How should you configure a removable storage device for safe removal?

To configure a removable storage device for safe removal, choosing to optimize for quick removal is important. This setting allows the operating system to manage the device in a way that minimizes potential data loss or corruption when the device is removed. When optimized for quick removal, the operating system ensures that all pending read and write operations to the device are completed before it is safely disconnected, which helps avoid data inconsistencies.

In contrast, formatting the drive primarily prepares the storage device for use by erasing existing data and creating a filesystem. While formatting is essential for initializing the drive, it does not directly address how to remove the device safely.

Encrypting the data provides security by ensuring that the information on the drive is protected from unauthorized access, but it does not concern itself with the safe removal process. Similarly, disabling write caching may enhance the safety of data removal by reducing the chance of incomplete writes; however, it can negatively affect performance, making it less desirable compared to the quick removal option. Thus, optimizing the device for quick removal is the best practice to ensure safe ejection without data loss.