Unable to eject USB

Fixer · 14 May 2020

I can't just eject a USB drive. To safely eject I'm having to shut down.

Win 10 Pro x64

sygnus21 · 14 May 2020

Not to state the obvious, but have you terminated any processes using said drive?

Also do make sure you're ejecting the "named" device...

Unable to eject USB-eject-named-device-cruzer.png

Lastly, there's really no need to use the eject feature in Windows 10. Simply remove the device.

Compumind · 14 May 2020

sygnus21 said:

Lastly, there's really no need to use the eject feature in Windows 10. Simply unplug the device.

IMHO -

Not in this circumstance. I have seen data loss.

Better to shutdown and remove.

Here -

Fix 'This device is currently in use' Error and Safely Remove USB Mass Storage - EaseUS

rqt · 14 May 2020

I frequently have this problem, but for me it usually ejects OK at the second attempt after a short wait. Occasionally however the restart is the only answer.

W10 Tweaker · 14 May 2020

Fixer said:

I can't just eject a USB drive. To safely eject I'm having to shut down.
Win 10 Pro x64

I find that some are more troublesome than others, however; look in the Disk drives on device manager, right-click on the USB stick, select properties, policies tab and click quick removal.

I've found this works more often than not but not always. Obviously it is best to close all related windows and apps accessing the device first.

Unable to eject USB-0514-quick-removal.jpg

sygnus21 · 14 May 2020

Compumind said:

IMHO -

Not in this circumstance. I have seen data loss.

Better to shutdown and remove.

I do it all the time without issue. And the post by W10 Tweaker with the USB properties says why

Thank you

W10 Tweaker · 14 May 2020

sygnus21 said:

I do it all the time without issue. And the post by W10 Tweaker with the USB properties says why

Thank you

You're most welcome.

Fixer · 14 May 2020

Thanks guys - fairly common problem obviously. This even happens if I simply plug a drive in and immediately try to eject it. I did - once only - close Explorer as that was the only process that could be using the drive, but that caused more trouble than it was worth. It's highly irritating at times on slower booting systems like this laptop but I think shutting down the best.

EDIT - I already use the quick removal option but the problem remains, with any usb stick.

Compumind · 14 May 2020

sygnus21 said:

I do it all the time without issue. And the post by W10 Tweaker with the USB properties says why

Thank you

I know that. However, those are under normal conditions.

sygnus21 · 14 May 2020

Fixer said:

Thanks guys - fairly common problem obviously. This even happens if I simply plug a drive in and immediately try to eject it. I did - once only - close Explorer as that was the only process that could be using the drive, but that caused more trouble than it was worth. It's highly irritating at times on slower booting systems like this laptop but I think shutting down the best.

EDIT - I already use the quick removal option but the problem remains, with any usb stick.

Well I don't have any other suggestions other than to look over W10 Tweaker's post and check in the drive properties that Quick removal is ticked.

BTW does this happen with all drives or just a particular USB drive?