How to Remove a USB Storage Device

USB storage devices include a wide array of devices, such as external hard drives, flash drives and thumb drives. USB storage devices are convenient and easy to install. You simply plug the device into any available USB port on your computer. However, properly removing the USB storage device is more complicated than simply unplugging it.

Instructions

Windows

1. Click on the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon, which can be located on your system tray at the bottom of the screen. You will see a list of available devices.

2. Click on the device that you want to remove, and wait for Windows to display a message that it is safe to remove the device.

3. Unplug the storage device from the computer.

Mac OS X

1. Click on "Finder."

2. Locate your USB device under the "Devices" menu in the left column.

3. Click the "Eject" symbol next to the device.

4. Unplug the storage device from the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not unplug a USB storage device without properly removing it from your operating system or you could damage the device.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Safely Remove Devices From Your Computer
• Apple Support: Mac 101: Mac Essentials