LetGoFileLetGoFile
USB flash drive

When a USB flash drive will not eject

Before you just pull it out, look at what is using it. A file still being written breaks.

What usually holds it

A single open Explorer window is enough to hold a USB flash drive. Close the window that opened it, and close the programs (documents, photos, videos) with files on it open. Antivirus scanning also locks it.

How to eject it

  1. Close the Explorer window that opened the drive.
  2. Close the programs that have files on it open.
  3. Use LetGoFile to see whether anything is still holding it.
  4. Press Safely Remove again.
Download LetGoFile.exe LetGoFile.zip See how it works

Get LetGoFile, look at the drive, and it tells you the name and PID of whatever is holding it.