Fixed in 6 Ways: Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device

What causes the problem of ejecting USB mass storage device?

Numerous Windows errors stem from simple causes, and the issue of USB mass storage devices failing to eject is no exception. Typically, two main factors trigger this problem: active file usage and USB driver malfunction.

★ Active file usage: This occurs when background processes or applications are accessing files on the storage device, making it impossible to eject until these tasks are stopped.

★ USB driver malfunction: More complex than the first, this issue arises when your operating system encounters a USB driver failure, preventing the safe removal of the storage device.

These two are the primary culprits behind the inability to eject USB mass storage devices. Fortunately, no matter which scenario you face, there are reliable solutions available. The following sections will detail proven methods you can try, one at a time, until you can safely eject your USB flash drive or external hard drive.

How to fix the problem ejecting USB mass storage device

Encountering the "problem ejecting USB mass storage device external hard drive" error can be frustrating, especially when you need to safely disconnect your USB drive. Don’t worry; this guide will walk you through the best methods to resolve this issue quickly and safely.

Method 1. Close all the open files and programs

Start by ensuring that every file and application on your computer is completely closed. Background processes can keep the USB device active, preventing safe removal. Once everything is closed, attempt to eject the USB again.

Method 2. Reboot the computer

If closing files and programs doesn’t work, try rebooting your system. A simple restart can often resolve minor hardware glitches, making it possible to safely eject your USB device.

Method 3. Run the Windows hardware and device troubleshooter

Microsoft seems to recognize that minor hardware issues can occur occasionally, which is why it provides a built-in solution: the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter. This tool allows users to identify and resolve minor hardware problems independently. Follow these steps to use it:

Step 1. Right-click the Windows icon and select Settings.

Step 2. Navigate to Update & Security.

Step 3. Click Troubleshoot to access the troubleshooting panel.

Step 4. Locate Hardware and Devices and click Run the troubleshooter.

Step 5. The tool will automatically scan for issues, apply fixes, and update drivers. Once finished, select Apply this fix and restart your computer.

Method 4. Use Task Manager to end tasks

Another effective method is using Task Manager to safely remove your USB mass storage device. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Right-click the Windows icon and select Task Manager.

Step 2. Locate any active process that may be using the USB device, right-click it, and choose End Task.

Method 5. Eject with Device Manager

You can also use Device Manager to manage and safely eject your USB mass storage device. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Right-click the Windows icon and choose Device Manager.

Step 2. Expand the Disk Drives section and review the settings for each listed device.

Step 3. For your USB device, you will see options for Quick Removal and Performance. Select Performance.

Step 4. Shut down and restart to apply the changes. You should now be able to eject your external drive safely.

Method 6. Update USB drivers

If none of the previous methods work, your last option is to update the USB drivers. A malfunctioning USB driver can prevent safe ejection, but updating it may resolve the issue. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Right-click the Windows icon and select Device Manager.

Step 2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.

Step 3. Right-click your USB device, choose Update driver, and select Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will then search for and install the latest driver version.

Bonus tip: How to recover lost files from mass storage devices

Data loss on a USB drive or external hard drive can occur for various reasons, including accidental deletion, virus infections, operating system crashes, and partition loss. These scenarios are more severe than simply removing the USB improperly. In such cases, reliable data recovery software is essential.

AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery is a trusted solution with many years of experience, helping millions of users recover lost data. Its greatest advantage is simplicity—data recovery is possible in just easy steps. If you’re interested, you can download the software on your Windows PCs and follow a straightforward guide to restore your lost files.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data is lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool starts to scan and search. It will execute the “Quick Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching for other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins, and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovery to end.

Conclusion

That covers all the solutions for problem ejecting a USB mass storage device. If you encounter this problem, stay calm. Start by closing all files and programs, then try the methods outlined above one by one until the issue is resolved.

Additionally, if you’re looking for free data recovery, consider trying the AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery. It’s a reliable tool for retrieving lost files.