Safe Removal of Desktop HDD

Windows 10 Version 21H2 for x64-based Systems.
A flash drive draws power from the PC so it makes sense regarding removal. Safe Removal works first time, every time.

Is it necessary to Safely Remove an externally powered HDD? Sometimes ‘Safe Removal’ in system tray will work, mostly not.
Sometimes shortcut I created ‘Safely Remove Hardware’ works, mostly not. Message says it is in use, although everything is closed down, except for the fact the HDD is plugged into the PC!

A search here on W10 “Go to Control Panel/Hardware and Sound* then right click on the external, and press Remove Device”. Don’t have this, now *Devices & Printers, but if I Remove Device presumably PC will not recognise HDD next time I plug it in.

Thanks for any help.

If you have quick removal enabled from Device Manager which is enabled by default, no need to worry about Safe Removal i always disconnect my external drive without Safe Removal because of quick removal enabled.

Rooscoota thanks for the reply. I have been using a Maxtor HDD for years and never knew about this Safe Removal until a recent purchase of a 2nd desktop HDD!

FreeBooter, from my questions you will know my knowledge is somewhat limited and poor memory doesn’t help!

Windows 10 default media removal policy - Windows Client Management | Microsoft Docs

You can change the policy setting for each external device, and the policy that you set remains in effect if you disconnect the device and then connect it again to the same computer port.
So it’s USB port/device specific, rather than setting all USB ports the same.

• Quick removal - This policy manages storage operations in a manner that keeps the device ready to remove at any time. You can remove the device without using the Safely Remove Hardware process. However, to do this, Windows cannot cache disk write operations. This may degrade system performance.
By degrade does this just mean it is slower, or is the integrity of data on device at risk?

• Better performance - This policy manages storage operations in a manner that improves system performance. When this policy is in effect, Windows can cache write operations to the external device. However, you must use the Safely Remove Hardware process to remove the external drive. The Safely Remove Hardware process protects the integrity of data on the device by making sure that all cached operations finish.
Is this why Safe Removal doesn’t work, because all cached operations haven’t finished, even though all windows are closed? What tells you they have finished?

From Device Manager, expend Disk drives and right-click the external drive and select Properties and from Policies tab make sure to enable Quick removal (default).

The Quick removal (default) setting, just a safety feature in your external drive its use for as the name says quick removal of externally attached device with little effect on speed of the device.

Many thanks to all.