When copying files to and from a USB Drive, does the user need to properly eject the USB?

Yes, whenever a USB drive is used to copy files to and from a personal computer or PDI Main Unit, it is imperative that the USB is properly ejected. How operating systems process file copying and transfer is not under user control. Rather, it is the operating system that determines how it time-slices the hundreds of processes and services that simultaneously happen. Historically, Microsoft® has provided contradictory guidance on whether ejection is necessary. Nevertheless, the latest guidance denotes that the best practice is to properly eject every USB after every use.
Ejecting the USB drive takes seconds and will result in avoiding needless hours of frustration. To do so:

• Locate the safely remove hardware icon from the computer’s or PDI Main Unit’s taskbar. If not clearly identified, right-click or press and hold for the icon of the USB to appear. Then, right-click or press and hold for the icon’s respective drop-down menu to appear. Finally, click or tap Remove.

• Using any File Explorer window, locate the drive letter of the USB and right click or press and hold that drive letter for a context menu to appear. Then, select the Eject option.

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