Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device-This device is currently in use. Close any programs or windows that might be using the device, and then try again. When nothing works is there a registry fix?

Question

I have tried the following:

1. Ran Anti Virus
2. Turned off all security software
3. I've tried Task manager, Disk Mgmt, and Device Manager.
4. I ran Autoruns, Handle, and Process Explorer-not finding any files being used by USB Drive.

I have 1 Sandisk with MP4's, 1 Cruzer with MP3's, both in FTFS format. 1 Sandisk in FAT 32 format with only documents. I have 3 different USB ports in which I have tried all 3 devices with the same message.

Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device-This device is currently in use. Close any programs or windows that might be using the device, and then try again.

The problem showed up about 1 week ago on Windows 10. I installed Window 11 hoping it would go away, it did not.

This is the very last thing I will try.

Is it possible that Windows host process (Rundll32) have something to do with it?

Answer 1

Hi, Jim. I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem, and I hope I can assist you to find a satisfactory solution.

First step is to update device drivers, mainly USB. You can check the motherboard/computer manufacturer's website.

Second step is to check the indexing:

Right click Start Menu, then Computer Management, Services and Applications, Services, Windows Search, right click and stop.

Check if you can remove the pendrives without error

Please note: This is a user-to-user community forum. We are users just like you who help others. We are not employees of Microsoft.

Answer 2

Thanks for the suggestion. I had already updated drivers and Windows Search did not help. If you have any other ideas, I have an open mind. I think it is in the registry, but I would not know where to look. Since I have dual hard drives, and nothing seems to point to the operating system my last step is a time consuming one. Move all files from my D Drive to an external HD. Try ejecting flash drive again and take it from there. I will reformat the drive and bring folders back 1 or 2 at a time if ejects then. Hopefully the answer is in there somewhere.

Thanks again!!

Answer 3

There are some reports related to the power option and others with corrupted system files.

Let's check the system files and if it doesn't solve it, I'll leave a link at the end with a step by step:

Use System File Checker to fix possible corrupted or missing Windows files.

Run the following commands in Command Prompt one at a time:

dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth

dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup

sfc /scannow

chkdsk /R

Link:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

Answer 4

I thought it was working until chkdsk /R. Thank You for trying to help!!!


Answer 5

He only gave the message because it is in use, you can schedule it on reboot.

After restarting, and following the steps in the link, was I able to fix the problem?