These external storage drives also let you quickly create a file backup in case of emergency, or offload batches of files for simple transfer to another computer. People who use laptops love how they can work from anywhere, but they often pick up a portable hard drive that easily fits in their laptop bag and doesn’t require a power source. However, an external drive might not be the best choice for you if you only have a few files that need storage, or if you already have a backup of your computer for example via backup software. In that case, using a small flash drive or an online cloud storage provider might be the better option. Take a look at our dependable external hard drives for backup, storage, and gaming, from desktop to portable use. Take a look at our dependable external hard drives for backup, storage, and gaming, from desktop to portable use. USB 3.0 storage solution when you need to instantly add data storage to your computer. Black HDD Up to 2TB. In computing, external storage comprises devices that store information outside a computer. Such devices may be permanently attached to the computer, may be removable or may use removable media. Types of external storage Magnetic storage. Magnetic tape; floppy disk; external hard disk drives.
If you're making the move to a new PC, you can bring your files with you using an external storage device such as a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive. First, you’ll copy your files onto your drive, then you’ll transfer them to your new PC.
Note: For info on how to move files to a new PC without needing a storage device, see Move files to a new Windows 10 PC using OneDrive. OneDrive can securely store your files, so they’re backed up and protected in the cloud and accessible from any device—including your new PC.
Back up files from your current PC to an external storage device
- Connect your external storage device to your current PC.
- On the taskbar, select File Explorer.
- Locate the files you wish to copy, or the folders where those files are stored.
- To copy multiple files, hold CTRL as you select additional files or folders.
- Once you have files and folders highlighted, make sure you're in the Home tab, then select Organize > Copy to, and select your external storage device name from the list of options.
- Your files and folders will begin copying to your drive. You may need to repeat steps 3 – 5 if you have files stored in multiple locations. Make sure to also move files from locations like your Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Favorites, Music, Podcasts, Pictures, and Videos folders.
Verify your files are correct and remove the storage device
After you have copied or moved your files onto an external storage device, you can verify they're in the right location by browsing the external drive.
Then you'll need to safely remove the drive to ensure no files are lost or corrupted. To remove the device, select Eject before you disconnect the drive from your PC.
Once you have moved your files onto your external storage device, you'll be able to transfer them onto your new Windows 10 PC.
Transfer your files to your new PC
External Computer Storage Backup
- Connect your external storage device to your new Windows 10 PC. Activate ms office 2019 free.
- Select File Explorer from your task bar.
- On the left guide bar, select This PC.
- Locate the external drive and double-click its corresponding icon.
- Locate the folder where your files are saved, and then double-click that folder's icon.
- To select all the files in this location, select Home in the top left and then Select all. All the files in this folder will now be highlighted. To copy only one file, select it by clicking on it once.
- Select Home tab in the top left, select Copy to, and then select the folder you'd like the files copied to: Documents, Music, Pictures, or Videos. You can also choose a custom location by selecting Choose location...
- Your files will begin to transfer to your Windows 10 PC. Note that this may take time depending on the number and size of the files you transfer.
- After the files are copied, you can navigate to their new location to make sure the files were successfully copied over.