Removable disk

A removable disk is media that enables users to move data between computers without opening their computer. A removable disk is sometimes called a removable drive, removable storage, or removable media.

Examples of removable disks

• Card Reader (e.g., SD card and Memory card reader.)
• Floppy diskettes
• CD (compact disc), DVD (digital versatile disc), Blu-ray disc
• Tape drive cartridges
• USB (universal serial bus) thumb drives

Why can I not access my removable disk?

It is not uncommon to see multiple removable disks listed on your computer. Today, these drives are usually in the form of a card reader. For example, the picture shows Removable Disk (F:), Removable Disk (G:), Removable Disk (H:), and Removable Disk (K:) are all slots in a card reader on the computer. For these to be accessible, you must put an SD card in its slot.

Removable media used during boot

Removable media can also be used as a boot drive when the computer is not working, needs to be troubleshot, or you want to use a different operating system. However, having a removable disk or drive in the computer during boot is one method viruses can infect the computer. If the removable media is bootable and infected, a computer may attempt to boot from it and infect the computer. If you have a removable disk (e.g., floppy disk or USB thumb drive) not being used as a boot device, leave it disconnected or out of the computer during boot. If it's used frequently, make sure it's the last boot device in the boot options.

Floppy drive terms, Local disk, Removable hard drive, Tape drive terms