Windows USB Can Never Eject Without Error?

[gene098]

Hey guys,

I know its said to be bad practice ot just pull out the USB of an external hard drive, but I literally cannot help it!

Everytime I try to eject the Drive safely, whether it be Windows 7 or Windows 10, I get this problem...

(I close all the windows that could possibly use it)

However when yesterday I tried testing it, I could never replicate it...

I tried

-using a file, then closing and it ejected fine

-using a file, putting comp to hibernate, still ejected fine

-tried using a file, putting it to hibernate, waking it, and then hibernate and wake once more, still ejected fine.

But everynow and again I get this!

Why does Windows do this??

 

[mjesani]

mainly this type of error occurs due to some virus continuously accessing external drives. try checking for virus using malwarebytes.

 

[AndyCalling]

Hmm, I wouldn't go that far. Do you have any backup program that might access the drive, OP? Such as Windows' own File History? That always seems to lock down the drive concerned. Also, any encryption can result in delayed access. Do you have indexing turned on for external drives? Or a virus checker that always checks external drives (Windows Defender can do this)? One approach if you want a proper disconnection and can't get it to release is to shut down your PC (properly, don't just cut the power) and then unplug. I do that if there's no other way. Sometimes it is just Windows using the device, not a virus. For some people a virus so more likely, but for most people a virus is a rare an unusual event and not the most likely cause of anything.

 

[AndyCalling]

Oh, and one more thing, if you have apps stored on the external drive or maps or any of your standard document/video/picture/music folders that can be a thing.