How to Back Up Files to USB Drive Simply (4 Ways)

Why Backup File to USB Flash Drive

A USB flash drive is a portable storage device used for storing and transferring files via a USB port. USB flash drives are popular due to their features such as:

❉ Portability: USB drives are small, lightweight, and portable, making them convenient for storing and transporting files.
❉ Accessibility: USB drives can be easily connected to any computer or device with a USB port, allowing for quick and easy access to backed-up files.
❉ Reliability: USB drives offer reliable storage with no moving parts, minimizing the risk of data loss due to mechanical failure.

This guide will explore how to back up your files to a USB drive and provide step-by-step instructions to ensure the safety of your valuable data.

✍ Note: While USB flash drives are generally reliable, they are not immune to issues such as physical damage, data corruption, or accidental deletion. Therefore, it's important to regularly back up the files stored on USB flash drive to ensure that your data remains safe and accessible.

How to Backup Files to a USB Drive Step by Step [4 ways]

In this section, we explore three methods for backing up files to a USB drive, providing options for both built-in functionality and professional backup software.

1. Use built-in Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

For Windows users, utilizing the built-in Backup and Restore is a common way to backup files to a USB flash drive. Follow the prompts to complete the backup process, ensuring that your files are securely copied to the USB flash drive.

1. Open the Control Panel on your computer. Go to "System and Security" and select "Backup and Restore."

2. Click on "Set up backup" and follow the prompts to choose the files or folders you want to back up and the destination where you want to save the backup.

3. Review and save the backup settings.

2. Backup Files on USB via File History

It's easy to back up your files to an external hard drive via File History.

1. In Windows 11, type File History and open it.

2. Click Select drive and choose a drive which you want to use to back up your files, then click OK.

* To back up your files to an external device, please make sure it has been connected correctly.

3. Scroll down and select "Advanced storage settings." Customize your backup settings, such as the frequency of backups and the folders to include or exclude.

Once configured, File History will automatically back up your files to the external hard drive at the specified intervals.

3. Automatically Backup Files to USB Drive via AOMEI Cyber Backup [Professional]

AOMEI Cyber Backup as an automatically Windows backup software offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored to the needs of businesses.

You can easily create and manage backups of your entire system, individual files, applications, and databases.

• Enhance productivity with the ability to generate system, disk, file or partition backups for multiple Windows PCs/Servers, accommodating various Windows versions including 11/10/8.1/8/7.
• Save backup images effortlessly on diverse storage options such as local disks, external hard drives, USB flash drives, network shares, NAS devices and cloud.
• Efficiently manage backup schedules, whether daily, weekly, or monthly, utilizing full, incremental, or differential backup methods to suit your needs.
• Seamlessly backup VMware, Hyper-V, and SQL databases with ease.

🔔 Install and launch AOMEI Cyber Backup, a reliable and professional enterprise-level backup software.

1. Connect the USB drive to the computer with AOMEI Cyber Backup installed. Launch AOMEI Cyber Backup.

2. Click Source Device > Windows > Add Windows Device to add the Windows device that you want to back up.

3. Click on Create New Backup > File Backup from the dropdown menu.

4. Select the files you wish to back up and choose the USB flash drive as the destination for storing your backup.

5. Schedule backup settings according to your preferences, such as backup methods and the desired frequency (daily, weekly, monthly).

6. Initiate the backup process and let AOMEI Cyber Backup automatically copy your files to the USB flash drive, ensuring data security and peace of mind.

✍ (Optional) Customize other backup settings such as backup archive, backup retention policy and email notifications as needed.
* Archive: whether to store the file backup to Amazon S3 in case of disaster recovery.
* Backup Cleanup: how long you want to keep your files.
* Email Notification: monitor backup status and notify in case of an error.

4. Intuitive File Backup to USB Flash Drive via AOMEI Backupper

To back up your files to a flash drive using AOMEI Backupper Standard, utilize the "File Backup" feature.

• Choose from Daily, Weekly, or Monthly backup frequencies to suit your file modification habits. Customize backup dates, times, and intervals according to your preferences.
• Utilizes an incremental backup approach to only back up changed files within the system partition. This ensures efficiency and saves storage space by avoiding redundant backups.
• Compatible with various Windows operating systems, including Windows 7/8/10/11/XP/Vista. Supports all brands of USB flash drives like SanDisk and Kingston.

1. Download AOMEI Backupper Professional, install and launch it. For Server users, you can turn to AOMEI Backupper Server.

2. Click File Backup under the Backup tab.

3. Click Add File or Add Folder and select the files or folders you want to backup.

4. Click where the arrow points and select a backup device.

5. Click Schedule Backup and set daily/weekly/event-trigger backup, etc. If you want to backup from or to USB drive, you can use “USB plug in” feature, which will backup data automatically when USB is connected.

The scheduled backup will run in the way of incremental backup by default. You can click Backup Scheme and change it to differential backup.

6. Click Start Backup.

Utilizing the native functions of a USB drive, users can manually copy and paste files directly onto the drive, a straightforward but potentially time-consuming process. Alternatively, employing specialized backup software such as AOMEI Cyber Backup or AOMEI Backupper offers a more efficient solution.

FAQ about Backing Up Files to a USB Drive

Q: Should I encrypt my backup files on the USB drive?

Encrypting backup files adds an extra layer of security, especially if the USB drive might be accessed by others. Many backup software and operating systems offer encryption options for this purpose.

Q: How should I store my USB drive backup when not in use?

Store your USB drive backup in a safe and secure location, preferably in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and magnetic fields. Consider using a protective case or sleeve to prevent physical damage.

Q: How long will my backup files last on a USB drive?

USB drives are durable, but their lifespan can vary depending on factors such as usage and environmental conditions. It's advisable to replace USB drives every few years to ensure the integrity of your backups.

Q: Why is the speed so slow when I'm backing up to a USB flash drive?

In addition to the read and write speeds of the flash drive itself and the computer's USB interface, the current system load of the computer also has an impact. If the system is running multiple large programs or performing virus scans, it will consume a lot of system resources, causing the backup to slow down. At this time, unnecessary programs can be closed, and tasks like virus scanning can be paused, then try backing up again.

The size and type of backup files are also related; backing up a large number of small files usually takes longer than backing up a few large files because the system needs to frequently switch between read and write operations.

Conclusion

These professional tools streamline the backup process, allowing users to schedule automatic backups at specified intervals and customize backup settings according to their preferences. Additionally, both software options offer compatibility with various operating systems and support for different brands of USB drives, enhancing flexibility and ease of use. Whether opting for manual backups or using professional backup software, you can rest assured that their files are securely backed up to a USB drive.