Troubleshooting guide
How to fix the problem
Windows does not allow you to safely unmount a drive if it is being used by an application or is being written to. Finish the work first. Unplugging the cable during copying may damage files or the file system.
Possible solutions
Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.
Close jobs using the disk
Start with visible apps.
Steps to follow
- Wait for all copy windows, backups and archiving to complete.
- Close documents, photos, players, and File Explorer windows that show folders on that drive.
- If a sync or copy is in progress, end it or safely stop it in the program's own menu.
- Select "Safely Remove Hardware" again from the system tray. Disconnect only with permission.
Disconnecting after completely shutting down the computer
Suitable when the using application cannot be clearly identified.
Steps to follow
- Save all work and close programs on all drives.
- Select Start > Power > Shut Down; choose shutdown, not sleep.
- Wait until the computer completely shuts down and the drive is finished, then disconnect the cable.
- Next time you turn it on, observe which application starts using the disk. Do not forcibly terminate unknown system processes just for the sake of disconnection.
If the problem persists
If the drive locks up repeatedly, check your backup, antivirus, and synchronization programs. If the disk contains an active system or paging file, it can only be unmounted by shutting down the system and changing the appropriate configuration.
Request a repair