Fixed: Device Currently in Use [Updated 2024]

What Causes the "This Device Is Currently in Use" Issue

Why do you encounter the error message "This device is currently in use" on your computer when attempting to remove the USB device?

The above message might seem familiar to every Windows user. However, akin to many error messages and other technical issues, there can typically be various underlying causes.

Here are a few general reasons and possibilities for the error message "This device is currently in use": 1. **Software Conflict:** There might be an application or process that has the device occupied or locked, preventing other programs from accessing it. Check your Task Manager (on Windows) or Activity Monitor (on macOS) to see if any programs are using the device. 2. **Driver Issue:** Outdated or corrupted device drivers can cause this issue. Ensure that the drivers for the device are up to date and properly installed. 3. **Hardware Connection:** If the device is a physical peripheral like a printer or USB drive, make sure it's connected securely and not in use by another application. Try unplugging and plugging it back in. 4. **Sharing Settings:** In network environments, the device might be set to be shared, causing conflicts when multiple users try to access it simultaneously. Check the sharing settings and ensure they're configured correctly. 5. **Operating System Glitch:** Sometimes, the operating system itself may have a temporary glitch or bug that causes this error. A restart of your computer could resolve the issue. 6. **Background Updates or Scans:** Anti-virus software or system utilities might be running scans or updates in the background, utilizing the device. Pause or temporarily disable these processes to check if the error persists. 7. **Multimedia Software:** If the device is related to audio or video playback, such as speakers or a webcam, check if any media player or streaming application is currently using it. 8. **Device Firmware:** In some cases, the firmware of the device might be the cause. Update the firmware if available to ensure compatibility with your system. To troubleshoot further, identify which specific device is causing the error, and then proceed with the relevant steps to address the issue.

1. Some files are not properly closed when attempting to remove your USB from your PC/Laptop.
2. Your computer programs are utilizing files from the USB storage.
3. A few programs or software are accessing your USB device in the background, such as antivirus software, Windows security software, or backup software, etc.

Here, we aim to detail how we encountered the same issue and the steps we took to resolve it. We will present 10 distinct solutions with comprehensive instructions and screenshots to help you fix the "This device is currently in use" error on your own, even if you lack technical knowledge or have limited familiarity with Windows-related problems and their solutions.

10 Solutions to Resolve "This Device Is Currently in Use" Error

There are numerous remedies to address the "This device is currently in use" error when attempting to safely remove a USB drive. We have compiled the most convenient and straightforward methods for your convenience, presenting ten different and easy solutions to promptly assist you in overcoming this issue effortlessly.

Read the article to discover ten ways to resolve the issue and safely remove your USB drive without losing or damaging any data.

• Solution 1: Use This PC to Eject USB Drive
• Solution 2: Close All Open Files and Programs
• Solution 3: Utilize Diskpart
• Solution 4: Use Windows Task Manager
• Solution 5: Utilize Disk Management
• Solution 6: Use Device Manager
• Solution 7: Disable Computer Security Software
• Solution 8: Run Anti-Virus Software
• Solution 9: Use Process Explorer
• Solution 10: Log Off and On the Computer

Fix 1: Using "This PC" to Eject USB Drive

Here's a neat method to resolve the "This device is currently in use" issue. Just follow these steps:

Step 1. Open "File Explorer," locate "This PC" in the left-side menu, and click on it to open it.

Step 2. Locate the targeted USB device, right-click on it, and select "Eject" from the contextual menu.

Now, verify if you're still encountering the same issue. Attempt the other methods discussed below.

Solution 2: Close All Open Files and Programs

Ensure that you close all open programs or files, as having multiple files and programs open can lead to the "This device is currently in use" issue. To avoid this, close all running applications and files, then safely remove the USB drive without causing any damage to either the USB or your computer/laptop.

