Eject HDD Error: The disk wasn't ejected because one or more programs may be used it [MacOS tips]

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After connecting a device external data storage to Mac, External HDD, USB stick, SDcard or other type, many users do not know that before physically disconnecting it, it must first be removed from the system.

"Eject"Or"Unmount”Are options valid on both Mac and the Windowsand the correct disconnection of an external data storage device, is done with one of these two options.

Why is it important to "Eject" an external data medium before physically disconnecting it from Mac or Windows PC?

Most of the time, when we connect an external HDD to a PC or Mac, we do it for data transfer or to access the files stored on the external drive. When we open pictures, documents, applications or other files on the external device, several processes of the operating system and of the applications in which the files open automatically start on the operating system. Even if they are in the background and we do not see the processes, they appear as soon as the device is connected. On Windows for example, the first software that interacts with the device is the driver, then the antivirus. About the same thing happens on Mac.
These processes perform read and write operations on the external device, and again sudden physical disconnection his may affect stored data or even worse, it does inaccessible at the next connection.

Proper disconnection with "Eject" before physical disconnection will close these processes and the stored data will be safe.

But there are also cases in which with "Eject" it is not possible to disconnect the external device. Sign that there are processes of some applications that still interact with the device.

"The “LaCie” disk wasn't ejected because one or more programs may be using it. You can try to eject the disk again or click Force Eject to eject it immediately. "

In this scenario, we do not recommend using "Force Eject". Forced ejecting of the disk can cause problems with the disk itself or the data stored on it. "Force Eject" will immediately close the processes interacting with it, without them completing their operations launched on the external device. Recommended is to try again (try Again) or give up (Cancel) and read the tutorial below.

(Ignore the fact that in the first screen shot I had a "LaCie" HDD connected and in the next "Toshiba" 😊)

How to properly disconnect an external HDD, USB Stick or other external data carrier, if "Eject" can't do this?

In the scenario where the “Eject” option cannot disconnect the external data carrier, it is best to close all applications running on the system and disconnect from the user (Log Out User…). Do this from the  menu Apple, the last option "Log Out Username". After the authentication is done, you will re-authenticate and repeat the eject operation.

If the message in the image above appears again, close it completely Mac (Shut down) then physically disconnect the external drive.

This way you will protect both the integrity of the external unit and the stored data.

I am happy to share my experiences in the field of computers, mobile phones and operating systems, to develop web projects and to bring the most useful tutorials and advice. I like to "play" on the iPhone, MacBook Pro, iPad, AirPort Extreme and on operating systems macOS, iOS, Android and Windows.

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