Can't eject external drive from Disk Utility
A file on the drive is still open or in use — closing those files lets you eject. Check what's using the drive and close it.
When Disk Utility won't eject a drive, it means something is accessing files on it — an open file, an app, a backup, or a process running in the background. Closing what's using it releases the drive so you can eject.
Risk: Medium
⏱ 5–10 minutes
Intermediate
⚡ Before you start
- ✓Have your Mac in front of you
- ✓Have the external drive plugged in to your Mac
- ✓Be ready to quit apps that might be using the drive
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Pulling the cable out without ejecting — this can corrupt files on the drive and should be avoided
- Force-quitting all apps just to eject — close files instead of quitting apps when possible
Signs you need professional help
- If the drive still won't eject after closing all apps and stopping Time Machine, get in touch. A process needs to be stopped in Terminal.
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