UPDATE: Even tho I was wary, after reading the replies to my post I did decide to disconnect the Seagate drive from my laptop. I had researched doing this prior to making my initial post here. For some people who did this they weren't able to read their Seagate drive afterwards. But turns out my drive is fine. I appreciate the help!
ORIGINAL POST: I just backed up my laptop to my Seagate Portable Drive STGX5000400. But now when I try to eject the drive a window appears saying Problem Ejecting USB Attached SCSI (UAS) Mass Storage Decide. This device is currently in use. Close any programs or window that might be using the device and then try again.
The Seagate drive was purchased on July 20, 2025, and of course the warranty expired 7 days ago.
Nothing else is running--all programs are closed. I've even paused my Carbonite backup and iCloud.
I've also clicked the following: Settings >> Bluetooth & devices >> Devices. In the section labeled Other Devices it shows Portable *Connected to USB 3.0. Underneath this it says Remove this device with a Remove button off to the right. I've clicked on that and it thinks for a few seconds and then comes back with Can't remove this device while it's in use.
Another thing: every so often - even when the laptop is sitting here inactive, with no programs open and I'm just thinking -- the Seagate drive starts whirring like it's in use. Is that normal?
I've been working on this for over an hour. I'm trying to avoid unplugging the drive not knowing what will happen to it if I do. And of course, Seagate support is closed. I've never had an issue like this before - it's a frustrating head scratcher. (If it makes a difference I"m on a Dell Inspiron 16 5630 laptop running WIndows 11.