Solved Can't eject drive, solutions aren't working or are not applicable :/

[hasefo]

Right-clicked the drive (just a normal USB drive that normally behaves normally), no Eject option, clicked on the USB drive icon in the notification bar at the bottom left, selected to eject the drive safely, a pop-up says Generic volume can't be ejected because a program is using it :/

Tried this solution: Can Windows tell me what is using my USB drive? - Super User

Typing in the drive letter ("w" without quotes) shows a bazillion results, obviously that's not the solution, typed in w: instead, found nothing, typed W:\ found nothing... I can't leave a comment on the answer stating it doesn't work or isn't clear enough because I don't "have 50 reputation" *angry at internet face*

What's the actual solution here?

 

[RolandJS]

Not an easy solution, years ago I tried a few 3rd party utilities that appeared promising, released one or two items easier, however, not all USB devices were released, even with these 3rd party utilities. Let's see what others have to say.

 

[billmcct]

Check the drive properties and see if the drive is set to be indexed. If so uncheck it. Click on the "hardware tab". Select your usb drive and hit the "Properties button" below. When the new dialog pops up select the "Policies tab" and make sure the drive is set for "Quick removal (default)". Your antivirus/antimalware or indexing or even a defrag program could be monitoring the drive. If the drive has an LED indicating read/write activities and it is not flashing then you can simply just unplug the drive with no fear of losing data because Windows Does NOT use Delayed write on external drives if the "Quick removal" is set. I personally have the "Eject hardware" icon hidden and never use it.

 

[Bree]

In addition, I've seen Task Manager prevent the removal of usb drives (though usually only HDDs). So close Task Manager if you have it open.


Signing out then back in again can also help, as it closes any processes you may have had running.