Fixed: This Device Is Currently in Use [Updated 2023]

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 PC when attempting to safely remove a USB device?

The above message might sound familiar to every Windows user. However, much like 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 is currently accessing or has a hold on the device, preventing it from being disconnected, uninstalled, or used by another program. 2. **Driver Issue**: An outdated or corrupted driver could be causing the device to report that it's in use even when it's not actively being utilized. 3. **System Settings**: Certain system settings might be configured to prevent the device from being disconnected or altered while it's in operation. 4. **Background Sync or Transfer**: If the device is connected to your computer for data transfer or synchronization, it may show as "in use" until the process is complete. 5. **Hardware Connection**: A physical connection issue, such as a loose cable or a malfunctioning port, can sometimes trigger this error. 6. **Active Services or Processes**: The device might be tied to a running service or background process that you're not aware of, which is causing the conflict. 7. **Antivirus or Security Software**: Some security software may block access to a device if it detects suspicious activity or to prevent potential threats. 8. **User Permissions**: Insufficient user permissions might be preventing you from accessing or managing the device. To resolve the issue, try restarting your computer, disconnecting and reconnecting the device, updating drivers, or temporarily disabling any security software. If the problem persists, further troubleshooting or professional assistance might be required.

• Some files are not properly closed when attempting to remove your USB from your PC/Laptop.
• Your computer programs are utilizing files from the USB storage.
• 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 share our experience with encountering the same issue and the methods we employed to resolve it. We will present 10 distinct solutions, complete with detailed steps and screenshots, to help you fix the "This device is currently in use" error on your own, even if you lack technical knowledge and are unfamiliar with Windows-specific problems and their solutions.

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

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

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

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

Fix 1: Use "This PC" to Safely Eject USB Drive

Here's a neat way 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 context menu.

Now, verify if you're still encountering the same issue. Proceed to try 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. Therefore, attempt to close all running programs and files, and then safely remove the USB drive without causing any damage to either the USB or your computer/laptop.

Fix 3. Using Diskpart

This device is currently in use. Please resolve this issue with the most efficient approach outlined below. You can refer to the guide to understand and utilize Diskpart commands. The detailed steps are as follows:

Step 1. Open the Command Prompt. Simply type CMD in the taskbar search bar, then 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 press Enter again.

Step 3. Type offline disk to make 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

You should inspect the Task Manager to identify any programs running in the background, as you might need to close them from the Task Manager to resolve the "device currently in use" issue. 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'll find 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 you believe is using your USB and click "End Task" to close it.

Upon completing these steps, safely remove the USB drive and check 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 from Disk Management by following these steps:

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

Step 2. This is the list you're looking at. Find the USB that is displaying an error and won't detach. Right-click on that USB and choose "Eject" from the drop-down 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.

Fix 6: Using Device Manager

Attempt to resolve the issue "This device is currently in use" using Windows Device Manager. The detailed steps are as follows: 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Device Manager" from the menu that appears. 2. In the Device Manager window, look for the category that corresponds to the device causing the issue (e.g., if it's a printer, it would be under "Print queues"). 3. Click on the arrow next to the category to expand it and reveal the devices within. 4. Find the device that is currently in use and right-click on it. 5. From the context menu, select "Disable device" and confirm any prompts that appear. This will temporarily stop the device from functioning. 6. After disabling the device, wait for a few seconds, and then right-click on it again. 7. This time, choose "Enable device" to reactivate it. The system should now release any locks or resources associated with the device. 8. Check if the "This device is currently in use" error persists. If the problem continues, try restarting your computer and check again. If the issue still isn't resolved, you may need to update the device driver or consider other troubleshooting steps specific to the device.

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

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

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

Perhaps you have installed security software that could be causing the error "This device is currently in use," preventing the USB drive from being ejected successfully. This software might be running in the background. Temporarily disable it to resolve the "This device is currently in use" issue and safely remove your USB device.

