The storage device cannot be safely removed. What to do if you can't safely remove your device in Windows. Why Linux, MacOS and Windows behave differently

Safely removing a device is typically used to remove USB flash drives or external hard drive in Windows 10, 8 and Windows 7, as well as in XP. It may happen that the safe removal icon has disappeared from the panel Windows tasks- this may cause misunderstanding and lead to confusion, but there is nothing wrong with that. Now we will return this icon to its place.

Note: in Windows 10 and 8, for devices that are defined as a Media device, the safe eject icon is not shown (players, Android tablets, some phones). You can disable them without using this function. Also keep in mind that in Windows 10, the display of the icon can also be disabled in Settings - Personalization - Taskbar - “Choose the icons displayed in the taskbar.”

Sometimes, for unknown reasons, the safe removal icon may disappear. Even if you connect and disconnect the flash drive over and over again, for some reason the icon does not appear. If this happens to you (and this is most likely the case, otherwise you would not have come here), press the Win + R buttons on your keyboard and enter the following command into the Run window:

RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hotplug.dll

This command works on Windows 10, 8, 7 and XP. The absence of a space after the comma is not an error, it should be so. After running this command, the Safely Remove Hardware dialog box that you were looking for will open.

In this window, you can, as usual, select the device that you want to disable and click the “Stop” button. A side effect of running this command is that the safe eject icon will reappear where it should be.

If it continues to disappear and each time you need to re-execute the specified command to remove the device, then you can create a shortcut for this action: right-click on an empty space on the desktop, select “Create” - “Shortcut” and in the “Object location” field » enter the command to open the Safely Remove Hardware dialog. At the second stage of creating a shortcut, you can give it any desired name.

Another way to safely remove your device in Windows

There is another simple method that allows you to safely remove your device when the Windows taskbar icon is missing:

This concludes the instructions. Hopefully the methods listed here to safely remove your portable hard drive Or a flash drive will be enough.

You can’t just pick up and pull out a flash drive from a USB connector. Improperly disconnecting any drive can lead to its failure and data corruption.

This is the correct way to disconnect a USB flash drive from a computer. If everything is done correctly, then the operating system:

• will cancel all active read/write operations on the flash drive;
• "will inform" everyone running programs that the removable disk will be disconnected;
• will “notify” the user if it is impossible to stop interaction with the drive in some current processes.

Safely removing a flash drive is a guarantee of the safety of the data stored on it. This is especially important if the user encrypts information.

How do I perform a safe removal?

Let's take Windows 10 as an example, but in older versions this procedure is not fundamentally different.

1. Via the "Taskbar". Move the cursor to the lower right corner of the display, click on the first icon on the left (up arrow) - hidden icons will appear. Look for the flash drive icon there - when you hover your cursor over it, “Safely remove devices and disks” will appear. Click on the icon with the left mouse button and click on “Eject X”, where X is the name of the USB drive.
2. Via context menu. Open “This PC” and find the required flash drive in the list of removable drives. Right-click on it - a context menu will appear on the side. In the list of commands, find the line “Extract” and click it.

IMPORTANT! The above approaches should end with a system alert - “The equipment can be removed (removed).”

What problems may arise when removing a flash drive?

Sometimes the computer does not “want to let go” of the removable drive. This is usually due to one of two factors:

• data caching. Information is not always recorded in real time, where you see a status window where progress is shown as a percentage. The operating system can cache data - transfer it to RAM. In fact, writing to the drive will occur later, if free resources are available;
• process failures of individual utilities. For example, photo editors are able to constantly check for pictures on drives connected to the computer. This process can go in cycles. Then he needs to have access to the flash drive all the time and he will not “allow” it to be disconnected in a secure way.

In any case, the system will notify you that it is impossible to remove the drive - a corresponding message will appear. The easiest way to get out of this situation is to disable active programs and close all windows. This also applies to applications running in background: antivirus, instant messengers, OS optimizers.

Problem with universal volume

The most common challenge when retrieving safely is error "Windows cannot stop the Generic Volume device". This means that there are processes that are using the drive, but the system cannot stop them automatically.

Solving problems with a universal volume

Safe Eject Shortcut Error

It happens that the icon designed to launch safe extraction disappears in the “Taskbar”.

Restoring the Safe Removal Icon

First of all, use manually running the extraction command.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• press the key combination "Windows+R"- a window will appear "Run";
• copy the request into the window line "RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hotplug.dll";
• confirm the launch by clicking on OK;
• A safe removal window will appear, where you need to select the appropriate drive and click on “Stop”.

If this does not help, then use the official Microsoft USB Problem Diagnostic Tool. Download, install and run the utility, then follow the instructions that appear - they are extremely simple.

