Why do you need to safely eject the USB?
We all know that to unplug the USB from the computer, it is advisable to safely remove it. The computer displays a message to safely eject the USB if we don’t follow the appropriate method. What does that even mean? Why is it advised to safely remove the USB? Is there any illeffect of unsafe ejection of USB? What if you don’t safely eject the USB? The Blog answers all such questions and guides the users why safely ejecting the USB is indeed the correct procedure.
Figure 1.1 illustrates the Safe To Remove Hardware message
Obviously, when the data is being transferred from the USB to the computer or vice versa, or lets say the USB is in use, then we don’t simply remove it as it may corrupt the data stored on it. Quite often, when we are in a hurry, we automatically remove the USB or the connected hardware without clicking the safely to remove icon. Hardly have we known that this simple act of removal is enough to destroy our own files. Just to save a couple of seconds, we put our data stored on the USB at risk. How?
In case you’re still wondering why there is a need to safely eject the USB, then the following reasons will make you think twice.
Lets’ take a look.
Abrupt removal of USB may corrupt data
One of the main reasons why you need to follow the appropriate ejection procedure is that the Operating System uses a process called write caching. When the file is ready in the execution state, then the Operating System doesn’t immediately write the file to the drive; instead, it caches the file and waits until other read/write operations are completed. When you remove the USB, while the cache is still in use, then your data may get corrupt. Safely removing the USB clears the cache and the remaining data and stops any process going on in the background.
Further, this is the reason why there is a delay of a few seconds after clicking the Safe to Remove Hardware option and being notified that it’s safe to remove the USB.
Damages the logical file system
Another effect of unsafe ejection of USB is that it may damage the logical file system. The unsafe ejection of USB sometimes damages the cells. Single Layer Cell (SLC), Multi-Layer Cell (MLC) and Triple Layer Cell (TLC) are usually three major cell types. These cells hold internal drive information and if they are damaged, then the information turns inaccessible. Let’s suppose you’ve stored all your important multimedia files on the USB, then in the case of the damaged logical file system, you need to use a photo recovery to retrieve your lost photos, audios, and video files. If there is corruption in images, you can repair the images with the help of JPEG Repair Software[1]. Therefore, to prevent damaging the logical file system, it is necessary that you follow the appropriate steps to safely eject the USB.