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How to Fix ‘Windows can’t stop your Generic volume device’ issue: According to the findings of our investigation, a significant number of you are dealing with an issue in which Windows is unable to stop your volume device when you are removing your USB device. The issue is one that confronts the vast majority of users on a consistent basis whenever they make use of a USB device for the purpose of mass storage.
The fact that external storage devices can be removed directly poses a risk is the source of the problem with these devices. Because removing a USB Storage Device from a computer without first using the feature to “Safely Remove Hardware” puts the computer at risk for data loss and corruption. However, the error occurs a great deal of the time even when a user ejects their USB Storage device by using the Safely Remove Hardware utility. It is recommended that you remove the USB drive from your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer in a secure manner.
However, once this action is taken, certain users have reported seeing an error message that reads “Windows can’t stop your generic volume device.” As a direct result of this, users are unable to safely eject USB drives while their computers are active. This post will explain solutions to the problem that Windows can’t stop your ‘Generic volume’ when you remove USB drives. Users who make frequent use of USB devices frequently report experiencing issues with the ejection of USB mass storage devices. Let’s investigate the cause of this error as well as the solution how to Fix ‘Windows can’t stop your Generic volume device’ issue.
What is the “Windows can’t stop your generic volume device” error?
The error message “Windows can’t stop your ‘Generic volume’ device because a programme is still using it” describes the problem. This message, “Close any programmes that might be using the device and then try again at a later time,” could appear if there are multiple applications operating in the background at the same time. There is a possibility that unidentified factors prevent the normal ejection of the pen drive. The error message “Windows can’t stop your ‘Generic volume’ device because a programme is still using it” appears on the computer when the issue occurs and describes the problem. Put an end to any software that might be utilising the device, and then give it another shot at a later time.
The presence of multiple programmes operating in the background is the root cause of the error message “unable to eject the USB.” In addition, there is a possibility that unidentified factors prevent the normal ejection of the pen drive. You won’t have any problems repairing the error or removing your flash drive or USB stick even if you don’t know what caused it. You can fix the error that says the generic volume cannot be stopped by following the methods described in the following section.
Causes of the “Windows can’t stop your generic volume device” error?
- File or Program Access: The most common reason is that a file or program on your computer is still accessing the USB device. This can include open documents, running applications, or even background processes.
- Background Processes: Some background processes or services may be using the USB device, making it inaccessible for safe ejection. These processes might include indexing services or other system functions.
- Write Caching: If write caching is enabled for the device, it may delay the ejection process. Write caching is a feature that improves data transfer performance but can create issues when trying to safely remove the device.
- Outdated Drivers: Outdated or incompatible USB drivers can lead to problems when ejecting a device. Ensure that your USB drivers are up to date.
- Windows Updates: Sometimes, Windows updates can affect the behavior of USB devices. Installing the latest updates can help resolve compatibility issues.
- Faulty Hardware: In some cases, the USB device itself may have hardware issues. It could be a problem with the device’s internal components, the USB port, or the USB cable.
- Malware or Viruses: Malicious software can interfere with the normal functioning of your computer, including USB devices. Scanning for malware and viruses is a good practice.
How to Fix ‘Windows can’t stop your Generic volume device’ issue
Disable Write Caching:
- Right-click on the device in ‘This PC‘ or ‘My Computer.’
- Choose ‘Properties.’
- Go to the ‘Hardware‘ tab and select the external device.
- Click ‘Properties‘ again.
- In the ‘Policies‘ tab, uncheck ‘Enable write caching on the device.‘
- Click ‘OK‘ to save the settings.
Close All Open Programs
- Save and close any unsaved documents or files you’re working on.
- Close all applications, including browsers and file explorers that might be using the device.
Use Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager, go to the ‘Processes‘ tab.
- Look for any processes that are associated with the USB device. Select them and click ‘End Task.’
Safely Eject the USB Device
- Right-click on the USB device icon in the system tray or go to ‘This PC‘ in File Explorer and right-click on the USB device.
- Select ‘Eject.’
- Wait for the confirmation message indicating it’s safe to remove the device.
Disable Write Caching
- Open Device Manager. You can do this by right-clicking the Start button and selecting ‘Device Manager.’
- Expand the ‘Disk drives’ section and locate your USB device.
- Right-click on the device and select ‘Properties.’
- Go to the ‘Policies‘ tab and uncheck ‘Enable write caching on the device.’
- Click ‘OK‘ to save the changes.
Check for Windows Updates
- Go to Settings. You can do this by pressing Win + I.
- Click on ‘Update & Security.’
- Check for updates. If updates are available, install them.
Conclusion
When attempting to eject an external hard drive or a USB flash drive, some users have reported receiving the error message “Windows can’t stop your ‘Generic volume’ device because a programme is still using it.” Please read the post that we have provided if you are unable to find a solution to the problem you are experiencing. When removing an external storage device like an external hard drive or a USB flash drive, many Windows users will use the Safely Remove Hardware utility. This is done to prevent the loss of data or the corruption of data that could occur during the removal process. If you want to know more information about this visit Microsoft official Website.
Questions and Answers
When you encounter the “Windows can’t stop your generic volume device” error, the first thing you should do is try to disable any background app processes that might be running. Even the error message suggests closing any programmes that might be using the device even after it has been stopped working.
When you get an error message that says “problem ejecting USB mass storage device,” the first thing you need to do is check to see if there are any programmes or files that are still active on your computer. Make sure that all of the files and programmes on your storage device have been closed, as leaving them open may cause Windows to refuse to eject the USB drive.
Scroll down to “Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media” in Windows Explorer, and then turn the feature on. If this does not work, check to see that the device has terminated any ongoing processes, such as copying or syncing files. Choose Start > Settings > Devices from the menu. Choose the device you want to remove, and then select Remove device.