Removable Storage Devices is a folder that sometimes appears on the Windows 10 after an update or using an external storage device like a USB drive or SD card. It contains the devices and drives available on your computer and you may find it difficult to remove it. In this article we will explain to you what it is, why it appears and how to make it disappear.
What is Removable Storage Devices?
Removable Storage Devices is a system folder that is part of the Windows Removable Storage Manager . It allows you to manage removable storage devices such as USB keys, SD cards, external hard drives or optical drives. It is normally hidden in File Explorer, but it may appear on the desktop due to a bug or misconfiguration of the Windows .
Why does Removable Storage Devices appear on the desktop?
There is no definitive answer to this question, but several possible causes have been identified:
- A Windows update that changed the registry or created faulty entries.
- Using an external storage device that left traces in the registry or was improperly ejected.
- A virus or malware that has infected your computer and created or modified the folder.
- A conflict with other software or a driver that interferes with the Removable Storage Manager.
How to remove Removable Storage Devices from desktop?
There are several methods to get rid of the Removable Storage Devices folder from the desktop. Here are the most common:
Method 1: Run DISM command
DISM command helps repair Windows and restore system health. It can fix the problem if the Removable Storage Devices folder is linked to faulty entries in the registry. Here's how to use it:
- Step 1 : Open a command prompt as administrator. To do this, right-click on the Start menu and choose Command Prompt (admin) or Windows PowerShell (admin).
- Step 2 : Type the following command and press Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Step 3: Wait for the process to complete (it may take 15-20 minutes) and restart your computer. Check if the Removable Storage Devices folder has disappeared from the desktop.
Method 2: Refresh your desktop
The easiest method is to refresh your desktop. To do this, right-click on an empty area of the desktop and choose Refresh. The Removable Storage Devices folder should disappear.
Method 3: Run a virus scan
The Removable Storage Devices folder may be caused by a virus or malware that has infected your computer. In this case, you should run an antivirus scan to detect and remove the threat. Windows 's built-in antivirus , Windows Defender , or another antivirus software of your choice.
Method 4: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot allows you to start Windows with a minimal number of drivers and programs. This can help you identify if the problem is a conflict with software or a driver that is interfering with the removable storage manager. Here's how to perform a clean boot:
- Step 1 : Open Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar and choosing Task Manager or pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del keys and clicking Task Manager.
- Step 2 : Click the Startup tab and disable all items by right-clicking and choosing Disable.
You can leave essentials like antivirus or graphics driver. - Step 3 : Restart your computer and check if the Removable Storage Devices folder is still present on the desktop. If not, one of the items you disabled is causing the problem. You can then reactivate them one by one until you find the culprit and uninstall or update it.
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Method 5: Uninstall the latest Windowsupdate
The Removable Storage Devices folder may have appeared after a Windows update who modified the registry or created faulty entries. In this case, you can try Windows update and see if the problem goes away. Here's how to do it:
- Step 1: Open Windows Settings by right-clicking the Start menu and choosing Settings or pressing Windows + I keys.
- Step 2: Click Update & Security, then click View update history.
- Step 3: Click Uninstall Updates and choose the latest installed update from the list. Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Step 4: Restart your computer and check if the Removable Storage Devices folder has disappeared from the desktop.
Method 6: Hide protected operating system files
If none of the previous methods work, you can try to hide protected operating system files , which includes the Removable Storage Devices . This will not delete the folder, but it will no longer be visible on the desktop. Here's how to do it:
- Step 1 : Open File Explorer by right-clicking the Start menu and choosing File Explorer or pressing Windows + E
- Step 2 : Click the View tab and check the Hidden Items box in the Show/Hide section.
- Step 3 : Click Options in the same section and choose Change folder and search options.
- Step 4 : Click the View tab and uncheck the “Show hidden files, folders and drives in Advanced settings section”.
- Step 5 : Check the box “Hide protected operating system files (recommended)” in the same section and click OK.
- Step 6 : Close File Explorer and check if the Removable Storage Devices folder is still visible on the desktop.
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FAQ:
How do I stop the Removable Storage Devices folder from reappearing after deleting it?
There is no guarantee that the Removable Storage Devices folder will not reappear after deleting it. It depends on the cause of the problem and the method used to remove it. The folder may come back after another Windows update or using a new external storage device. To avoid this, one must ensure that the Windows registry is clean and up to date, external storage devices are properly ejected, and that the computer is protected against viruses and malware.
Is the Removable Storage Devices folder dangerous or harmful to my computer?
No, the Removable Storage Devices folder is not dangerous or harmful to your computer. This is a system folder that is part of the WindowsRemovable Storage Manager. It does not affect the operation of your computer or the security of your data. It is just annoying and unsightly to see it on the desktop.
Can I use the Removable Storage Devices folder to access my external storage devices?
Yes, you can use the Removable Storage Devices folder to access your external storage devices like USB drives, SD cards or external hard drives. Just double-click the folder to open it and see the devices and drives available on your computer. You can then open, copy, move or delete the files located on these devices.
Can I rename or move the Removable Storage Devices folder?
No, you cannot rename or move the Removable Storage Devices folder. This is a system folder that has a name and location predefined by Windows. If you try to rename it or move it, you may cause errors or system malfunctions.
Can I hide the Removable Storage Devices folder without deleting it?
Yes, you can hide the Removable Storage Devices folder without deleting it. To do this, you need to change the file and folder display options in File Explorer. You need to check the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) box and uncheck the Show hidden files, folders and drives box. The Removable Storage Devices folder will then be invisible on the desktop, but it will remain present in File Explorer if you check the Hidden items box.
Conclusion: Removable Storage Devices
Removable Storage Devices is a system folder that manages removable storage devices like USB drives or SD cards. It may appear on the Windows 10 desktop due to a bug or registry misconfiguration. There are several methods to remove or hide it like running DISM command, refreshing your desktop, running an antivirus scan, performing a clean boot, uninstalling the latest Windowsupdate.
