Disconnecting the USB flash drive without going through the Safely Remove function can damage the data saved inside, here’s why and how to avoid damage
When we use a USB flash drive, it will have happened to us to have to use the “Safely Remove” function to detach the device from the computer. It’s an operation that we do almost automatically, without wondering why. But what is the real reason why you shouldn’t disconnect the USB stick without using this function?
It should be said that it is not always necessary to go to the device and select the safe removal option. For example, Windows uses quick features, set by default, that allow the user to unplug a USB stick without doing too many rounds inside the computer. Simply grab and physically unplug the small device. To access this quick Windows feature just go to the Start menu and then look for the “Device Manager” section, inside the Control Panel. At this point a list will appear with the various connected devices. Select the device with the right button of the mouse and click on Properties.
At this point, in the page that opens, go to the Policies section and check the item Quick Removal. At this point Windows will inform us that it is possible to remove the USB flash drive without using the Safe Removal function.
Use Safe Removal
As always, however, haste is bad advice. And the advice is not to be too hasty in handling a USB flash drive. The quick removal will not harm a flash drive only if we have completely finished with it and no folders are left open on the computer. On the other hand, if we unplug the flash drive while we are transferring data, or immediately after the process is finished, or if we have left any documents from the flash drive open on the PC, then there is a risk that the data saved on our portable device will be damaged. That is why it is always advisable to use safe removal and not quick removal. This way if, when we try to unplug the flash drive, some process is still open, the PC will inform us that it is impossible to remove the storage device.