage your devices, check out how to save Kindle books to my Kindle here. Android to avoid confusion with storage.
Even so, Microsoft still maintains the “Safely Remove Hardware” option on the taskbar, demonstrating that they still consider this procedure useful in certain circumstances.
Fast extraction vs. better performance: which setting is better?
Windows offers two main options for managing external devices:
- Quick removal: Allows you to disconnect the USB at any time without using the eject option. Ideal for those who don't want complications. This mode disable write caching, which reduces the transfer speed somewhat but avoids risks if you extract the USB “roughly”.
- Better performance: Enable write caching to speed up file transfers. But it requires that you always use the write caching option. “safely remove hardware” to ensure that all data has been transferred correctly before physically disconnecting it.
By default, starting with Windows 10 version 1809 and also in Windows 11, the system is set to quick delete mode. However, you can change this setting for each drive individually from the USB drive properties in the "Policies" tab. If you have questions about how to open an SD card in Windows 10, we invite you to consult our guide.
What real risks exist when not removing the USB correctly?
The worst case scenario when you don't use safe extraction is the data corruptionThis could result in corrupted files, inaccessible folders, or even the system not recognizing the flash drive after reconnecting it.
In some isolated cases, unplugging without disconnecting safely can also physically damage internal components USB, especially if there is a power surge or a failure in the writing process. This is more likely in low-quality units or poorly manufactured, especially if they are old or have undergone many write cycles. To avoid damage, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with common problems such as hard drive not showing up in Mac.
It's true that more and more people are removing USB drives without any apparent consequences. But as a study from Carnegie Mellon University indicated, although most of the time nothing happens, the risk always existsAnd in professional environments or with sensitive data, it's not worth taking the risk.
What about other operating systems?
In the case of Linux and macOS, these systems do tend to work with write caching more actively. Therefore, the general recommendation is that always use safe eject in these environments to ensure that there are no active processes or unwritten data.
In fact, on Mac and many Linux distributions, trying to unplug a USB without unmounting it first will result in a warning message immediate. This gives an indication of the more conservative approach these systems have taken compared to the behavior of Windows since the latest versions.
Unplugging a USB isn't just a matter of "pulling the cable." Although technologies have changed and Windows has simplified this process with Quick Eject, It doesn't mean that we should just throw data into the void without caution.Analyzing how our operating system is configured and the context in which we use the USB drive can make the difference between enjoying an error-free experience or losing important files due to carelessness.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.