If this does not help, then edit the registry, for which you need:

• launch window "Run", as in the first step of the previous method;
• enter a query into the line "regedit" and launch it by clicking OK;
• in the new window, pay attention to the panel on the left, consisting of many lines - sequentially get to the line along the path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER => Softaware => Microsoft => Windows => CurrentVersion => Applets => SysTray;
• look to the right, where there will be 3 lines - click first "Services", in the window that appears, set the value to “1b”, save the changes by clicking on OK, then do the same with the line "HotPlugsFlags", but set it to “2”.
• reboot your computer.

It happens that not only the safe eject icon disappears, but also the drive icon itself. Most often, this is due, in particular, to highly specialized ones - autorans. To combat them, perform a full system scan with an antivirus - preferably not a free one. In addition, you can use special utilities Anti-Autoran or Online Solutions Autorun Manager .

Sometimes it becomes necessary to disable USB ports on a computer or laptop in order to limit access by connecting flash drives, hard drives and other USB devices. Disabling USB ports will help prevent the connection of any drives that could be used for theft important information or cause your computer to become infected with a virus and spread harmful software By local network.

Restricting access to USB ports

Let's consider 7 ways, with which you can block USB ports:

1. Disabling USB through BIOS settings
2. Changing registry settings for USB devices
3. Disabling USB ports in Device Manager
4. Uninstalling USB controller drivers
5. Using Microsoft Fix It 50061
6. Usage additional programs
7. Physical disabling USB ports

1. Disabling USB ports through BIOS settings

1. Sign in BIOS settings.
2. Disable all items related to the USB controller (for example, USB Controller or Legacy USB Support).
3. After you have made these changes, you need to save the settings and exit the BIOS. This is usually done using the key F10.
4. Restart your computer and make sure the USB ports are disabled.

2. Enable and Disable USB Drives Using Registry Editor

If disabling via BIOS does not suit you, you can block access directly in Windows itself using the registry.

The instructions below allow you to block access to various USB drives (for example flash drives), but other devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners will still work.

1. Open the Start menu -> Run, enter the command " regedit" and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
2. Continue to next section
   

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR

3. On the right side of the window, find the item “ Start” and double-click on it to edit. Enter the value " 4 » to block access to USB storage devices. Accordingly, if you enter the value again “ 3 ", access will be reopened.

Click OK, close Registry Editor, and restart your computer.

The above method only works when installed driver USB controller. If a driver has not been installed for security reasons, the Start setting may be automatically reset to 3 when the user connects the USB drive and Windows installs the driver.

3. Disable USB ports in Device Manager

1. Right-click on the " Computer» and select in context menu"Properties" item. A window will open on the left side of which you need to click on the link “ device Manager».
2. In the device manager tree, find the item " USB controllers" and open it.
3. Disable controllers by right-clicking and selecting the "Disable" menu item.

This method doesn't always work. In the example shown in the figure above, disabling the controllers (the first 2 points) did not lead to the desired result. Disabling the 3rd option (USB Mass Storage Device) worked, but it only allows you to disable a single instance of the USB storage device.

4. Removing USB controller drivers

Alternatively, to disable ports, you can simply uninstall USB driver controller. But the disadvantage of this method is that when the user connects a USB drive, Windows will check for drivers and, if they are missing, will offer to install the driver. This in turn will allow access to the USB device.

5. Prevent users from connecting USB storage devices using a Microsoft application

Another way to deny access to USB drives is to use Microsoft Fix It 50061(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823732/ru - the link may open near the mituta). The essence of this method is that 2 conditions for solving the problem are considered:

• The USB drive has not yet been installed on the computer
• The USB device is already connected to the computer

Within the scope of this article, we will not consider this method in detail, especially since you can study it in detail on the Microsoft website using the link given above.

It should also be taken into account that this method Not suitable for all versions of Windows OS.

6. Using programs to disable/enable access to USB storage devices

There are many programs for setting the access ban USB ports. Let's consider one of them - the program USB Drive Disabler.

The program has a simple set of settings that allow you to deny/allow access to certain drives. USB Drive Disabler also allows you to configure alerts and access levels.

7. Disconnecting USB from the motherboard

Although physically disconnecting USB ports on motherboard is an almost impossible task, you can disable the ports located on the front or top of the computer case by disconnecting the cable going to the motherboard. This method will not completely block access to USB ports, but will reduce the likelihood of using drives by inexperienced users and those who are simply too lazy to connect devices to the back of the system unit.

! Addition

Denying access to removable media through the Group Policy Editor

In modern versions of Windows, it is possible to restrict access to removable storage devices (including USB drives) using the local editor group policy.

1. Run gpedit.msc through the Run window (Win + R).
2. Go to the next branch " Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Access to Removable Storage Devices»
3. On the right side of the screen, find the “Removable drives: Deny read” option.
4. Activate this option ("Enable" position).

This section of Local Group Policy allows you to configure read, write, and execute access for different classes of removable media.

