I'm using a SanDisk portable SSD with a Dell XPS 15 9570 running Windows 11. Whenever I try to eject the drive, Windows reports: "Problem Ejecting USB Attached SCSI (UAS) Mass Storage Device. This device is currently in use." I've already restarted the computer and restarted Windows Explorer, and I don't see any open applications. What could still be accessing the drive, and what's the safest way to disconnect it?
3 Answers
A hidden process may still have a file open on the drive. Process Explorer or similar system-monitoring tools can help identify which program is holding the device. Closing that process, or signing out and back in, is safer than repeatedly pulling the cable.
Check whether a third-party antivirus or security tool—such as Malwarebytes, Norton, or McAfee—is scanning the external drive. Security software can keep a handle open even when no visible programs are using it.
You can shut the computer down completely and disconnect the SSD while it’s powered off. If you unplug it while Windows is running, make sure nothing is copying, saving, or writing to the drive first. A forced unplug may work, but it can occasionally trigger a disk check the next time you reconnect it.
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