Question Should I use Sleep, Hibernate, Lock or Shut Down with External Drives ?

[pnw8888]

I'm new to having external drives and want to be sure I don't corrupt them. I have a PC with Windows 11 and my options are sleep, hibernate, lock, or shut down. Would you also recommend ejecting before all of those, or would locking be the exception?

I've historically always put my laptop to sleep, but I noticed when I eject the drives prior to doing so that they don't readily show back up when turning back on. I also get an occasional "device in use" error, even though I haven't touched anything on the drive for a couple hours.

Which of the listed options are safe/convenient with external drives?

 

[Ralston18]

Update your post to include full system specs and OS information.

How many system drives? Internal and external?

How connected: USB, Network, hub? Do the drives have their own power sources?

Drive specs: make, model, capacity, how full?

 

[pnw8888]

See screenshots for system info and drives.

The 8TB MyBook is connected via USB and has its own power source. The 4TB SDD is USB with no power source.

I keep having issues with ejecting, as it says it's in use. I've followed countless online tutorials, uninstalled and reinstalled drivers, and run various diagnostic tools, however I still can't eject the SSD. I've concluded that it could just be a Windows 11 issue that I can't eject the SSD (I can eject the My Book typically).

My plan is to move most files away from my maxed out internal D drive, but I want to be sure everything is fully functional with these external drives.

https://imgur.com/a/ZjMQgyd

View: https://imgur.com/a/ZjMQgyd

https://imgur.com/a/RMJ3RV3

View: https://imgur.com/a/RMJ3RV3

 

[MWink64]

Honestly, none (except Lock, which leaves the machine fully powered on). USB bridges (especially those without their own power adapter) are notoriously finicky about gracefully powering down the drive, unless you Eject the drive. As you've noticed, ejecting the drive comes with its own difficulties.

The WD MyBook is probably going to be the least problematic, regardless of the power down option you choose. The safest bet with the SSD would be to eject it and disconnect it but I realize that may not be particularly practical. The best I can suggest is to make sure you keep good backups.