How do I copy files to a USB flash drive?
You'll be able to: Transfer documents and folders safely to an external USB flash drive
- Risk
- Safe to try
- Windows
- Windows 11 · Windows 10
Filed under Files & folders
The steps
- 1
Insert your USB flash drive into any USB port on your computer. Your computer plays a chime sound, and a notification banner appears showing the drive is ready.
A USB flash drive inserted into a laptop USB port.
Screenshot on the way. The steps above are complete without it.
- 2
Press WinE to open File Explorer and find the files you want to copy. File Explorer opens, displaying your documents, photos, or downloads.
- 3
Right-click on the file (or highlight multiple files with Ctrl and right-click). The right-click context menu opens on your screen.
Context menu showing the Send to option pointing to the USB drive.
Screenshot on the way. The steps above are complete without it.
- 4
Move your mouse over Send to and click the name of your USB drive (such as USB Drive (D:)). A small progress bar appears while copying, and your file remains in its original folder while a duplicate copy is saved to the USB drive.
It looks different on my screen
On Windows 11, click Show more options at the bottom of the right-click menu to see the Send to submenu. Alternatively, press CtrlC to copy, click your USB drive in the left sidebar, and press CtrlV to paste.
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