Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media issue.


blasirl

Bring Order to Chaos
Member
Local time
3:25 PM
Posts
80
OS
Windows 10 Home 10.0.22000.318 upgraded to 11 V:21H2
Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media keeps telling me that the device is currently in use, close any programs or windows that might be using the device.
I understand why it is telling me this, but even after I signed out of this forum and closed every single task I had open, it keeps telling the same thing. For that matter, I have not done anything except click on and look at the drive to be sure it was working and Norton scanned it a few hours ago.

Am I missing something? I have opened Task Manager, but I do not see anything that sticks out in Processes.

1644352304753.png
 
Windows Build/Version
Version 21H2 (OS Build 22000.493) as of 08FEB2022

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 10 Home 10.0.22000.318 upgraded to 11 V:21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 Convertible 15T-eb100
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz 2.70 G
    Motherboard
    HP 8812 Version 55.19
    Memory
    16.0 GB (15.6 GB usable)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics (iRISx) - discrete graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell
    Screen Resolution
    HP Laptop: 3840x2160, Dell external 1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    NVMe KXG60ZNV512G KIOXIA (NTFS) SSD
    external Samsung 980 PRO PCle 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
    (want to make this the internal drive somehow)
    PSU
    135 W Smart AC power adapter
    Case
    emerald cut
    Keyboard
    external HP USB slim KB - PH0U
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    10.3 mbps download, 0.91mbps upload
    Browser
    Chrome Version 97.0.4692.99 (Official Build) (64-bit)
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    1. Power AC input
    2. HDMI 2.0b12
    3. Audio combo jack
    4. MicroSD reader
    5. Webcam Kill Switch
    6. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
    7. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™
    8. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™ with Thunderbolt™ 312
    Synaptics Precision Touchpad
    64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
    Pen and touch support with 10 touch points w/Windows Ink installed
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360-15t Touch Convertible
    CPU
    i7
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris - Inteli76560U Processor Intel HD Graphics 16GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" UHD WLED Display -Touch S
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    1TB PCIe(R) NVMe M.2 SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    I am currently locked out of this system by Microsoft. I cannot prove ownership so I an stuck at this point

    Web Cam, Dual Mic's, Active Stylus Pen, Backlit KB
    Thunderbolt 3
    One USB-A 3.0 port, two SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps
As long as nothing is being written to it you can eject it.
You may want to lose Norton, you don`t need it.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Skylake Special X299
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 9900X
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix X299-E Gaming II
    Memory
    GSkill Trident Z RGB 32GB 3600 16-16-16-36 (F4-3600C16Q-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 3080 12GB FTW3 Ultra Gaming (12G-P5-4877-KL)
    Sound Card
    Supreme FX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PG279Q
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440 165Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 500GB x2, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2, Western Digital Black 4TB x1
    PSU
    EVGA 1200 P2, EVGA Black Custom Braided Cables
    Case
    Thermaltake View 31 Tempered Glass Limited Edition
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
    Keyboard
    Logitech G910 Orion Spark
    Mouse
    Logitech G700s, Asus ROG GX860 Buzzard
    Internet Speed
    Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes 4.5.2
    Other Info
    Thermaltake Riing Duo 14 x3, Thermaltake Riing Plus 14 x2, Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless Headset
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Skylake Special Z170
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1
    Memory
    GSkill Trident Z RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36 (F4-3600C16D-16GTZR)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2, EVGA Pro SLI Bridge
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC G2460PG
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 144Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 870 Evo 500GB, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2
    PSU
    EVGA 1000 P2, EVGA White Custom Braided Cables
    Case
    Corsair Vengeance C70 Gunmetal Black
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i v2, Corsair ML120 x2, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
    Mouse
    Logitech G500s
    Keyboard
    Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
    Internet Speed
    Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes 4.5.2
    Other Info
    Corsair SP120 x4, LG Blu-ray Drive, Durabrand HT-395 100 Watt Dolby Digital Amp
System processes sometimes lock onto usb drives and hold them hostage. Signing out is not enough. The only way to get whatever process to release them is a restart . This happened a lot with me and I found an excellent little program called USB Safely Remove that I've used for years in place of Explorer's safely remove. This program does what explorer's does, but has the added option of letting you force the release of the process thereby eliminating the need for a restart.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
nothing is being written to it you can eject it
It's rare for me to disagree with the experienced members here and this is one time I do. That statement is 100% correct 99% of the time when nothing is being written, but it's the 1% that concerns me. I have had flash drives get corrupted by removing them just because I thought they were idle. With USBSR I am never in doubt.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
As long as nothing is being written to it you can eject it.
You may want to lose Norton, you don`t need it.
Care to elaborate on either of your suggestions?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 10 Home 10.0.22000.318 upgraded to 11 V:21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 Convertible 15T-eb100
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz 2.70 G
    Motherboard
    HP 8812 Version 55.19
    Memory
    16.0 GB (15.6 GB usable)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics (iRISx) - discrete graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell
    Screen Resolution
    HP Laptop: 3840x2160, Dell external 1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    NVMe KXG60ZNV512G KIOXIA (NTFS) SSD
    external Samsung 980 PRO PCle 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
    (want to make this the internal drive somehow)
    PSU
    135 W Smart AC power adapter
    Case
    emerald cut
    Keyboard
    external HP USB slim KB - PH0U
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    10.3 mbps download, 0.91mbps upload
    Browser
    Chrome Version 97.0.4692.99 (Official Build) (64-bit)
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    1. Power AC input
    2. HDMI 2.0b12
    3. Audio combo jack
    4. MicroSD reader
    5. Webcam Kill Switch
    6. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
    7. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™
    8. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™ with Thunderbolt™ 312
    Synaptics Precision Touchpad
    64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
    Pen and touch support with 10 touch points w/Windows Ink installed
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360-15t Touch Convertible
    CPU
    i7
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris - Inteli76560U Processor Intel HD Graphics 16GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" UHD WLED Display -Touch S
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    1TB PCIe(R) NVMe M.2 SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    I am currently locked out of this system by Microsoft. I cannot prove ownership so I an stuck at this point

