@hanspeter123 

That usually is the setting of the computer. It usually involves right-clicking on your tasks bar then in the settings selecting which icons show up.

@Tony it's weird tho that the t2u adapter is NOT viewed as a "device or printer" but the t3u is (on several machines and different usb ports).

other adapters are also not viewed as a "device or printer".

i've only experienced this kind of behaviour with the t3u wifi adapter.

@hanspeter123 

This link may help in hiding the adapter: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2018577/hide-disable-devices-in-devices-and-printers

@Tony unfortunately that didn't help either. i could further narrow down the problem and apparently the issue occurs only with newer models.

t3u adapter triggers the "safely remove hardware" promt in the tray area

t2u-v3 triggers the "safely remove hardware" promt in the tray area

t2u-v1 DOES NOT trigger the "safely remove hardware" promt in the tray area

i think he driver is causing this issue. the adapter NOT triggering the "remove hardware" promt is using either "Media Tek Inc." drivers or "Railink Technology, Corp." drivers whereas the adapters triggering the promt are all using "Realtek" drivers.

/edit: