- Troubleshooting the “Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device” Error in Windows 10
- Why Does This Error Occur?
- Method #1: Close All Apps and Files
- Method #2: Run an Anti-Virus Scan
- Method #3: Use the Task Manager
- Method #4: Check the Resource Monitor
- Method #5: Use Disk Management
- Method #6: Use the Command Prompt
- Method #7: Eject from This PC
- Method #8: Update Drivers
- Method #9: Uninstall/Reinstall Drivers
- Method #10: Troubleshoot Hardware
- Method #11: Shut Down the PC
- Method #12: Data Recovery
- References
Troubleshooting the “Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device” Error in Windows 10
As Windows 10 users, we’ve all been there – excited to view the photos from our latest vacation on the big screen TV, we connect our external hard drive to our computer and…nothing. That dreaded pop up reading “Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device” rears its ugly head. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through every method under the sun to safely eject your external storage device in Windows 10.
Why Does This Error Occur?
This frustrating error usually appears when an application is still accessing files on the external drive. Windows blocks the ejection to prevent potential data corruption or loss. While some users resort to Yanking It per the technical advice of one IT pro, this forceful removal risks damaging the drive and losing precious data. We recommend exhausting the below software-based solutions first.
Method #1: Close All Apps and Files
Begin by closing out of any open windows and files on the drive, including File Explorer. Empty the recycle bin if necessary. Close background apps and processes unrelated to the external storage device using the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). This simple step works in many cases by freeing the drive from the grips of whatever program had locked onto it.
Method #2: Run an Anti-Virus Scan
Sometimes malware prevents the safe removal of external drives. Running a quick anti-virus scan removes this possibility. Make sure to update your anti-virus software first to scan for the latest threats. Remove any infections or questionable files detected. Once the scan completes, try ejecting the drive again.
Method #3: Use the Task Manager
For a deeper look at running apps and processes, open the Task Manager’s Processes tab. Click the Process header to sort the list by highest CPU usage, making active programs easier to spot. Look for unfamiliar processes containing the drive letter of your device (for example, E: or F:). Select the process and click End Task. This stops the program from accessing the drive so you can eject it.
Method #4: Check the Resource Monitor
The built-in Resource Monitor provides the most comprehensive view of disk activity. Access it by opening the Task Manager, switching to the Performance tab, and clicking Open Resource Monitor. Select the Disk tab to see real-time disk operations. Check the Volume column for the drive letter of your external device. Click on any active processes in the Disk Activity section and click End Process to free up the drive.
Method #5: Use Disk Management
Access the Windows Disk Management utility by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Disk Management. Locate your external storage device from the list of volumes. Right click on the drive and click Eject. This method is surprisingly effective at removing the “USB device in use” blockade.
Method #6: Use the Command Prompt
Power users can leverage the Command Prompt to force eject an external drive with the “openfiles” tool. Type “openfiles /query /fo table” to display programs using the device. Make note of the PID (process ID) of the offender, then run “openfiles /disconnect /p
Method #7: Eject from This PC
Accessing the external drive from This PC rather than File Explorer can bypass the error. Open This PC from the Start menu, right click on the drive, and select Eject. The familiar “Safe to Remove Hardware” notification should appear. This solution is strangely effective despite being the same general ejection process.
Method #8: Update Drivers
An outdated or buggy driver could also block the safe removal of your external storage device. Updating to the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website may clear up any conflicts. First access Device Manager, locate your external drive, right click and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Reboot afterward.
Method #9: Uninstall/Reinstall Drivers
If updating drivers doesn’t work, try uninstalling the current drivers completely (right click and select Uninstall device) then rebooting to fresh reinstall them. The driver reinstallation should free the drive from any problematic software connections. Be sure to backup any important data first.
Method #10: Troubleshoot Hardware
Windows includes an automated tool to troubleshoot USB drives with a quick series of checks. Right click the Start button and select Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Select Hardware and Devices. Under “USB drive,” select Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions. This troubleshooter diagnoses common USB issues.
Method #11: Shut Down the PC
As a last resort, a full system shutdown will force all applications to close, guaranteeing the external device can be safely removed. Use this method when no specific locking process can be identified. Just be sure to properly eject the drive first rather than unplugging it while powered down to avoid potential file system corruption.
Method #12: Data Recovery
If all else fails, data recovery software remains an option for rescuing files from the troublesome external drive so you can potentially reformat it. Apps like Disk Drill can read external media despite corruption and copy the files to a new device. This should only be attempted after exhausting all other options. Prevention remains the best medicine.
Following this comprehensive, step-by-step guide empowers you to resolve the "USB storage device in use" error for good. We walk through each method to eject external drives the safe, proper way. Don’t forcefully disconnect devices without trying these fixes first. Let us know in the comments if you have any other tricks for this common Windows 10 headache!
