Easily Manage Your 'Safely Remove Hardware' List in Windows

As any savvy Windows user knows, some devices show up in the dreaded “Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media” menu when they really shouldn't – we're looking at you, USB network adapters and SATA drives that are adhering to the removable media aesthetic. But fear not, because kicking these unwanted devices to the curb and keeping your system tray clutter-free is a breeze! Whether you’re using Windows 10 or 11, you can effectively manage these persistent little icons with just a few steps.

The Issue at Hand​

Many users often find themselves frustrated when unnecessary devices linger in the "Safely Remove Hardware" list. Devices such as USB network adapters, type-C monitors, or even common peripherals like mice and sound cards can sometimes register as removable, leaving users to wonder if they’ll accidentally disconnect something vital. Luckily, there's a way to hide these devices from the menu.

Method 1: Using Device Manager and Registry Editor​

Step-by-Step Guide:​

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.
2. Select Your Device:
   • Locate the device you wish to remove from the list (for example, a TP-Link Wireless USB Adapter).
   • Right-click on it and choose Properties.
3. Copy the Device ID:
   • Switch to the Details tab.
   • Select Hardware IDs from the dropdown menu.
   • Right-click and copy the device ID (something like USB\\VEN_10DE&DEV_2486&SUBSYS_147A10DE&REV_A1).
4. Edit the Registry:
   • Press Win + R again, type regedit, and hit Enter.
   • Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB.
   • Find the key that corresponds to your device ID and expand it.
   • Look for the Capabilities parameter and change its value to 60 (Hex).
   • Note: If there are nested subkeys, repeat this action for each of them to effectively prevent that device from appearing in the "Safely Remove Hardware" list.

Why Use the Registry?​

The Windows Registry is a powerful backend database for your operating system. Modifying it allows users to customize many aspects of Windows behavior. However, be cautious – incorrect changes can lead to system issues.

Method 2: Automating with Task Scheduler​

If you reboot your system, sometimes the changes in the registry revert to their defaults. To keep your device hidden at every startup, you can create a scheduled task:

1. Open Task Scheduler:
   • Press Win + R and enter taskschd.msc, then hit Enter.
2. Create a New Task:
   • Use the command below in the Command Prompt, making sure to replace the registry key path with your device's path:

   bash schtasks /create /tn "Remove_TPLinkUSBAdapter_Safe_Removal" /sc ONSTART /ru SYSTEM /rl HIGHEST /tr "reg.exe add 'HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\VID_2357&PID_010C\00E04C0001' /v Capabilities /t reg_dword /d 0x00000060 /f"

   • This task will automatically execute the registry change at system startup.

Bonus Tip: Safely Eject Manually​

If you ever need to safely eject the device without altering your settings, simply run the command:

 RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hotplug.dll

This nifty trick opens the Safely Remove dialog, allowing you to unplug your device safely only when needed.

Troubleshooting the Eject Option​

If you notice that the eject option is missing for USB devices, consider checking your power settings. Disabling USB selective suspend can often restore the function:

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
• Select Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
• Expand USB settings and disable selective suspend.

In Conclusion​

Managing the "Safely Remove Hardware" list in Windows is straightforward with the proper tools at your disposal. By using Device Manager and the Registry Editor together with Task Scheduler, you can streamline your experience and avoid those pesky, unnecessary detours every time you need to disconnect a device. So next time you see that unwanted icon, remember how easy it is to tell it to take a hike! Happy computing!
Remember, if you encounter any hiccups along the way, there’s a wealth of support from the community. Check out forums and tech sites to share experiences and solutions.
Source: The Windows Club Remove a specific device from the Safely Remove Hardware list in Windows