With Windows version 1809, Microsoft has added a “Quick removal” mode for USB external drives as the default configuration. That enables you to remove them without having to do a formal eject. But there are three caveats:
- Make sure you’re using version 1809 or later (To see what version of Windows you’re using go the search box in the lower left corner type Winver and press Enter)
- Only do this if you’re not writing to the drive
For more information, see this Microsoft support page.
More at The Verge