Click on the upward arrow by the clock. This will show the hidden items and allow you to safely remove the devices.
Where's the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon?
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Anonymous
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
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Anonymous
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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Anonymous
2014-05-03T20:14:29+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?
I use Win7/IE9, just so everyone knows. I don't know if Win8/8.1 works the same way, but try this as it works in Win7.
Right click in the taskbar(not desktop) and click on Properties. Under the Notification area, click on Customize. A window opens "Select which icons and notifications appear on the Task bar."
Page down until you come to "Windows Device Installation." Open that field and click on "Show icon & Notifications.", hit OK, then hit OK again.
Plug in any flash drive and then click on the up arrow in the notification system tray. You should see the Safely Remove Hardware & Eject Media icon.
I hope this works for Win8/8.1.
Everyone has a need for this icon, so I don't understand why it wasn't there to begin with!!
Mine is working now. If it escapes, I'll post back. LOL
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Anonymous
2014-03-21T19:11:48+00:00 Windows 8 SUCKS! Why cant these people just leave well enough alone. If it aint broke don't fix it! I loved my XP but I am forced to upgrade to this mess? I cant find anything. I started years ago with an Apple 2C and I will go back to Apple very quickly after this debacle!
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Anonymous
2014-02-14T01:27:11+00:00 I am having same problem with find "Safely Remove Hardware" It was there and I used it many times until today---it wasn't there---and neither is the "Up Arrow" by the clock. I wish I had never bought Windows 8. Vista seems fine to now !!
BOBBIE