    Web Cam, Dual Mic's, Active Stylus Pen, Backlit KB
    Thunderbolt 3
    One USB-A 3.0 port, two SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps
System processes sometimes lock onto usb drives and hold them hostage. Signing out is not enough. The only way to get whatever process to release them is a restart . This happened a lot with me and I found an excellent little program called USB Safely Remove that I've used for years in place of Explorer's safely remove. This program does what explorer's does, but has the added option of letting you force the release of the process thereby eliminating the need for a restart.
I have sent an email to the USB Safely Remove asking them about compatibility issues as the website only lists up to Win 10.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 10 Home 10.0.22000.318 upgraded to 11 V:21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 Convertible 15T-eb100
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz 2.70 G
    Motherboard
    HP 8812 Version 55.19
    Memory
    16.0 GB (15.6 GB usable)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics (iRISx) - discrete graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell
    Screen Resolution
    HP Laptop: 3840x2160, Dell external 1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    NVMe KXG60ZNV512G KIOXIA (NTFS) SSD
    external Samsung 980 PRO PCle 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
    (want to make this the internal drive somehow)
    PSU
    135 W Smart AC power adapter
    Case
    emerald cut
    Keyboard
    external HP USB slim KB - PH0U
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    10.3 mbps download, 0.91mbps upload
    Browser
    Chrome Version 97.0.4692.99 (Official Build) (64-bit)
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    1. Power AC input
    2. HDMI 2.0b12
    3. Audio combo jack
    4. MicroSD reader
    5. Webcam Kill Switch
    6. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
    7. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™
    8. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™ with Thunderbolt™ 312
    Synaptics Precision Touchpad
    64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
    Pen and touch support with 10 touch points w/Windows Ink installed
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360-15t Touch Convertible
    CPU
    i7
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris - Inteli76560U Processor Intel HD Graphics 16GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" UHD WLED Display -Touch S
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    1TB PCIe(R) NVMe M.2 SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    I am currently locked out of this system by Microsoft. I cannot prove ownership so I an stuck at this point

    Web Cam, Dual Mic's, Active Stylus Pen, Backlit KB
    Thunderbolt 3
    One USB-A 3.0 port, two SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps
I have sent an email to the USB Safely Remove asking them about compatibility issues as the website only lists up to Win 10.
I'd be highly surprised if it didn't work, under all the new visuals W11 isn't a million miles from W10. I'm sure @glasskuter is using it on W11 otherwise it wouldn't have been suggested
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Beta, 11 Dev, W11 Canary
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Alienware M15 Ryzen Edition R6
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HX
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 8GB GDDR6
    Hard Drives
    1 x Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    1 x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
1) You can eject a removable device safely as long as nothing is being written to it.
2) A lot of people think Norton is garbage and causes more trouble than it`s worth.

