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?
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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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
2014-03-21T23:22:36+00:00 I agree. It's really hard to find things on Windows 8 -- even the start button is disguised as an icon of a couple of little folders on the bottom left. I signed up with LivePCExpert (at a price) to get help with Windows 8.
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Anonymous
2014-03-21T03:38:04+00:00 Windows 8 is bullshit!!! I hate it! How do I revert back to windows 7? All of these answers are bullshit too!!! Whoever engineered Windows 8 should be fired!!!
MicroSoft needs to take a lesson from the Auto Industry.
When you make a mistake and create a major problem for your users.
A. Don't wait for ever for Users to come to one by one with the problem.
B. Be proactive. Acknowledge the Problem.
C. Get A Notice out ... even if you Don't have a FIX yet.
D. When you have a FIX, get it out to USERS. ( Like a RECALL) Only you push out the solution over
the wire.
Don't make them continue to come to you one by one
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Anonymous
2014-03-21T03:16:55+00:00 Windows 8 is bullshit!!! I hate it! How do I revert back to windows 7? All of these answers are bullshit too!!! Whoever engineered Windows 8 should be fired!!!
I have used Microsoft Windows since the IBM came out with the PC.
I had to upgrade from Window XP because Microsoft is ending support April 8 2014.
I had heard some grumbling about Window 8 and 8.1, but figured they were mainly
about learning a new user interface.
I though seriously about going with Apple.
So I decided to trust MicroSoft.
Wow was I wrong.
I seriously think now is a Very Good Time to Buy Apple Stock !!!
I Microsoft doesn't extend the XP support they are going to be in big trouble.
Almost all computer shops and corporations are recommending going with Windows 7.
Those of us who trusted Microsoft and chose Windows 8 or 8.1 are in for big time trouble.
After all these years, it really is hard for me to report the above.