Flash Drive Eject Problems Since Last Windows Update

Question

Since last Windows update I cannot eject flash drives or external hard drives without the computer restarting. Instead of the one option there is now three. If you choose continue, the computer locks up and restarts. This did not happen before the last update. It used to be straightforward to eject external drives or flash drives. What has happened? I have Windows 11.

Answer 1

Hi!

As IA Answer mentioned, a similar bug has occurred in the past.

You mentioned that the computer restarts on its own.

Does a blue screen appear—featuring a QR code, a sad face, and error codes—or perhaps a black screen with a message and an error code? Or does it simply shut down? Try comparing what you see with the images below:

Does this happen with all flash drives/hard drives and on all USB ports—even right after turning on the PC, before opening any files?

Please send me your current Windows 11 build:

• Press Windows + R > Type winver > Press Enter > Please send me the Version and Build as shown in the image below. You can also send me a screenshot, but please remove any personal information from the image.

Answer 2

This can happen for two different reasons shown in the available guidance:

1. Windows may still be holding the removable device open, so the normal Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media flow does not complete.
2. There is also a documented Windows 11 24H2 issue reported in Microsoft Q&A where NTFS-formatted USB drives and external drives may fail to eject properly, and Microsoft indicated engineering is investigating it in a future update.

For Windows 11, use these supported removal methods:

1. In the taskbar system tray, right-click Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media.
2. Select Eject <device>.
3. Wait for the Safe To Remove Hardware notification before unplugging the device.

If the tray icon is missing:

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2. Open Other system tray icons.
3. Turn Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media On.

A second supported method is through Settings:

1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
2. Under Other devices, find the external drive or flash drive.
3. Expand it.
4. Next to Remove this device, select Remove.
5. When the device disappears from Other devices, it can be safely removed.

If the problem started immediately after a recent update, the context supports that this may be a current Windows issue rather than a normal usage change. Keep Windows updated, because the reported eject problem is being investigated for a future fix.

Also note:

• The eject icon may not appear if no removable device is connected.
• The eject icon may not appear if Windows does not recognize the device.

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References:

• Safely remove hardware in Windows | Microsoft Support
• [Windows 11

Use the Settings app to remove a device](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/safely-remove-hardware-in-windows#use-the-settings-app-to-remove-a-device)

• Win11 24H2 cannot safely delete NTFS format mobile hard disk or USB flash drive - Microsoft Q&A