# After using mp3tag, Windows won't release ext. HDD **URL:** \ **Category:** Support\ **Created:** [March 31, 2018, 5:54pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/after-using-mp3tag-windows-wont-release-ext-hdd/41286 "2018-03-31T17:54:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![d2b](https://community.mp3tag.de/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/d/2bfe46/32.png) [@d2b](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/d2b)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2018, 5:54pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/after-using-mp3tag-windows-wont-release-ext-hdd/41286/1 "2018-03-31T17:54:10Z")
I don't think it's my imagination, but after using mp3tag to edit tags on files located on a USB-connected HDD (Western Digital "My Passport" in this example), asking Windows to eject the drive results in a message stating the the drive is still in use, even though all apps (including mp3tag) have been closed. This occurs in Windows 7, 64-bit Pro and, I believe, in the Windows 10 version as well. Dennis, aka "d2b" ---
**Author:** ![ohrenkino](https://community.mp3tag.de/user_avatar/community.mp3tag.de/ohrenkino/32/4843_2.png) [@ohrenkino](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/ohrenkino)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2018, 5:58pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/after-using-mp3tag-windows-wont-release-ext-hdd/41286/2 "2018-03-31T17:58:05Z")
To add more proof: Download Sysinternals Process Explorer, start it, go to the pulldownmenu "Find" -\> "Find Handle or DLL" and type in the name of a blocked mp3. If the mp3 is blocked by any application, process explorer will show it. ---
**Author:** ![d2b](https://community.mp3tag.de/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/d/2bfe46/32.png) [@d2b](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/d2b)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2018, 6:06pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/after-using-mp3tag-windows-wont-release-ext-hdd/41286/3 "2018-03-31T18:06:05Z")
Not sure what you mean by a "blocked mp3." It's the external HDD that can't be removed "legally" after using mp3tag to examine and edit tags on the HDD. ---
**Author:** ![ohrenkino](https://community.mp3tag.de/user_avatar/community.mp3tag.de/ohrenkino/32/4843_2.png) [@ohrenkino](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/ohrenkino)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2018, 6:10pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/after-using-mp3tag-windows-wont-release-ext-hdd/41286/4 "2018-03-31T18:10:59Z")
The OS hinders an external storage to be removed if a single file is still open, when a file handle exists. The OS then blocks this file for other access. If a file is blocked, then the whole drive cannot be ejected. You can find with the help of the process explorer the file that is still blocked. ---
**Author:** ![d2b](https://community.mp3tag.de/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/d/2bfe46/32.png) [@d2b](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/d2b)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2018, 6:54pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/after-using-mp3tag-windows-wont-release-ext-hdd/41286/5 "2018-03-31T18:54:03Z")
Understood. Thanks! I downloaded the suite but will check for the problem later today or tomorrow. I have to leave now. Dennis...aka "d2b" ---
**Author:** ![Zerow](https://community.mp3tag.de/user_avatar/community.mp3tag.de/zerow/32/11379_2.png) [@Zerow](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/Zerow)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2018, 3:39pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/after-using-mp3tag-windows-wont-release-ext-hdd/41286/6 "2018-04-04T15:39:31Z")
You could also just, in the first place, use Windows Task Manager to check out, if Mp3tag is really closed ---
**Author:** ![system](https://community.mp3tag.de/uploads/default/original/2X/c/ce7035d426cb755a7916793326d23b465222a407.png) [@system](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 12:27pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/after-using-mp3tag-windows-wont-release-ext-hdd/41286/7 "2026-02-09T12:27:20Z")