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."

Anonymous
2011-03-23T03:39:03+00:00

Original title:Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device

When I try to safely eject my external hard drive safely I get an error message with this title telling me that "This device is currently in use. Close any programs or windows that might be using the device, and then try again." I have done this. I have also tried closing every program running on the computer and it does not help. I have also tried restarting the computer and this also does nothing. If anyone has any ideas that would be helpful please let me know.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2011-03-24T03:24:11+00:00

Hi A. Cook,

1)       How long have you been facing this issue?

2)       Is this issue confined to any specific USB device?

This behavior can occur if there are open handles with any files in the USB (Universal Serial Bus) Mass Storage Device are in use by another program.

Method 1:

a)       Download Process Explorer from the link below

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653

b)       Click Find, Find Handle or DLL (Dynamic Link Library) in the tool menu.

c)       Type the drive letter of the USB device in the Handle or DLL substring textbox, and press Search Button.

d)       Find the process and its PID (Process Identifier) in the following box.

e)       In system process tree view, find the process according to the Find Handle or DLL dialog box.

f)        Press Ctrl + H to show Handles in Lower Pane View.

g)       Find the File according with the drive letter, and right click it, choose Close Handle.

Reference:

Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Devicehttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/555665

Note: Using Third Party Software, including hardware drivers can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Third Party Software can be solved. Using Third Party Software is at your own risk.

**Method 2:**You may refer the steps provided by Diana D in the link below

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_vista-hardware/problem-ejecting-usb-mass-storage-deviceits-in-use/fd56805c-ed8e-491f-8a2b-39ed1c988a71

Method 3: Run an online scan for any threat and try to fix them

**http://onecare.live.com/site/en-Us/center/cleanup.htm**

Was this answer helpful?

30+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

53 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2016-12-08T20:06:58+00:00

    Thanks for the feedback.  How do I put the laptop to sleep?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-12-08T16:46:48+00:00

    Running Win10 pro and needing to shut down the notebook to have drive disconnected every time is crazy (to say it in a friendly way).

    You can put the laptop to sleep as a quicker way.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-12-08T09:54:41+00:00

    Downloaded process explorer.

    Searched for handle on the drive --> Search results zero, nil, nothing.

    Try to eject the drive again same results.

    Running Win10 pro and needing to shut down the notebook to have drive disconnected every time is crazy (to say it in a friendly way).

    On other OS not window no problem...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2016-09-30T07:16:51+00:00

    Make sure all programs/windows are closed. If any folders are open with file explorer (let's say you just copied some files across to your usb) then it will not be able to eject the media.

    I have found this to be the most common reason for receiving this message.

    Simple fix if thats all it is!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments