How to Transfer Windows Files Using an External Drive

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Connect the external drive

   Insert your external drive into an available USB port on your computer. If the drive is new, Windows may prompt you to format it; choose NTFS for optimal performance and compatibility with Windows file permissions.

   Note: Ensure you use a USB 3.0 or higher port for faster data transfer speeds.
2. 30 sec

   Open File Explorer

   Press the Windows key + E to launch File Explorer. Locate your external drive in the left-hand sidebar under 'This PC' to confirm it is recognized by the system.

   Note: Win + E
3. 1 min

   Select files and folders

   Navigate to the folder containing the files you wish to move. Hold the Ctrl key to click multiple individual files, or press Ctrl + A to select all items within the current directory.

   Note: Ctrl + A
4. 30 sec

   Copy or cut the selection

   Press Ctrl + C to copy the files, or Ctrl + X if you intend to move them and delete the originals from the internal drive. The items are now held in the system clipboard.

   Note: Cutting files is faster but risks data loss if the connection is interrupted during the transfer.
5. 2 min

   Paste items to the external drive

   Click on your external drive icon in the File Explorer sidebar to open its root directory. Press Ctrl + V to paste the selected files into the drive.

   Note: Do not disconnect the drive until the progress bar disappears.
6. 30 sec

   Safely remove the hardware

   Right-click the external drive icon in the sidebar and select 'Eject'. Wait for the Windows notification stating that it is safe to remove the hardware before unplugging the device.

   Note: Removing the drive without ejecting can lead to file system corruption.