I think that it depends upon file system and the options selected when you format the drive. Windows defaults to options that mean you don't need to 'eject'. Ho

I think that it depends upon file system and the options selected when you format the drive. Windows defaults to options that mean you don't need to 'eject'. However, if you formatted on another OS you can select options that mean a safe unmount is required before yanking the drive out of the socket.