Fix 3. Using Diskpart If the previous methods didn't resolve the issue, you can try using the built-in Diskpart utility to manage your disk partitions. Here's how: 1. **Open Command Prompt as Administrator:** - Press `Win + X` and choose "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)". 2. **Type `diskpart` and press Enter.** This will launch the Diskpart tool. 3. **List available disks:** Type `list disk` and press Enter. Note the number of the disk you want to work with. 4. **Select the target disk:** Type `select disk n`, replacing `n` with the disk number you noted earlier. 5. **List the partitions/slices on the selected disk:** Type `list partition` and press Enter. 6. **Select the partition you want to fix:** Type `select partition n`, replacing `n` with the partition number. 7. **Clean the selected partition:** Type `clean` and press Enter. **Warning:** This command will erase all data on the selected partition, so make sure you have chosen the correct one. 8. **Create a new partition:** Type `create partition primary`. 9. **Format the new partition:** Type `format fs=ntfs quick`, which formats the partition with the NTFS file system. If you need a different file system, replace `ntfs` accordingly. 10. **Assign a drive letter:** Type `assign letter=X`, where `X` is the desired drive letter. 11. **Exit Diskpart:** Type `exit` and press Enter to close Diskpart. 12. **Exit Command Prompt:** Type `exit` again and press Enter to close the Command Prompt. After completing these steps, restart your computer, and the missing or corrupted partition should be replaced with a new one. Remember that this method will result in loss of data, so ensure you have backups before proceeding.

This device is currently in use. Please resolve this issue with the following highly effective method. You can refer to the guide below to understand and utilize Diskpart commands. The detailed steps are as follows:

Step 1. Open the Command Prompt. To do this, simply type CMD in the taskbar search box. When it appears, right-click on it and select "Run as administrator" from the context menu to launch it.

Step 2. In the Command Prompt, type list disk, press Enter, then type select disk X (replace "X" with the removable device that needs to be taken offline), and hit Enter again.

Step 3. Type offline disk to take the selected removable device offline.

Step 4. Finally, after performing the above steps, try ejecting the removable device again to see if the issue is resolved.

Fix 4. Using Windows Task Manager If the issue persists, you can try using the Windows Task Manager to resolve it. The Task Manager is a powerful tool in Windows that allows you to manage running applications, processes, and system resources. Here's how to use it: 1. **Access Task Manager:** - Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` keys simultaneously on your keyboard. - Alternatively, right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager" from the context menu. 2. **Review Running Processes:** - In the Task Manager window, you'll see a list of running processes. - Look for any applications or processes that might be causing the problem and note their names. 3. **End Problematic Processes:** - Click on a suspicious process, then click on the "End Task" button at the bottom-right corner. - Be cautious when terminating processes, as some are essential for Windows to function properly. - If you're unsure about a process, do a quick online search before ending it. 4. **Check CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network Usage:** - Switch to the "Performance" tab to monitor your system resources. - High usage in any of these areas could indicate an issue. Identify the culprit and try closing related applications. 5. **Restart Explorer.exe:** - Sometimes, the Windows Explorer process (explorer.exe) might cause problems. - In the "Processes" tab, find "Windows Explorer," right-click on it, and select "End Task." - After that, click on "File" in the top-left corner, then "Run new task." Type "explorer.exe" and check "Create this task with administrative privileges," then click "OK." 6. **Relaunch the Application:** - After trying the above steps, restart the affected application to see if the issue has been resolved. Remember, if the problem continues, it might be worth seeking further assistance or checking for software updates.

You should use the Task Manager to check if certain programs are running in the background. To resolve the "device currently in use" issue, you'll need to close these programs from the Task Manager. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the "Taskbar" and selecting "Task Manager" from the pop-up menu.

Step 2. Under the 'Process' tab, you will see all running programs. If the 'Process' tab is not displayed, you need to click on "More details" to access it.

Step 3. Finally, right-click on any program that you think might be using your USB and click "End Task" to close it.

Upon completing the aforementioned steps, safely remove the USB drive and verify if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 5. Using Disk Management

You can resolve the issue with the currently in-use device through Windows Disk Management. This tool allows you to manage your computer's internal hard disk, external drive, USB flash drive, pen drive, and more. You can safely eject the USB drive using Disk Management. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Press the "Windows+R" keys together, type diskmgmt.msc in the "Run" dialog box, and press "Enter".