Norton could be holding onto your device and causing the popup about ejecting it.
Check your drives, do they have green checkmarks on them ?
Keep troubleshooting til you figure it out.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Skylake Special X299
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 9900X
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix X299-E Gaming II
    Memory
    GSkill Trident Z RGB 32GB 3600 16-16-16-36 (F4-3600C16Q-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 3080 12GB FTW3 Ultra Gaming (12G-P5-4877-KL)
    Sound Card
    Supreme FX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PG279Q
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440 165Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 500GB x2, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2, Western Digital Black 4TB x1
    PSU
    EVGA 1200 P2, EVGA Black Custom Braided Cables
    Case
    Thermaltake View 31 Tempered Glass Limited Edition
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
    Keyboard
    Logitech G910 Orion Spark
    Mouse
    Logitech G700s, Asus ROG GX860 Buzzard
    Internet Speed
    Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes 4.5.2
    Other Info
    Thermaltake Riing Duo 14 x3, Thermaltake Riing Plus 14 x2, Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless Headset
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Skylake Special Z170
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1
    Memory
    GSkill Trident Z RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36 (F4-3600C16D-16GTZR)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2, EVGA Pro SLI Bridge
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC G2460PG
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 144Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 870 Evo 500GB, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2
    PSU
    EVGA 1000 P2, EVGA White Custom Braided Cables
    Case
    Corsair Vengeance C70 Gunmetal Black
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i v2, Corsair ML120 x2, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
    Mouse
    Logitech G500s
    Keyboard
    Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
    Internet Speed
    Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes 4.5.2
    Other Info
    Corsair SP120 x4, LG Blu-ray Drive, Durabrand HT-395 100 Watt Dolby Digital Amp
As long as nothing is being written to it you can eject it.
You may want to lose Norton, you don`t need it.
Why get rid of Norton it's his AV and at the end of the day it's the OP's choice to use it and it's as good if not better than a lot of them, It's just that people don't seem to agree with paying for AV and a lot of people don't like Norton
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18 R1
    CPU
    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
    Sound Card
    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    Case
    Dark Metallic Moon
    Keyboard
    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
    Mouse
    Alienware AW610M
    Browser
    Chrome and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
    Memory
    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
up to Win 10.
I'm using the same copy I used back in Windows 7. It works fine. I bought it way back when it was cheap. It is not so cheap these days. You might want to look into some of these free alternatives listed in this article. One of them may work just as well.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Beta, 11 Dev, W11 Canary
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Alienware M15 Ryzen Edition R6
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HX
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 8GB GDDR6
    Hard Drives
    1 x Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    1 x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
Why get rid of Norton it's his AV and at the end of the day it's the OP's choice to use it and it's as good if not better than a lot of them, It's just that people don't seem to agree with paying for AV and a lot of people don't like Norton
That`s what I said :)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Skylake Special X299
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 9900X
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix X299-E Gaming II
    Memory
    GSkill Trident Z RGB 32GB 3600 16-16-16-36 (F4-3600C16Q-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 3080 12GB FTW3 Ultra Gaming (12G-P5-4877-KL)
    Sound Card
    Supreme FX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PG279Q
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440 165Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 500GB x2, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2, Western Digital Black 4TB x1
    PSU
    EVGA 1200 P2, EVGA Black Custom Braided Cables
    Case
    Thermaltake View 31 Tempered Glass Limited Edition
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
    Keyboard
    Logitech G910 Orion Spark
    Mouse
    Logitech G700s, Asus ROG GX860 Buzzard
    Internet Speed
    Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes 4.5.2
    Other Info
    Thermaltake Riing Duo 14 x3, Thermaltake Riing Plus 14 x2, Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless Headset
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Skylake Special Z170
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1
    Memory
    GSkill Trident Z RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36 (F4-3600C16D-16GTZR)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2, EVGA Pro SLI Bridge
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC G2460PG
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 144Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 870 Evo 500GB, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2
    PSU
    EVGA 1000 P2, EVGA White Custom Braided Cables
    Case
    Corsair Vengeance C70 Gunmetal Black
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i v2, Corsair ML120 x2, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
    Mouse
    Logitech G500s
    Keyboard
    Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
    Internet Speed
    Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes 4.5.2
    Other Info
    Corsair SP120 x4, LG Blu-ray Drive, Durabrand HT-395 100 Watt Dolby Digital Amp
To find out what's preventing 'safely remove..' first go to task manager and on the heading right click and tick the box for showing PID. Once showing then left click the heading to show in ascending order.

