More commonly referred to as an external drive, external storage is storage that's not part of the internal parts of a computer. These drives often connect to the computer using USB, eSATA, or FireWire connection. The picture is an example of a Drobo and an example of a popular external storage solution.
Examples of external storage devices
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Computer External Storage Devices
The following list is of external storage devices used over the evolution of the computer. Clicking on any of these links open further information about that external storage device.
Note![External computer storage drive External computer storage drive](https://basicthings.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/computer-external-storage-device.jpg)
Some of the devices mentioned below could use an internal reader. For example, a floppy disk drive could be an internal drive that reads an external storage floppy disk. Also, new computers that no longer support floppy drives could use an external USB floppy drive that would make the drive and diskette external.
Why is external storage used?
Below is a list of the advantages to using an external storage device with a computer.
- Easy way to add additional storage or options to your computer without having to open the computer.
- With an external hard drive, you can store a lot of data for backup or to move between computers.
- An external disc drive can allow a computer without a disc drive to read CDs, DVDs, or other discs.
- Devices like the Drobo can give your computer additional features such as RAID help keep your data protected.
How do you access external storage?
Once connected, external storage is treated the same as internal storage (e.g., your hard drive) on your computer. For example, if you're connecting a USB thumb drive to a computer, it appears as a new drive letter in Explorer. If the next available drive letter was F:, the F: drive should appear in Explorer. Once visible, you can double-click the drive letter to open and browse the files on the thumb drive.
NoteExternal storage drives that have not yet been formatted (e.g., new external hard drive) must be set up before it's accessible on the computer. For help with setting up a new hard drive, see: How do I set up a hard drive and partition in Windows? Mac webcam not working.
Related pages
Enclosure, External, Hard drive terms
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.
Computer External Storage Drives
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. Watch directv on laptop remotely.
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
Connect your external storage device to your new Windows 10 PC.
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.