Fix 8: Run Antivirus Software

If your system is infected by a virus, you need to run Anti-virus software to clean it up. For instance, if your computer is infected with viruses that can access your USB drive silently, causing issues with removing the USB device, you should take action. In Windows 10, a built-in program is provided to protect your PC from viruses. By default, it's called "Virus & threat protection." If you have installed a trustworthy and top-rated antivirus software from the list of best antivirus software, you should run it immediately to消除病毒. Here are the detailed steps for using the Windows 10 built-in tool: 1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app. 2. Click on "Update & Security" from the available options. 3. In the left pane, select "Windows Security." 4. On the right side, click on "Virus & threat protection." 5. Under the "Current threats" section, hit the "Scan options" button. 6. Choose the type of scan you want to perform. A quick scan is usually sufficient for routine checks, but for a thorough scan, choose "Full scan." 7. Click on "Scan now" to initiate the process. 8. Wait for the antivirus to complete the scan. This may take some time, depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of files. 9. If any threats are detected, follow the prompts to remove or quarantine them. 10. After the process, restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Remember to keep your antivirus software up to date to ensure the best protection against evolving threats.

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 finishes processing.

Fix 9: Using Process Explorer If you're encountering an issue with a program or process and need more advanced tools for troubleshooting, Process Explorer from Microsoft Sysinternals can be a valuable asset. Here's how to use it: 1. **Download Process Explorer**: First, download Process Explorer from the official Microsoft website at . Make sure to download the latest version. 2. **Run Process Explorer**: Once the download is complete, run the executable file (usually named `procexp.exe`). You might need to right-click and choose "Run as administrator" if you encounter any access issues. 3. **Understanding the Interface**: Process Explorer displays a list of running processes similar to the Task Manager. The top part of the window shows a search bar and system information, while the bottom part lists the processes. 4. **Searching for Processes**: Use the search bar at the top to find a specific process by typing its name. This is useful if you're looking for a particular process that might be causing issues. 5. **View Details**: Right-click on a process in the list and select "Properties" to see detailed information about it, including its file path, startup time, CPU usage history, and more. 6. **Kill a Process**: If a process is causing problems, you can terminate it by right-clicking on it and selecting "End Process Tree." Be cautious, as terminating some processes may cause instability or shut down essential system functions. 7. **Memory and CPU Monitoring**: To monitor CPU or memory usage, hover over the respective column headers (CPU or Mem Usage). A chart will appear, showing the historical usage of the selected process. 8. **Handle and DLL View**: Process Explorer also allows you to inspect handles and DLLs used by processes. Click on the "View" menu, then select "Show Lower Pane" to display this information. Right-click on a process and choose "Handle" or "DLL" to view the details. 9. **Analyze Suspicious Activity**: If you suspect malware, look for processes with high CPU or memory usage, unusual network activity, or unknown file paths. Use online resources to verify if these processes are legitimate. 10. **Save Information**: To document the current state of processes, go to "File" > "Save," and choose the format you prefer (e.g., XML, CSV). Remember, Process Explorer is a powerful tool, so use it carefully. Always research before terminating critical processes, and if you're unsure, seek assistance from an IT professional.

You can resolve the issue "This device is currently in use" with the assistance of Process Explorer. Please follow these steps:

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

Step 2. Click "Find" from the menu, select "Find Handle or DLL" from the dropdown, 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. Next, terminate any processes that are using your drive, and then attempt to eject your device/drive normally.

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

Solution 10: Log Off and Back On the Computer If you're encountering an issue with your computer, one simple troubleshooting step is to log off and then log back on. This action refreshes the user session and can resolve minor software glitches or conflicts. Here's how to do it: 1. Click on the "Start" button in the bottom left corner of your screen. 2. In the Start menu, click on your profile picture or name, which is usually located at the top-right corner. 3. From the drop-down menu, select "Sign out" or "Log off." 4. Wait for your computer to sign you out completely. 5. Once logged out, click on the "Sign in" or "Login" option to enter your credentials and access your account again. After logging back on, check if the issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, proceed to the next fix.

Logging off and back on can potentially resolve the issue "This device is currently in use." When you log out, all programs and applications, including external USB drives, are closed. This might solve the problem. Here are a few simple steps to follow: 1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard. 2. In the Start menu, click on your user profile picture. 3. Select "Sign out" from the options provided. 4. After signing out, wait for a moment as the system closes all running processes. 5. Now, sign back in using your credentials. 6. Reconnect your USB device and check if the issue persists. Hopefully, this will help you resolve the problem. If not, further troubleshooting may be necessary.