However, sometimes after finishing working with (all files, folders and programs are closed)operating system Windows“does not give up” it, that is, some program continues to work with it in the background, for example, an antivirus (or virus!), or Windows Explorer , or other file manager…

However, when you try to extract using the icon (located in the notification area Taskbars) a window appears "Problem when removing "USB Mass Storage Device" with the corresponding message:

There are various ones, the creators of which swear that with the help of their immortal creations the problem with extraction is solved in one click. Alas, it is often impossible to extract even with the help of these.

Meanwhile, the most the simplest way extraction, which “does not want to give up” Windows, is always at hand (the algorithm of actions for , for operating systems and + there will be minor differences):

– close all programs and files that you launched and opened;

– run Windows Task Manager(in any way, for example, using Ctrl + Alt + Delete, or using Start -> Run... -> taskmgr –> OK);

- in the window Windows Task Manager open the tab Processes;

– highlight explorer.exe, press the button End the process;

– authorize the completion of the process – in the window Task Manager Warning with a message "ATTENTION! Terminating the process may lead to undesirable results, including data loss or system instability. Are you sure you want to complete the process? click Yes;

- in the window Windows Task Manager select menu File -> New task (Run...);

– in the text field Open windows Create a new task enter explorer –> OK;

- will start Windows Explorer;

– try extracting using the icon Safely Removing Your Device.

Notes

1. It is not recommended to work with your files only on . The ideal case is to work with files on . When finished, copy them to . Connecting a flash drive to another(on which you need to work), copy files on . Having finished work, again copy files on . That is, use it for its intended purpose - for transferring and temporary file storage.

2. If all the files, folders and programs that were opened are closed, but extract it through the icon Safely Removing Your Device still fails, then you can disable it without using this icon (or turn off

In operating rooms Microsoft systems: Windows XP, Win 7 and Win 8, there is an option to safely or securely remove the device. It is customary to use it in cases when you have already completed work with any USB drive, flash drive or external hard drive, and you need to disconnect it without harming the computer and media. But there are times when (lower functional Windows string).
In such a situation, many simply pull out the drive, but this is a fundamentally wrong decision, it is important to get the missing “safe removal” icon back, and you will now learn how to do this

Please note: if you take into account any media devices, such as smartphones or cameras, when they are connected to your computer, Windows may not show the safe removal icon at all. This is explained by the fact that in order to correctly disconnect such media, you need to either turn it off (cameras) or manipulate its display (in the case of a tablet or phone), that is, the safe removal of the USB device is carried out on it itself.

So, to safely remove a device in Windows 7, Win8 or WinXP versions, you move the cursor to the famous icon in the lower right corner of the screen and right-click on it, selecting the desired media. You need to do such manipulations because in this way you make it clear to the operating system that work with the media is finished and you are going to safely remove the flash drive. In this case, all operations with this device are completed and the risk of information loss disappears, and often the power to your flash drive or hard drive even stops. As a result, they cannot be used.

If you do not use the option to safely remove the device and remove the flash drive from the laptop, the flash drive will simply burn out or the information you wrote to it will be damaged. Don't forget to safely remove the flash drive! Of course, this happens really rarely, but a certain risk is always present. If the flash drive cannot be safely removed, then read on.

How to get the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon back

Problem retrieving storage USB devices, associated with the disappearance of the corresponding secure removal icon, if the flash drive is inserted into the connector and functions correctly, it happens. In such situations, do not despair, because there are a number of actions to solve this problem. Flash drive not ejected safely?

And in the line of the window that appears, write the following combination of characters: RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hotplug.dll

Note: To avoid mistakes, just copy the above line.

This directory is applicable in systems Windows versions XP, 7, and also 8.

This dialog box is full version a small sign that will appear after you click on the “Safely Remove Hardware” image in the taskbar, so that all connected media will be displayed here. You can easily select a flash drive or hard drive that should be disabled by selecting it with one click and clicking the “Stop” button.

After performing all the manipulations described above and successful (correct) disconnection USB storage, if the “safely remove device” icon on the panel previously disappeared, the icon you were looking for will return to its rightful place, in the corner of the screen near the clock.

If the treasured icon still continues to disappear from the corner with the clock and volume mixer, do the following:

1. Right-click (RMB) on the desktop and find the “New” function and then “Shortcut” in the menu that appears.
2. Copy the command mentioned earlier into the window that opens.
3. Now, by clicking the “Next” button at the bottom of the window, you can name the shortcut whatever you want. This way, you will always have the opportunity to quickly safely remove the flash drive and be sure that everything is in order with the drive.

Another way to safely remove your device in Windows

You can safely remove a flash drive from a computer if the icon of the same name is missing using one more simple method, which we will divide into two points to simplify perception:

You are required to go to “My Computer” and right-click on the media that you are going to disconnect. Now, select the “Properties” function and open the “Hardware” tab in the window that appears.

• In the dialog box shown in the screenshot below, open the “Policies” tab. It is here that the line we need is displayed in highlighted font.

Thus, if Safely Remove Hardware does not work for you in Windows 7 or another version operating system, you can always overcome this problem by following the very simple instructions outlined in this text.

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