> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.illumina.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/general/instrumentation-general-troubleshooting-list/000005658.md).

# How to safely remove or eject external hard drives on Illumina platforms with Windows 10

When removing storage media from an instrument, it is important to safely eject the media first to ensure that all read/write operations are stopped. With this, Microsoft's Windows 10 treats external hard drives as permanent attachment solutions, so additional steps are required to safely stop the device before disconnecting it from the instrument.

To safely stop the external hard drive before removing it from the instrument, first, attempt the following steps:

1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to 'Devices and Printers.'
2. Select the external hard drive in 'Devices.'
3. Right-click and select 'Remove Device.'
4. If the process is successful, disconnect the external hard drive USB cable from the instrument.

If the steps above do not work, use the following workflow:

1. In the Windows Search bar, type `Run` and press enter.
2. In the Run window, copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
   1. RunDll32.exe shell32.dll,Control\_RunDLL hotplug.dll
3. In the 'Safely Remove Hardware' dialogue box, select the external hard drive and select 'Stop.'
4. If the process is successful, disconnect the external hard drive USB cable from the instrument.

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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #5658), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000005658%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |


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