Open Event viewer, Custom Views, Administrative Events. In the centre pane look for Event ID 225. They should be at or near the top of the list. Open the individual events and check the General tab for info and the Details tab should show the PID.
Go back to task manager and find the PIDs. Sometimes Intel Driver Support Assistant does this for me and ending the task in task manager releases the USB drive.

Screenshot_1.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro & 🐥.
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700U with Radeon Vega Mobile Gfx
    Motherboard
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. X509DA (FP5)
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RX Vega 10 Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 2TB NVMe 1.3
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ACER NITRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / 3.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    CZ Scala_CAS (FP6)
    Memory
    32 GB DDR4 SDRAM 3200 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio. NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" LED backlight 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 144 Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    180 Watt, 19.5 V
    Mouse
    Lenovo Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
A lot of people think Norton is garbage and causes more trouble than it`s worth
@CornishRattler HELMET? HELMET? I don't need no stinking helmet. :p
As an antivirus, Norton must be good since it is high in ratings most anywhere you look. As a resource hog, it's good at that too.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
To find out what's preventing 'safely remove..' first go to task manager and on the heading right click and tick the box for showing PID. Once showing then left click the heading to show in ascending order.

Open Event viewer, Custom Views, Administrative Events. In the centre pane look for Event ID 225. They should be at or near the top of the list. Open the individual events and check the General tab for info and the Details tab should show the PID.
Go back to task manager and find the PIDs. Sometimes Intel Driver Support Assistant does this for me and ending the task in task manager releases the USB drive.

View attachment 21247
Now I know why I do not do this for a livingo_O

I think I followed along as well as I could as some of what you said and show is a little different on my machine, but it looks like the PID is 4

Log Name: System
Source: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-PnP
Date: 08-Feb-22 2:24:47 PM
Event ID: 225
Task Category: (223)
Level: Warning
Keywords:
User: SYSTEM
Computer: Optimus_Prime
Description:
The application System with process id 4 stopped the removal or ejection for the device USB\VID_0BDA&PID_9210\MSFT30012345679102.
Process command line:
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-PnP" Guid="{9c205a39-1250-487d-abd7-e831c6290539}" />
<EventID>225</EventID>
<Version>1</Version>
<Level>3</Level>
<Task>223</Task>
<Opcode>0</Opcode>
<Keywords>0x8000000000000000</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2022-02-08T20:24:47.8456509Z" />
<EventRecordID>63485</EventRecordID>
<Correlation />
<Execution ProcessID="4" ThreadID="9556" />
<Channel>System</Channel>
<Computer>Optimus_Prime</Computer>
<Security UserID="S-1-5-18" />
</System>
<EventData>
<Data Name="ProcessId">4</Data>
<Data Name="ProcessNameLength">6</Data>
<Data Name="ProcessName">System</Data>
<Data Name="DeviceInstanceLength">40</Data>
<Data Name="DeviceInstance">USB\VID_0BDA&amp;PID_9210\MSFT30012345679102</Data>
<Data Name="CommandLineLength">0</Data>
<Data Name="CommandLine">
</Data>
</EventData>
</Event>

and this is from Task Manager:

