Can't eject external hard drive

Question

When I try to eject my external hard drive I get the message "This device is currently in use.  Close any programs or windows that might be using the device, and then try again."

There are no programs using the device in fact, I've restarted the computer 3 times since I got the message and it's still saying the same thing.

Answer 1

You can try to find the application that is currently using the disk device in Task Manager, follow the steps below:

1. Press the "Ctrl + Alt + Del" keys to open the Task Manager.
2. Access the Task Manager, in the Process tab, locate the applications that are using your disk device.
3. Right-click on the selected application and choose "End Task".

Note: Be careful selecting and ending processes, If you are not sure what process it's causing the problem, just skip this solution and try the next.

Try to eject the drive in Disk Management, follow the steps below:

1. Right-click on "This PC" and click Manage.
2. Under Storage, click Disk Management.
3. Locate and right-click the USB device you want to remove and click Eject.

Note: If it's an external hard drive that you're going to disconnect in the Disk Management, you will get an option "Offline". The next time you put the drive back to the computer for use, you need to go back to the Disk Management and turn it to "Online" state.

I will be here to help you, have a great day!

Answer 2

Hi! MLeone2010

I'm James, An Independent Advisor, and I will help you with this issue

Try to perform a clean boot of Windows and check what program it's causing the issue, follow the steps in the article below:

How to perform a clean boot in Windows

https://support.microsoft.com/help/929135/

After doing the clean boot, try to eject the external drive.

If you need more help with this issue, just let me know and I will help you.

Answer 3

That's too much to do for someone who knows very little about computers.  But thanks anyway.

Answer 4

As I've already said, no application is using the disc device, in fact the computer has been restarted and also turned off and back on, which should have closed any applications that might have been using it.    

Also, eject is not an option in disc management. 

Can anyone tell me something about the "quick removal" option in device manager.

Answer 5

Try to eject the drive in Device Manager

1. Open the Start Menu, search for "Device Manager" and open it.
2. Click Disk Drives.

Note: All the storage devices that are connected to your PC will be displayed.

3. Right-click the device that has the problem to eject, and then select Uninstall.
4. Click OK if you're told to confirm the operation.
5. Wait for the process finishing and then remove the device.

I will be here to help you, have a great day!