Step 2. Here's the list you're looking at. Find the USB that is displaying an error and won't unmount. Right-click on that USB and choose "Eject" from the dropdown menu.

Now, you need to physically disconnect your USB from your PC/Laptop and see if the "device is currently in use" issue has been resolved.

Solution 6: Using Device Manager

尝试使用Windows的设备管理器解决"This device is currently in use"的问题。具体步骤如下：

Step 1. Type "Device Manager" in the search box on the taskbar, and then click on it to open it.

Step 2. Locate "Disk Drives," and click the "equals sign" (<>) to expand it. You will see USB drives.

Step 3. Locate the USB device that is not ejecting, right-click on it, select "Uninstall device" from the drop-down menu, and click "OK".

Fix 7: Disable Computer Security Software Disabling your computer's security software temporarily can help resolve issues caused by potential conflicts with the installation or running of a certain program. Follow these steps: 1. **Antivirus Software**: Temporarily turn off the real-time protection or firewall in your antivirus software. The process may vary depending on the antivirus you're using, but typically, you can find this option in the settings or preferences menu. 2. **Windows Defender**: If you're using Windows, you can disable Windows Defender by following these steps: - Press `Win + X` and select "Windows Security" from the menu. - Click on "Virus & threat protection." - Under "Virus & threat protection settings," click "Manage settings." - Turn off the "Real-time protection" toggle. 3. **Firewall**: Disable your operating system's firewall or any third-party firewall for the duration of the troubleshooting process. In Windows: - Go to "Control Panel" > "System and Security" > "Windows Defender Firewall." - Click "Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off." - Select "Turn off Windows Defender Firewall" for both private and public networks, then click "OK." 4. **Reinstall the Program**: After disabling the security software, try reinstalling the problematic program or running the task that was causing the issue. 5. **Test**: Check if the problem persists without the security software active. 6. **Re-enable Security Software**: Once you've confirmed that the issue is resolved, remember to re-enable your security software immediately to maintain your system's protection. Remember that leaving your security software disabled for an extended period can expose your computer to potential threats. Only disable it long enough to troubleshoot the specific issue, and then reactivate it as soon as possible.

Perhaps you've installed some security software that could be causing the error "This device is currently in use," preventing the USB drive from being ejected properly. This software might be running in the background. To resolve the issue, you should temporarily disable it, allowing you to safely remove your USB device.

Fix 8: Run Anti-Virus Software

If your system is infected by a virus, you need to run Anti-virus software to clean it up. For instance, if your system is contaminated with viruses that can access your USB drive surreptitiously, causing issues with safely removing the USB device, you should take action. In Windows 10, there is a pre-installed program designed to protect your PC from viruses. If you have installed a trustworthy and one of the best antivirus software, such as those mentioned in this article, you should run it immediately to消除病毒. In my case, I am using the built-in Windows 10 tool called "Virus & threat protection." Here are the detailed steps to follow:

Step 1. Type Virus & threat protection in the taskbar search box. When it appears, click on it.

Step 2. Click "Quick scan," and wait a few minutes until it completes the processing.