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: 1. **Windows/Linux:** Press `Ctrl + Alt + Del` and select "Sign Out" or "Log Off" from the options that appear. 2. **MacOS:** Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and choose "Log Out" or press `Command + Option + Eject` or `Command + Q`. 3. **iOS/iPadOS:** Press and hold the Power button, then swipe left on "Slide to Power Off" and tap "Log Out." 4. **Android:** Depending on the device, you may find the log out option in the settings or app drawer. Typically, long-pressing the Power button will show a "Power Off" option; on some devices, you can swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the user icon, and select "Sign Out." 5. **Web Browsers:** For signing out of a specific website or online service, usually, you can click on your profile picture or account name, then select "Sign Out" or "Logout." Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut `Ctrl + Shift + D` (Windows/Linux) or `Cmd + Shift + D` (MacOS) to open the Developer Tools, which often have a "Clear Cache and Cookies" option to log you out. Remember that the keyboard shortcuts may vary depending on your device and operating system. Always double-check before executing any command to avoid unintended actions.

Alternatives and shortcuts:

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

2. Press the "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" keys 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 Supplementary Guide: Steps for Backing Up USB or External Devices

USB and external hard drives are commonly used external storage devices for saving our data, hence making backup copies is crucial. We are here to offer the best solutions to ensure a secure backup using the top-notch backup software - Todo Backup Home. We've considered all factors so you can be prepared for any potential disaster. Use Todo Backup to create a complete 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 backup files, disks, partitions, and even operating systems. It allows you to safeguard your favorite games and backup PC game saves. Additionally, you can utilize it to create an ISO image from a hard drive and clone your hard drive. Most notably, this backup tool provides you with 250GB of free cloud storage and a secure zone to protect your valuable data.

Here are the guiding steps to use this nice program: 1. **Download and Install**: First, download the program from a trusted source. Make sure you choose the correct version compatible with your operating system. 2. **Launch the Program**: Once the installation is complete, locate the program icon on your desktop or in the applications folder, and double-click it to launch the program. 3. **Interface Familiarization**: Take a moment to explore the program's interface. Look for menus, buttons, and tools that might be relevant to your needs. Most programs have a 'Help' section or tooltips to guide you. 4. **Create a New Project/Document**: Depending on the program, you may need to create a new project or document before getting started. This is usually done by clicking on "File" then "New" or using a shortcut key like Ctrl+N. 5. **Input Data/Content**: Start adding your content, whether it's text, images, or other elements. Use the appropriate tools or menus to format and customize your content. 6. **Save Your Work**: Regularly save your progress to avoid losing any changes. Click on "File" then "Save" or use the shortcut key Ctrl+S. 7. **Explore Features**: Experiment with different features and functions to see how they can enhance your work. This could include formatting options, tools, filters, or effects. 8. **Preview and Review**: Before finalizing, preview your work to ensure everything is as intended. Check for errors, formatting issues, or anything that needs adjusting. 9. **Export/Share Your Work**: When you're satisfied, export or share your work according to the desired format or platform. This is typically found under "File" then "Export" or "Share." 10. **Update and Learn**: Keep your program up to date to access new features and improvements. Regularly visit the developer's website for tutorials, updates, and user forums to learn more. 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 content.

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

Step 3. You can choose to back up the entire hard drive or just a specific partition. Select what you need and click OK.

Step 4. Choose the location 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 listed on the left. Right-click on any task to manage your backup, for example, to recover it, create an incremental backup, and more.

The Final Word

Now you have all the solutions at your disposal to alleviate the issue "This device is currently in use", which prevents you from safely removing your USB devices or drives. Feel free to try any of the methods discussed above. One of them is bound to work and provide you with the relief you need. This is an efficient approach, saving you valuable time spent searching for solutions and troubleshooting. Simply attempt one of the solutions mentioned above, and kindly inform us which method resolved your problem or which one proved to be the most convenient and straightforward for you. Please share your valuable feedback in the comments section. We read your comments and are always eager to learn from you.

