Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device

This happens about 1/3rd of the time on Windows 11, from any of the built-in Eject buttons.

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.

This of course has been going on through the life of Windows, with no apparent/easy way to figure out what's using the device that's preventing it from just tying things up and ejecting. Usually closing all programs or windows I'm aware of doesn't fix the problem, and I have to shut down the computer to safely remove the drive.

I've rarely seen this issue on Apple products, never on Android, and not recently anyway. When I tap in Android to disconnect it from USB, it just disconnects. In iTunes when I click to disconnect the Apple device, it just disconnects. I've only ever had the problem on Windows, and it seems nothing has improved over the years.

So, what's the current way to find out what is using the drive? I'm supremely frustrated and not sure how to safely disconnect the drive without losing data. I thought Microsoft could have figured out better handling of this issue by now.

The important thing is that it's like this


Actually, it's weird because it works

$vol = get-wmiobject -Class Win32_Volume | where{$_.Name -eq 'F:\'}
$Eject = New-Object -comObject Shell.Application
$Eject.NameSpace(17).ParseName($vol.Driveletter).InvokeVerb(“Eject”)



Close Windows Explorer.

@elevadu ,

I am a happy USB Safely Remove customer. The product will tell you which programs are stopping the drive from being ejected. I have my USB devices configured for "Better Performance." Most times, the delay is Windows indexing the new files copied to the USB drive. In my case, I also use "Everything" for searching files, and it is often indexing as well. After the indexing is finished, the USB drives will safely eject.

The USB Safely Remove program is not free, but there is a 30-day trial. Everything is freeware.

I have no affiliation with either company other than as a user/customer of their products.

Have a great day.

Regards,
Phil

abactuon said:

The important thing is that it's like this
View attachment 114394

Actually, it's weird because it works

$vol = get-wmiobject -Class Win32_Volume | where{$_.Name -eq 'F:\'}
$Eject = New-Object -comObject Shell.Application
$Eject.NameSpace(17).ParseName($vol.Driveletter).InvokeVerb(“Eject”)



Close Windows Explorer.

Click to expand...

So, the point is that you are using the policy shown above (the default for removable media), there is no need to eject the device. I use UFDs every single day and I have not ejected one in years. I have NEVER experienced any data loss on a UFD (except for the one that took a nasty static shock in the winter that completely blew it out).

The removal policy for drives is set to "Quick Removal" by default instead of "Performance" in Windows 11 which pretty much removes the need to "Safely Remove Hardware" for most devices now.


You can check to see if another option in the tutorial below may allow you to "Safely Remove Hardware" if required.

hsehestedt said:

So, the point is that you are using the policy shown above (the default for removable media), there is no need to eject the device. I use UFDs every single day and I have not ejected one in years. I have NEVER experienced any data loss on a UFD (except for the one that took a nasty static shock in the winter that completely blew it out).

Click to expand...

The "Quick removal" option setting has worked for me...no need to explain further. Of course, you need to decide how to use your computer and what you feel is best.

I don't have the Policies tab on Properties for my microSD slot card: (it's empty now but I'll be filling it soon)



It's also not on the Properties of a USB-C m.2 2280 external drive connected:



I don't know WTH

Oh, when I go to uncheck "Allow files ... [to be] indexed", it pops up a prompt asking if I want to disable indexing for F:\ only or apply changes to subfolders and files...



WTH I never activated this to begin with, certainly not for particular folders or files. I don't want this feature on my external drives at all. Windows is so confusing sometimes. What should I do?!

@elevadu ,

On your first screenshot, go to the "Hardware" tab, find your Micro SD device, click on that, click on the "Properties" button, then click "Change Settings," and finally click on the "Policies" tab. There, you will find out what Policy is applied to that drive: Quick Removal" or "Better Performance."

I really do recommend the Safely Remove USB program, if you are that concerned about what is preventing USB device ejection. Take the 30-day trial. If you like it, buy it. If you don't, uninstall it.

As I stated previously, I have no affiliation with the company, other than as a very satisfied user. The default setting in Windows is "Quick Removal."

Have a great weekend.

Regards,
Phil

I wonder how Safely Remove USB tells what's holding up the drive

@elevadu ,

I don't know in detail how Safely Remove USB does what it does. I presume it checks for processes that have "locked" the USB drive because those processes are interacting with the drive, writing or reading information. There is more information on their website.

In any event, give it a try or don't. It is your computer, so it is YOUR decision. I have been happily using it for years. It provides information that the Windows Safely Eject native program does not.

Have a great day.

Regards,
Phil

Note that it's "USB Safely Remove" not "Safely Remove USB".

@elevadu ,

I sit corrected! You are correct. My apologies. I did get it right in this post: Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device.

Have a great day.

Regards,
Phil