Using a USB device as a storage device to store multimedia files and files is a common practice among PC users. All you need to do is just plug it in and start transferring media files or documents from one place to another. While it should be a simple process, sometimes you may encounter unexpected errors like "This device is currently in use“Preventing you from removing the device safely.
The error message suggests closing any programs or windows that may be using the device, even if this is not the case at all. This can be a difficult situation, especially when you are in the middle of an important job and need to hurry. Fortunately, we can offer you three ways to resolve "This device is currently in use" USB error on your Windows 10 PC. Let's see how.
Method 1: restart Windows Explorer
Step 1: Right click on Home and select Task Manager from the menu.
Step 2: A Task Manager window under the Processes tab, locate Windows Explorer.
Right-click on it and select Final task in the context menu.
* Note - Since I have two open for me Task Manager, I would close both of them one by one.
Step 3: Now that it has stopped successfully, we should restart the file Windows Explorer.
A Task Manager window, go to archive tab at the top left and select Run a new activity.
Step 4: A Create a new business pop type explorer.exe in the search field and press Log in.
Step 5: This will restart the Windows Explorer and your USB error should go away now. You can now safely remove your USB device.
To safely eject the USB device, go to the bottom right of the file Application bar, expand the arrow (show hidden icons) to open the taskbar. Right click on the USB device icon and select Espelli Cruzer Blade.
Step 6: Now you will see a message that says "Safe to remove hardware".
Just remove the pendrive and voila.
However, if that doesn't work, move on to the next method.
Method 2: via Device Manager
Step 1: press the Win + X keys together on the keyboard and select Device administrator from the menu.
Step 2: A Device administrator locate the window Universal Serial Bus control devices Towards the bottom.
Expand the device and select USB mass storage device. Right-click on it and select Uninstall device.
* Note - When you see the error, you will see a yellow triangle next to USB mass storage device. This means there is a problem with the storage device.
Departure Device administrator and restart your PC. Now, try to safely remove your USB device one more time and it should be ejected easily.
However, if you keep getting the same error then you can follow the method below.
Method 3: via devices and printers in the control panel
Step 1: Leave Home and write Control Panel in the Windows search box.
Step 2: Click on the result to open the file Control Panel window.
Step 3: A Control Panel window, go to Seen from and select Big icons from the drop-down menu.
Then click to open Tools and printers.
Step 4: Next, below devices, find your USB device. Right-click on it and select Remove the device.
Step 5: A Remove the device popup, select Yup to complete the action.
That's all. The USB device has now been removed from the PC and you should no longer see the error.