1644357037867.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 10 Home 10.0.22000.318 upgraded to 11 V:21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 Convertible 15T-eb100
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz 2.70 G
    Motherboard
    HP 8812 Version 55.19
    Memory
    16.0 GB (15.6 GB usable)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics (iRISx) - discrete graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell
    Screen Resolution
    HP Laptop: 3840x2160, Dell external 1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    NVMe KXG60ZNV512G KIOXIA (NTFS) SSD
    external Samsung 980 PRO PCle 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
    (want to make this the internal drive somehow)
    PSU
    135 W Smart AC power adapter
    Case
    emerald cut
    Keyboard
    external HP USB slim KB - PH0U
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    10.3 mbps download, 0.91mbps upload
    Browser
    Chrome Version 97.0.4692.99 (Official Build) (64-bit)
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    1. Power AC input
    2. HDMI 2.0b12
    3. Audio combo jack
    4. MicroSD reader
    5. Webcam Kill Switch
    6. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
    7. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™
    8. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™ with Thunderbolt™ 312
    Synaptics Precision Touchpad
    64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
    Pen and touch support with 10 touch points w/Windows Ink installed
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360-15t Touch Convertible
    CPU
    i7
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris - Inteli76560U Processor Intel HD Graphics 16GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" UHD WLED Display -Touch S
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    1TB PCIe(R) NVMe M.2 SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    I am currently locked out of this system by Microsoft. I cannot prove ownership so I an stuck at this point

    Web Cam, Dual Mic's, Active Stylus Pen, Backlit KB
    Thunderbolt 3
    One USB-A 3.0 port, two SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps
Now I know why I do not do this for a livingo_O

I think I followed along as well as I could as some of what you said and show is a little different on my machine, but it looks like the PID is 4

Log Name: System
Source: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-PnP
Date: 08-Feb-22 2:24:47 PM
Event ID: 225
Task Category: (223)
Level: Warning
Keywords:
User: SYSTEM
Computer: Optimus_Prime
Description:
The application System with process id 4 stopped the removal or ejection for the device USB\VID_0BDA&PID_9210\MSFT30012345679102.
Process command line:
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-PnP" Guid="{9c205a39-1250-487d-abd7-e831c6290539}" />
<EventID>225</EventID>
<Version>1</Version>
<Level>3</Level>
<Task>223</Task>
<Opcode>0</Opcode>
<Keywords>0x8000000000000000</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2022-02-08T20:24:47.8456509Z" />
<EventRecordID>63485</EventRecordID>
<Correlation />
<Execution ProcessID="4" ThreadID="9556" />
<Channel>System</Channel>
<Computer>Optimus_Prime</Computer>
<Security UserID="S-1-5-18" />
</System>
<EventData>
<Data Name="ProcessId">4</Data>
<Data Name="ProcessNameLength">6</Data>
<Data Name="ProcessName">System</Data>
<Data Name="DeviceInstanceLength">40</Data>
<Data Name="DeviceInstance">USB\VID_0BDA&amp;PID_9210\MSFT30012345679102</Data>
<Data Name="CommandLineLength">0</Data>
<Data Name="CommandLine">
</Data>
</EventData>
</Event>

and this is from Task Manager:

View attachment 21248
Check for more 225 events as that is just a symptom of what's stopping the USB removal. There should be more than one showing.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro & 🐥.
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700U with Radeon Vega Mobile Gfx
    Motherboard
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. X509DA (FP5)
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RX Vega 10 Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 2TB NVMe 1.3
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ACER NITRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / 3.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    CZ Scala_CAS (FP6)
    Memory
    32 GB DDR4 SDRAM 3200 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio. NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" LED backlight 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 144 Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    180 Watt, 19.5 V
    Mouse
    Lenovo Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
Now I know why I do not do this for a livingo_O
Don't feel bad @blasirl. @Fabler2 is as sharp as a tack, but that's way above my paygrade too. I could restart way faster than having to go through all that. The event viewer is a confusing place for me.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
Check for more 225 events as that is just a symptom of what's stopping the USB removal. There should be more than one showing.
There are many, but they all say the same thing. I did just verify that the USB drive is the boot drive though on this thread.

