How to Fix This Device is Currently in Use Error in Windows PC

This device is currently in use. Close any programs or windows that might be using the device and then try again. This warning usually pops up when you try to eject your USB flash drive from your PC. What it means is that before ejecting your USB flash drive, you should close the program which is currently using it.

Now, even if you close all the open programs then also you might get this error message while ejecting your USB flash drive. Although, you can directly remove your USB drive, but doing so could potentially damage your device resulting in corruption of data. In this situation, the safest way to eject your USB drive is to find the program, which is using your USB drive and close it.

Now to find that application you can make use of a windows utility called Unlocker. This free utility allows you to find programs and services that are making use of your USB drive. Download and Install Unlocker on your PC, run it, find the program and terminate it to remove your USB flash drive safely. Follow these steps to know the same.

Following are the different error messages, which you can fix with Unlocker.

• Cannot delete file: Access is denied
• There has been a sharing violation.
• The source or destination file may be in use.
• The file is in use by another program or user.
• Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.

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How to Fix This Device is Currently in Use Error in Windows PC

Step 1: Download and Install Unlocker on your PC.

Step 2: Now run Unlocker exe file to install it. Do remember to select Advanced mode instead of Quick in the setup window.

Step 3: Once installed, next right click on your USB drive and select Unlocker from the list.

Step 4: Now wait until Unlocker detects the program, which is using your USB drive.

Step 5:  Once the program detected, select it.

Step 6: Click on Kill Process to terminate that process or program.

Step 7: Once the program is terminated, try again to eject your USB flash drive.

By following the above steps you can safely eject your USB flash drive from your computer without taking risk of losing your data or damaging your device.

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