Fix 9: Using Process Explorer If you're encountering issues with a program or process, one useful tool to diagnose and fix the problem is Process Explorer. Process Explorer is a more advanced alternative to the default Task Manager in Windows, offering extensive information about running processes and system performance. Here's how to use Process Explorer: 1. **Download Process Explorer**: Visit the Microsoft Sysinternals website at to download the latest version of Process Explorer. Download the executable file and save it to your computer. 2. **Run Process Explorer**: Once downloaded, locate the "processexplorer.exe" file and double-click it to run the application. You may need to right-click and choose "Run as administrator" for full privileges. 3. **Understanding the Interface**: Process Explorer displays a list of running processes in the main window, similar to Task Manager. The top part of the window shows CPU usage, while the bottom part lists processes. Each process has a unique icon and a column of details, including its name, ID, CPU usage, memory usage, and more. 4. **Search for the Problematic Process**: If you know the name of the problematic process, use the search bar (top-right corner) to filter the list. This will help you quickly find the process causing the issue. 5. **View Process Details**: Right-click on a process and select "Properties" to view detailed information, such as its file path, security attributes, open handles, and threads. This can be helpful in identifying any unusual activity. 6. **Kill a Process**: If a process is causing problems, you can terminate it by right-clicking on the process and selecting "End Process Tree." Be cautious, as forcefully stopping a critical system process could lead to instability or a system crash. 7. **Analyze Resource Usage**: To monitor CPU, memory, disk, or network usage, click on the appropriate column header to sort the processes accordingly. This can help identify resource-hogging applications. 8. **Handle and DLL Views**: For advanced users, Process Explorer offers "Handle" and "DLL" views that show all the handles and DLLs associated with each process. These views can be accessed through the "View" menu. 9. **Suspicious Activity**: If you suspect malware, look for processes with high CPU or memory usage, unknown file names, or suspicious behavior. You can also use Process Explorer's built-in search functionality to look for known malicious processes or DLLs. 10. **Save a Log**: To document the current state of processes and resource usage, go to "File" > "Save" and choose a format (such as .txt or .csv) to save the data. Remember that while Process Explorer can be a powerful troubleshooting tool, it's essential to exercise caution when manipulating processes, especially system-level ones. If you're unsure about a particular action, consult online resources or seek professional assistance.

You can resolve the issue "This device is currently in use" using Process Explorer. Follow these steps: 1. Download and install Process Explorer from the official Microsoft website. Make sure to download it from a trusted source. 2. Launch Process Explorer by double-clicking on the downloaded executable file (procexp.exe). 3. In the Process Explorer window, look for the search bar at the top, usually located next to the "View" menu. Type "in use" in the search bar to filter the processes. 4. Press 'Enter' or click on the magnifying glass icon to initiate the search. This will display a list of processes that have a device currently in use. 5. Look for a process that might be related to the device causing the issue. It could be a program, service, or driver utilizing the device. 6. Right-click on the suspected process and select "suspend" or "terminate" to stop it. Be cautious when terminating processes, as it may affect other running applications or the system stability. 7. After suspending or terminating the process, try reconnecting or unplugging/replugging the device that was in use. It should now be available for use. 8. If the issue persists, you might need to identify the specific device causing the problem and check for any driver updates or conflicts with other software. Remember that Process Explorer is a powerful tool, so handle it with care. If you're unsure about any steps, consult a technical expert for assistance.

Step 1. Download and install "Process Explorer," then open it.

Step 2. Click "Find" from the menu, choose "Find Handle or DLL" from the drop-down menu, and a "Process Explorer Search" popup will appear.

Step 3. Type the drive letter of the USB drive you want to eject in the search panel, then click "Search".

Step 4. Now, terminate the processes that are using your drive, and try to eject your device/drive normally.

Using Process Explorer, you can terminate all processes that are utilizing your drive and free it from any operations on your system. This will allow you to safely eject the USB Mass Storage Device without causing any damage and resolve the issue stating "This device is currently in use."

Solution 10: Log Off and Back On the Computer In some cases, simply logging off your user account and logging back in can resolve issues with the computer. Here's how to do it: 1. Click on the "Start" button or the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen. 2. In the Start menu, click on your user profile picture located at the top right corner. 3. From the drop-down menu, select "Sign out" or "Log off." 4. Wait for the logoff process to complete, and then press any key on your keyboard or click on the screen to proceed with logging back in. 5. Enter your username and password (if prompted) to sign in again. This action refreshes the user session and might fix the problem you're encountering.

Logging off and on your system might resolve the issue "This device is currently in use." When you log out, all programs and applications, including external USB drives, are closed. This could potentially fix the problem. Here are some simple steps to follow: 1. Save any open files and close all running programs. 2. Safely eject the external USB drive if it's connected. 3. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard. 4. Click on your user account in the bottom left corner and select "Sign out." 5. Wait for the sign-out process to complete. 6. Once signed out, sign back in using your credentials. 7. Reconnect the external USB drive. After logging back in, check if the issue persists. If it does, there might be other underlying causes that require further troubleshooting.

Step 1. Click on the "Windows icon" located in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Step 2. Next, click the "Administrator icon" and finally, click on "Sign out".