Enjoy the solutions. Thank you for reading!

FAQs: This Device Is Currently in Use 1. What does "This Device Is Currently in Use" mean? Answer: This message typically indicates that the device you're trying to disconnect, restart, or perform an action on is currently engaged in a process or connected to another application or service. As a result, the operation you're attempting cannot be completed until the device becomes available. 2. Why am I getting this error? Answer: You might encounter this error due to various reasons, such as running software that has locked the device, a file transfer in progress, or a driver issue. Sometimes, system services or background processes could also be utilizing the device. 3. How can I fix this issue? Answer: To resolve the issue, try the following steps: a) Close any applications that might be using the device. b) Check for file transfers and wait for them to complete. c) Restart your computer. d) Update or reinstall device drivers. e) Check for background processes and stop them if necessary. f) Run a system scan to detect and remove malware. 4. Can I force the device to become available? Answer: Depending on the situation, you might be able to forcibly stop the process using Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac). However, do so with caution, as it could potentially cause data loss or instability. 5. Will disconnecting the device physically solve the problem? Answer: If the device is a removable one, like a USB drive, unplugging and reinserting it might help. However, for built-in devices, this method may not work and could potentially harm the device or your system. 6. Is this issue related to hardware or software? Answer: It can be either hardware or software-related. A driver conflict, software application using the device, or a physical issue with the device itself could cause this error. 7. Can antivirus or firewall software cause this message? Answer: Yes, antivirus or firewall software might block access to a device if it detects suspicious activity. Temporarily disabling them and then trying the operation again could help diagnose the issue. 8. Can I prevent this from happening in the future? Answer: Regularly updating your drivers, software, and operating system can minimize the chances of encountering this error. Additionally, be cautious when disconnecting or restarting devices while they're in use. 9. Should I seek professional assistance? Answer: If you've tried the basic troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, consider consulting a technical expert or contacting the device manufacturer for further guidance. 10. Is there a specific error code associated with this message? Answer: Error codes may vary depending on the operating system and the device involved. They can provide more detailed information about the problem and assist in finding a solution.

Even though we attempted to cover everything related to "This Device Is Currently in Use," if you still have questions, please refer to the FAQs outlined below.

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

It's not advisable to remove your USB without properly ejecting it first, as doing so can lead to undesirable consequences. If you disconnect your USB drive directly without safely ejecting it, you risk losing data from both the computer and the USB device, and there's a possibility of damaging or corrupting them. Therefore, always make sure to 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 you remove the device from your computer without properly disconnecting it through the operating system. This can potentially lead to several issues: 1. **Data loss**: When files are being written to the USB drive and you force eject it, there's a chance that the data transfer will be interrupted, leading to corrupted or lost files. 2. **File system damage**: Forcing the removal might cause damage to the USB drive's file system, making it difficult or impossible to read the contents of the drive in the future. 3. **Hardware issues**: Repeated force ejections can stress the physical components of the USB drive, potentially leading to hardware failure over time. 4. **System instability**: In some cases, forcefully disconnecting a USB device might cause instability in the operating system, resulting in errors or crashes. To avoid these issues, it's always recommended to safely remove or eject the USB drive through your operating system's designated process (e.g., "Safely Remove Hardware" in Windows or "Eject" in macOS). This ensures that any ongoing data transfers are completed and the drive is properly prepared for removal.

If you forcibly eject a USB, you will repeatedly encounter the error message "This device is currently in use," which might lead to damage to your device and loss of data. By safely removing the USB, it ensures that cached data and any residual information are cleared, and any ongoing processes in the background are stopped. Since some programs or files may run unnoticed in the background when you connect a USB, safely removing it is crucial to cease all operations and prevent potential data loss.

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

Any method or approach for safely removing your USB drive is considered best practice. We'll demonstrate the most convenient method. As mentioned in the previous methods, open Windows File Explorer, locate your USB drive, right-click on it, and select "Eject." This is the most common, simple, and secure way to remove 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 you do, make sure to eject your USB drive from your system before unplugging it, ensuring the safety of your data and device.