Where's the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon?

Anonymous
2012-12-07T21:01:38+00:00

I just upgraded to Win 8 from Win XP. I'm used to seeing a popup or icon in my lower right taskbar to 'safely remove hardware' after plugging in my camera or phone but I don't see one in Windows 8. What happened to it? Will I have a problem if I just unplug my device or do I need to take other steps to make sure it's safe to unplug?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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Anonymous
2012-12-07T21:02:28+00:00

Click on the upward arrow by the clock.  This will show the hidden items and allow you to safely remove the devices.

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Anonymous
2012-12-07T21:14:51+00:00

Hello PuzzledJane,

Follow the instructions supplied by Alex T Jr. This will allow you to see the remove hardware icon.

If you want the icon to appear permanently on display then click on the up arrow in the notification area and then, when the list of icons appears, click the Customize option. A list of all of the icons will now appear. Locate the safely remove hardware icon and click on the arrow in the dialogue box to the right of this option. From the drop down list select 'show icon and notification' and then press the OK button.

The safely remove hardware icon will now permanently be displayed in the notification area.

This forum post is my own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of Microsoft, its employees, or other MVPs.

John Barnett MVP: Windows XP Associate Expert: Windows Expert - Consumer:  www.winuser.co.uk |  vistasupport.mvps.org | xphelpandsupport.mvps.org | www.silversurfer-guide.com

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-06-24T23:27:03+00:00

    I tried it-- went to Control Panel-- checked every subtitle but can't find Notification Area Icons.  :(

    Anne

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-06-24T23:23:27+00:00

    "Show hidden icons" doesn't usually show "safely remove hardware" icon for me.

    I need to remember to go to Control Panel as you suggest--but even when I do that, the icon doesn't usually appear the next time I boot up my desktop.

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-06-22T02:11:06+00:00

    In my Windows 8.1RT this is very simple.  Here are some options.  (Hopefully I am remembering them correctly.:

    A)  Right click the task bar & see if there is a choice to show hidden icons.

    B)  Go to Control Panel & find Notification Area Icons and look at the drop down menu for each icon.

    Good luck!

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