Here are a few alternative methods and keyboard shortcuts to log out quickly:

Alternatives and shortcuts:

1. Press "Windows + X" and a context menu will appear. Then, navigate using your mouse cursor or the up-arrow key on your keyboard to "Shut down or sign out," and choose "Sign out."

2. Press the "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" buttons together and select "Sign out".

3. Press "Alt + F4", then use the down-arrow button on your keyboard and select "Sign out."

A few minutes later, you'll need to log in again to verify if the issue "This device is currently in use" has been resolved.

Additional Guide: How to Backup USB or External Devices Step 1: Connect the USB/External Device to Your Computer First, plug in your USB drive or external hard drive into your computer's USB port. Make sure your device is powered on if it requires an external power source. Step 2: Choose a Backup Method There are two common methods for backing up data from USB or external devices: 1. Manual Copy and Paste: - Open "File Explorer" on your computer. - Navigate to the "This PC" or "My Computer" section, where your USB/external device should be listed. - Select the files or folders you want to backup, and right-click on them. - Choose "Copy" and then navigate to a safe location on your computer, such as an internal hard drive or another external storage. - Right-click again and select "Paste" to copy the files. 2. Using Backup Software: - You can use built-in backup tools like Windows' "Backup and Restore" or macOS' "Time Machine." - For Windows: - Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Backup." - Click "Add a drive" and select your USB/external device. - Follow the prompts to set up the backup process. - For macOS: - Connect your external drive and ensure it's formatted using the HFS+ or APFS file system. - Go to "System Preferences" > "Time Machine." - Click "Select Backup Disk" and choose your USB/external device. - Enable Time Machine and let it create a backup of your entire system. Step 3: Verify the Backup After the backup process is complete, it's crucial to verify the integrity of the backed-up data. You can do this by checking the copied files and ensuring they match the original content on the USB or external device. Step 4: Store the Backup Safely Keep your backup in a secure location, ideally in a different physical place than your primary computer. This ensures that your data remains safe in case of theft, fire, or natural disasters. Step 5: Schedule Regular Backups To keep your data up-to-date, set up automatic backups at regular intervals (daily, weekly, or monthly) depending on how frequently you update the content on your USB or external device. Most backup software offers scheduling options to facilitate this process. Remember, always practice good cybersecurity habits and protect your backups with strong passwords or encryption, especially if they contain sensitive information.

USB and external hard drives are commonly used external storage devices for saving our data, making backup copies crucial. We offer the best solutions to ensure a secure backup using the top-notch backup software - Todo Backup Home. We've considered all possibilities to help you prepare for any potential disaster. Use Todo Backup to create a full backup of your USB, other external devices/drives, or hard drives. Should any of these scenarios affect your PC/laptop, external device, or USB, you can promptly restore all your valuable data.

Todo Backup Home is a versatile backup solution designed for Windows 11/10/8/7 users. It enables you to create backups of files, disks, partitions, and even entire operating systems. With this tool, you can safeguard your favorite games and back up your PC game saves. Additionally, it allows you to generate ISO images from hard drives and clone hard disks. Most notably, it provides a complimentary 250GB cloud storage and a secure zone to ensure the protection of your valuable data.

Here are the guiding steps to use this nice program: 1. Download and Install the Program: First, visit the official website or your preferred software repository to download the program. Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions provided to set it up on your device. 2. Launch the Program: After installation, locate the program's icon on your desktop or in your applications folder, and double-click it to launch the application. 3. Familiarize Yourself with the Interface: Take a moment to explore the program's user interface. Look for different menus, buttons, and tools that may be essential for performing tasks. 4. Create a New Project/Document: Depending on the program's purpose, you might need to create a new project or document. This is usually done by selecting "New" from the File menu or clicking on a corresponding button. 5. Customize Settings: Before starting work, adjust any necessary settings according to your preferences. This could include changing the default font, color scheme, or adjusting resolution for image editing programs. 6. Start Working: Now it's time to begin using the program's features. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the program's built-in help files or online tutorials if needed. 7. Save Your Progress: Regularly save your work to prevent loss of data in case of unexpected shutdowns or errors. Use the "Save" option in the File menu or the keyboard shortcut (usually Ctrl+S on Windows or Command+S on Mac). 8. Explore Additional Features: As you become more comfortable with the program, try out advanced tools and functions to enhance your productivity and creativity. 9. Export/Share Your Work: When your project is complete, choose the appropriate export or share option from the File menu. This will allow you to save your work in a format suitable for sharing or printing. 10. Update and Learn: Keep the program up to date by installing updates and patches when available. Additionally, continue learning about new features and tricks to improve your skills. Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you use the program, the more familiar and proficient you'll become.

