Code 21 - Windows Is Removing This Device
By Timothy Tibbettson 06/20/2023 |
If you've received the error message Code 21 - Windows Is Removing This Device, here's how you can fix it.
This is supposed to be a temporary error message that should go away while Windows is removing a device and should go away on its own. If the message does not go away, there are a few things to try.
1: Wait For It
While this seems simple enough, be sure to wait it out if possible. How long? That depends on your computer. If you have a slow computer, you might want to get a cup of coffee, take a shower, or a nap. We like naps. Regardless, it should rarely take more than 5-10 minutes at the most.
2: Reboot
In a perfect world, Windows just got stuck. A reboot could either resolve the problem or allow Windows to try removing the device again. Only one way to find out.
3: Refresh Device Manager
Another possibility is to verify the device status in Device Manager. Press the Windows Key + S and type in devide and select Device Manager. Find the device Windows is removing, highlight it and press F5 to refresh. If nothing changes, then try to reboot again.
4: Try Safe Mode
Reboot and hold F8 to get into safe mode. If that doesn't work, try How to Boot into Safe Mode Even When F8 Fails. Repeat step 2 above and see if it's resolved.
If you have a different Device Manager error code, here are all the device manager error codes and solutions.
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This is supposed to be a temporary error message that should go away while Windows is removing a device and should go away on its own. If the message does not go away, there are a few things to try.
1: Wait For It
While this seems simple enough, be sure to wait it out if possible. How long? That depends on your computer. If you have a slow computer, you might want to get a cup of coffee, take a shower, or a nap. We like naps. Regardless, it should rarely take more than 5-10 minutes at the most.
2: Reboot
In a perfect world, Windows just got stuck. A reboot could either resolve the problem or allow Windows to try removing the device again. Only one way to find out.
3: Refresh Device Manager
Another possibility is to verify the device status in Device Manager. Press the Windows Key + S and type in devide and select Device Manager. Find the device Windows is removing, highlight it and press F5 to refresh. If nothing changes, then try to reboot again.
4: Try Safe Mode
Reboot and hold F8 to get into safe mode. If that doesn't work, try How to Boot into Safe Mode Even When F8 Fails. Repeat step 2 above and see if it's resolved.
If you have a different Device Manager error code, here are all the device manager error codes and solutions.
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