Why Does Windows Struggle With External Drives and Memory Cards?

I totally get your frustration! I make it a habit to eject my drives before removing them, and if I can't, I just shut down the computer. Yet, I've still run into those errors on brand new drives. It's tricky sometimes, like when they're still busy writing data. I’ve had drives that wouldn't eject even after waiting for ages. It might just be one of those annoying Windows quirks.

I've been using external drives, and I rarely see corruption issues these days. Make sure you always eject the drives properly before unplugging them to avoid these warnings. If something is still linked to the drive, like antivirus scans or background processes, it can cause those messages. If you're completely stuck, sometimes a quick reboot helps clear up whatever is holding onto the drive.

Honestly, it's a common quirk with Windows. If you unplug a drive without ejecting it first, you'll see those warnings the next time you connect it. It might be worth just ignoring those messages. The scans can be hit or miss, but if it's consistently showing errors, your device might be on its last legs. Also, try ejecting from Windows Explorer instead of using the system tray; you might find it gives you the option to forcefully eject it if something is still using it.

You might want to check out a tool called Locksmith from Windows PowerToys. It helps identify which program is using files on your drive and can even close it for you so you can eject the drive properly. I use it all the time and it saves me a lot of hassle.