USB not ejecting

michael reville 0 Reputation points
2026-10-07T12:01:54.4633333+00:00

USB not open but will not eject, windows 11. error message "device in use"

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-07T12:02:08.1666667+00:00

    If Windows 11 shows "device in use", use this path:

    1. Close anything that might still be using the USB device.
      • Close File Explorer windows open to that drive.
      • Close sync, backup, antivirus, or other background apps that may be scanning or accessing it.
    2. Try ejecting it from the system tray.
      • In the taskbar system tray, right-click Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media.
      • If it is not visible, select Show hidden icons first.
      • Select Eject <device>.
      • Wait for Safe To Remove Hardware before unplugging it.
    3. If the icon is missing, turn it on.
      • Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
      • Open Other system tray icons.
      • Turn Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media On.
    4. If the device still will not eject, unplug and reconnect it only after Windows reports it is safe, or restart the PC and try again.
      • In Device Manager, if the device shows Code 47, Windows has prepared it for safe removal but it has not been removed yet. The recommended resolution is to unplug the device and plug it in again, or restart the computer.
    5. If Windows does not recognize the USB device correctly, check Device Manager for an error code.
      • Select Start, type device manager, and open Device Manager.
      • Find the USB device with a yellow exclamation mark.
      • Right-click it, select Properties, and check Device status for the error code.

    Important: to avoid data loss, always wait for the Safe To Remove Hardware notification before disconnecting a USB flash drive or external hard drive.

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  2. TaoLi 114.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-07T12:37:25.9033333+00:00

    Hi, a background process may still be accessing the USB even when no files are open.

    Please wait for any file transfers to finish, save your work, then try this:

    Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

    Find Windows Explorer, right-click it >> Restart.

    Try ejecting the USB again. Wait for “Safe To Remove Hardware” before unplugging it.

    If it still says “device in use” and you need to remove it now, shut down the PC normally and wait until it is completely off before unplugging the USB .

    Microsoft’s safe removal guide: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/safely-remove-hardware-in-windows

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