USB memory media are ideal for storing the files and information we usually use, giving us the ability to consult them via any USB-compatible device. These small storage devices can nowadays have a capacity of 1 TB (terabyte) with dimensions that do not exceed 5 cm. However, the most popular formats have a significantly lower memory capacity, which goes hand in hand with an extremely low cost. The process of transferring data to USB media is extremely simple, even for those who have never used one before.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows systems
Step 1. Navigate to the folder on your computer where the files to be copied are stored
To do this, use the "Explorer" window (also called "File Explorer" in the latest versions of the operating system) which you can access using the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + E. Scroll through the list of devices connected to your computer and system folders in the left part of the window until you find the files you want to transfer to the USB drive.
- Often, by default, the user's personal files are stored in the "Documents" folder.
- If you are looking for pictures and audio files stored on your computer, try to access the "Pictures" and "Music" folders.
Step 2. Plug the USB stick into a free port on your computer
The USB ports can be located in different locations, depending on the make and model of your system. Most desktop computers provide some USB ports directly on the front panel of the central unit, although in some cases they are located on the rear of the monitor (this happens on all-in-one devices). Typically, USB ports are located on both sides of the device on portable computers.
Step 3. Locate the folder on the USB device where you want to transfer your data
You can copy them to any existing folder within the storage media.
- Immediately after plugging the USB stick into your computer, chances are you will see a dialog box appear. One of the options present within that pop-up should be "Open folder to view files". Select it to go directly to the root folder of the USB device. At this point you can choose to transfer your data directly to the folder that appeared or to any of the subdirectories present.
- If the "AutoPlay" window does not appear automatically, press the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + E to open a new "Explorer" window, then double-click the icon for the USB key in the box of left. It should be labeled "Removable Disk" or the manufacturer's name (eg "Sandisk").
- Creating a new folder with a descriptive name could help you organize your data better. To create a new directory, you can use the hotkey combination Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + N. Then proceed to assign a name to the new folder (for example "Personal_Files", "Foto_Vacanze", etc.). When done, hit the Enter key. To access the newly created folder, simply select it with a double click of the mouse.
Step 4. Drag the files from your computer to the USB stick
With both "Explorer" windows open and side by side (one relating to the folder on the computer, the other created on the USB media), proceed by dragging the files you wish to transfer from the computer to the USB device. This step creates a new copy, on the USB stick, of all the selected items, keeping the original ones intact.
- To perform a multiple selection of files, hold down the Ctrl key while selecting each individual item with a mouse click. When all the items to be transferred are highlighted in blue, select any one by holding down the left mouse button, then drag the cursor inside the window of the USB key.
- Using the same "drag-and-drop" system it is also possible to copy entire folders.
Step 5. Save an open file directly to the USB device
If you are working on a Microsoft Word or Photoshop document, you can save it directly on the USB stick, without having to use the "Explorer" window. Access the "File" menu, choose the "Save as" option, then select the folder on the USB key to save your document.
Step 6. Eject the removable media safely
To avoid corrupting the data on the USB stick, it must be ejected from the system using the appropriate function.
- In the lower right corner of the desktop, near the system clock, there is an icon in the shape of a USB connector (depending on the version of Windows in use it will also have a green check mark). Select it with the right mouse button, then choose the eject option for the device you want to remove.
- When you see the confirmation message "You can remove the hardware", you can proceed to remove the USB stick from its slot.
Method 2 of 2: Mac OS X
Step 1. Plug the USB drive into a port on the Mac
If you are using a laptop, the USB ports are located along the sides of the device. If you are using a Mac desktop version, the USB ports are usually located on the back of the monitor. The storage media will be automatically detected and installed on your computer, after which you will see its login icon appear on the desktop (this icon is shaped like a small white hard drive).
Step 2. View the files contained in the USB drive
To do this, double-click the new icon that appears on the desktop. All data contained on the media will be displayed in a new window. You can copy the files directly to the appeared root directory or you can choose one of the subfolders listed in the right panel.
- The amount of free space available inside the USB drive will be displayed at the bottom of the window.
- You can also access USB drives connected to your computer through the Finder window, by selecting the desired storage medium from those listed in the "Devices" section on the left of the screen.
Step 3. Create a new folder to copy the data to
It may be useful (although not mandatory) to create a new directory on the USB key to transfer the desired data. Assigning descriptive names to the folders that will contain the files is useful for keeping them organized and making them easier to find.
- With the USB drive contents window open, press the key combination ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Command + N. This will create a new folder.
- Type in the name you want to give it, then press the Enter key.
Step 4. Locate the files on your computer that you want to transfer to the USB drive
Open a Finder window, then use it to navigate to the folder that contains the files you want to copy to the USB stick.
Step 5. Drag the files into the USB media
To make a copy of the data, without the originals being deleted from your computer, drag and drop them into the relevant folder on the USB drive.
- If you have created a new folder within the USB drive to transfer your files to, drag them exactly to the directory in question.
- To perform a multiple selection of files, hold down the Control key while individually clicking on the name of each file you want to transfer. At this point drag the chosen items into the new folder.
Step 6. Eject the USB device
Remember to always use the "Eject" function before removing the USB drive from your computer. This is to prevent the data on the device from being corrupted. To run the USB drive eject wizard, access the desktop, then drag its icon into the system recycle bin (the recycle bin icon will turn into the symbol associated with the "Eject" button as soon as you have superimposed that of the USB drive). At this point you can remove the USB media from your computer without any difficulty.
Advice
- If after connecting the USB drive to your computer you cannot find it in the Windows "File Explorer" window, try removing it and reconnecting it.
- Make sure your USB stick has ample storage capacity. A 2GB (gigabyte) drive should be more than enough for school use or transferring documents from one device to another. If you intend to store multimedia files, such as music and pictures, consider purchasing USB media with a capacity of 64-128GB.
- According to a study conducted by some experts, 50% of USB memory media that have been forgotten or lost are collected by other users and connected to a computer to verify its contents. Often such people turn out to be malicious and with ulterior motives. If you want to protect your sensitive data and identity, consider encrypting all information before transferring it to the USB drive.
