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AnselRhodes's avatar
AnselRhodes
Iron Contributor
Apr 14, 2026

Windows 11 can’t eject USB drive, says it’s in use

Every time I try to eject my USB drive on Windows 11, it says the device is in use. I closed all windows but it still won’t work. I don’t want to pull it out directly. Any fix?

2 Replies

  • KapilArya's avatar
    KapilArya
    MVP
    Apr 14, 2026

    Right click Start button > Disk Management.

    Locate the USB drive to eject, right click and select Eject.

    Let us know if this helps!

  • C_the_S's avatar
    C_the_S
    Bronze Contributor
    Apr 14, 2026

    With the USB devices that do that to me, I'll reboot, and during the reboot, before Windows loads, I will unplug the device.