I'm running the latest iTunes app plus Windows 8 Pro. Neither has instructions or a point where you can safely remove your - my case iPhone. I went to Devise Mang but that did not work. So I took your advise and just disconnected. My computer crashed. I've had an incredible difficult time getting it to come up. I get a message the I removed a plug and play devise improperly and I might have damaged the CPU.
This situation seem to be between a rock and hard place issue. But removing it straight away is not the correct path.