Forum Discussion
Windows11 Safely Remove Hardware menu doesn't show all connected devices
When multiple external devices are connected, the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon in the system tray displays only some of the connected devices, making it impossible to safely remove the devices that are not shown. Restarting File Explorer or reconnecting the devices will temporarily display the complete list, but the issue reoccurs after a while.
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The temporary recovery after restarting Explorer indicates the devices are recognized, but the tray menu’s device list is becoming stale. Do not unplug a drive while writes are active. First confirm every device appears in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices and in Device Manager; an absent device points to a driver, cable, hub, or power issue. Install current Windows and chipset or USB-controller updates, then test the devices directly on the PC instead of through a hub. When an item is missing from the tray, use Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, expand the correct device, and choose Remove only if that device type supports this workflow; for a storage volume, use Eject in File Explorer and wait for confirmation. If the list still degrades, restart Explorer, reproduce the problem, and submit Feedback Hub diagnostics with the device models, connection order, and whether each volume uses Quick removal or Better performance.