Step 1. Begin by selecting the backup contents.

Step 2. There are four backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click on Disk.

Step 3. You can choose to back up an entire disk or a specific partition. Select what you need and click OK.

Step 4.  Choose the destination where you want to save the backup.

Step 5. For disk/partition backup, you can opt to save the backup to a local drive or to a NAS.

Step 6. Once the backup process is finished, your task will be displayed on the left. Right-click on any of the tasks to manage your backups further, such as recovering it, creating an incremental backup, and more.

The Final Say

Now you have all the remedies at hand to alleviate the issue "This device is currently in use", which stops you from safely removing your USB devices or drives. Feel free to try any of the solutions outlined above. One of them is bound to work and give you relief. It's a straightforward approach, sparing you the need to waste precious time searching and troubleshooting. Simply attempt one of the solutions mentioned, and kindly inform us which method resolved your problem. Or which one turned out to be the most convenient and effortless for you? Please share your valuable feedback in the comment section. We read your comments and are always eager to learn from you.

Enjoy the solutions. Thanks for reading!

"Frequently Asked Questions: This Device Is Currently in Use"

Even though we attempted to cover all aspects of "This Device Is Currently in Use," if you still have questions, please refer to the frequently asked questions listed below.

1. Is it safe to remove the USB without ejecting it first?

It's not advisable to remove your USB without safely ejecting it first, as doing so can lead to undesirable consequences. If you disconnect your USB drive directly without properly ejecting it, you risk losing data from both your computer and the USB device, and they might even sustain damage. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that you safely eject your USB before unplugging it to avoid any potential issues.

2. What happens if you force eject a USB? If you force eject a USB drive, it means that you disconnect the device without properly unmounting or safely removing it first. Doing so can have several potential consequences: 1. **Data loss**: When files are being written to the USB drive and you force eject it, those files might become corrupted or lost entirely. This is because the operating system may not have had a chance to complete the write process. 2. **Inconsistent file system**: Forcing the USB out of the system can lead to an inconsistent file system state. This could result in errors when trying to access the USB drive again, requiring a scan or repair before use. 3. **Damaged drive**: Although rare, repeatedly force ejecting a USB drive can cause physical stress on the device's internal components, potentially leading to hardware failure. 4. **System crashes or errors**: In some cases, forcefully removing a USB drive while it's in use might trigger system instability, causing your computer to freeze, crash, or display error messages. To avoid these issues, it's always recommended to safely remove or unmount the USB drive before physically disconnecting it. This ensures that all data transfers are completed and the device is in a consistent state before being ejected.

If you forcibly eject a USB device, you may encounter the persistent error message, "This device is currently in use," which could potentially lead to damage to your device and loss of data. By safely removing the USB, it ensures that any cached data and ongoing processes are cleared, preventing background activities from continuing. Since some programs or files might be running unseen in the background when you connect a USB, safely removing it is crucial to cease all processes and safeguard against any potential data loss.

3. What is the safest way to remove a USB drive?

Any method or approach to safely remove your USB drive is considered best practice. We'll demonstrate the most convenient method. As mentioned earlier, open Windows File Explorer, locate your USB drive, right-click on it, and select "Eject." This is the most common, straightforward, and secure way to disconnect your USB devices. However, if for any reason this doesn't work, refer to the other methods discussed above with detailed steps and screenshots. Whatever method you choose, it's crucial to ensure that your USB drive is safely ejected from your system before physically unplugging it, to safeguard both your data and the device.