1644357902144.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 10 Home 10.0.22000.318 upgraded to 11 V:21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 Convertible 15T-eb100
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz 2.70 G
    Motherboard
    HP 8812 Version 55.19
    Memory
    16.0 GB (15.6 GB usable)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics (iRISx) - discrete graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell
    Screen Resolution
    HP Laptop: 3840x2160, Dell external 1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    NVMe KXG60ZNV512G KIOXIA (NTFS) SSD
    external Samsung 980 PRO PCle 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
    (want to make this the internal drive somehow)
    PSU
    135 W Smart AC power adapter
    Case
    emerald cut
    Keyboard
    external HP USB slim KB - PH0U
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    10.3 mbps download, 0.91mbps upload
    Browser
    Chrome Version 97.0.4692.99 (Official Build) (64-bit)
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    1. Power AC input
    2. HDMI 2.0b12
    3. Audio combo jack
    4. MicroSD reader
    5. Webcam Kill Switch
    6. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
    7. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™
    8. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™ with Thunderbolt™ 312
    Synaptics Precision Touchpad
    64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
    Pen and touch support with 10 touch points w/Windows Ink installed
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360-15t Touch Convertible
    CPU
    i7
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris - Inteli76560U Processor Intel HD Graphics 16GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" UHD WLED Display -Touch S
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    1TB PCIe(R) NVMe M.2 SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    I am currently locked out of this system by Microsoft. I cannot prove ownership so I an stuck at this point

    Web Cam, Dual Mic's, Active Stylus Pen, Backlit KB
    Thunderbolt 3
    One USB-A 3.0 port, two SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps
Seeing your other thread the USB drive is a cloned drive so will have the same signature of the C drive I believe so Windows might think it's a system drive so won't allow you to remove. In this case a shutdown would be the way to remove it I would think.

Edit forgot to say that ProcessId 4 is the system process.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro & 🐥.
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700U with Radeon Vega Mobile Gfx
    Motherboard
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. X509DA (FP5)
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RX Vega 10 Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 2TB NVMe 1.3
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ACER NITRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / 3.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    CZ Scala_CAS (FP6)
    Memory
    32 GB DDR4 SDRAM 3200 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio. NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" LED backlight 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 144 Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    180 Watt, 19.5 V
    Mouse
    Lenovo Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
Seeing your other thread the USB drive is a cloned drive so will have the same signature of the C drive I believe so Windows might think it's a system drive so won't allow you to remove. In this case a shutdown would be the way to remove it I would think.
OK. I just posted in that thread that the script data and Explorer/Disk Manager are saying opposite things. Explorer thinks my 500GB drive is the boot drive and the script reports it is my 2TB external, so that may explain it. Thanks for taking the time to help me.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 10 Home 10.0.22000.318 upgraded to 11 V:21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 Convertible 15T-eb100
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz 2.70 G
    Motherboard
    HP 8812 Version 55.19
    Memory
    16.0 GB (15.6 GB usable)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics (iRISx) - discrete graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell
    Screen Resolution
    HP Laptop: 3840x2160, Dell external 1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    NVMe KXG60ZNV512G KIOXIA (NTFS) SSD
    external Samsung 980 PRO PCle 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
    (want to make this the internal drive somehow)
    PSU
    135 W Smart AC power adapter
    Case
    emerald cut
    Keyboard
    external HP USB slim KB - PH0U
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    10.3 mbps download, 0.91mbps upload
    Browser
    Chrome Version 97.0.4692.99 (Official Build) (64-bit)
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    1. Power AC input
    2. HDMI 2.0b12
    3. Audio combo jack
    4. MicroSD reader
    5. Webcam Kill Switch
    6. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
    7. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™
    8. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C™ with Thunderbolt™ 312
    Synaptics Precision Touchpad
    64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
    Pen and touch support with 10 touch points w/Windows Ink installed
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360-15t Touch Convertible
    CPU
    i7
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris - Inteli76560U Processor Intel HD Graphics 16GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" UHD WLED Display -Touch S
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    1TB PCIe(R) NVMe M.2 SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    I am currently locked out of this system by Microsoft. I cannot prove ownership so I an stuck at this point

    Web Cam, Dual Mic's, Active Stylus Pen, Backlit KB
    Thunderbolt 3
    One USB-A 3.0 port, two SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps

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