A memory stick-or more commonly known as a flash drive (flash drive)-is a miniature portable fast drive that can hold files, folders, photos, and even entire programs or operating systems apart from the computer's hard drive. You can add files to a memory stick by connecting your device to your computer's USB port and dragging files onto the stick's interface.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using a Memory Stick on PC
Step 1. Locate the computer's USB port
The USB port is a rectangular-shaped port with solid plastic pieces on the half of the slot feel, and empty space at the bottom. Usually, there's a three-pronged arrow icon pointing up (or down, depending on the PC you're using) next to the port.
If you are using a desktop computer, the USB port is usually attached to the central processing unit (CPU), while the USB port on a laptop is usually located on the left or right side of the computer
Step 2. Connect the memory stick to the USB port
Make sure that the solid piece of plastic inside the memory stick port is on the underside when it is connected to the computer's USB port.
Step 3. Wait for the memory stick interface to appear
This process can take a few minutes if this is your first time installing a memory stick on your PC.
If the memory stick doesn't open automatically, double-click "My Computer" and look for the memory stick's name in the "Devices and drives" section. After that, double-click the stick name to open its window
Step 4. Select the files you want to add to the stick
If all the files you want to add are in the same directory, just click and drag your cursor over the files until all files are marked.
To search for files on your PC, go to the “Start” menu and type the file name into the search field at the bottom of the menu. If you're using Cortana, this field is labeled "Ask me anything"
Step 5. Hold down Ctrl and press the button C to copy files.
- If you don't want to keep copies of the selected files on your computer, simply click and drag the selected files into the memory stick window, then drop them into the window.
- Some memory sticks will automatically duplicate files so that the original copy of the file remains on the computer.
Step 6. Click the memory stick window
After that, the memory stick will be selected as the destination for transferring files.
Step 7. Hold down the Ctrl key and press the button V to paste the file.
After that, the copied files will be added to the memory stick.
Step 8. Wait for the files to finish moving
The process of adding files to the memory stick can take a few seconds to hours, depending on the size of the file.
Step 9. Look for the memory stick icon in the lower right corner of the toolbar
This bar is in the same area as the clock. The icon looks like the outline of a memory stick with a tick next to it. When the cursor is hovered over the icon, the words "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" will be displayed.
You may need to click the up arrow icon at the far left of the toolbar to see the fast drive icon
Step 10. Click the memory stick icon to disconnect the device from the computer
It is important to disconnect the memory stick from the computer before unplugging it because if you don't do this, the files on the computer and the memory stick will be damaged.
You can also right-click the memory stick name in the " My Computer " directory and select " Eject [memory stick name]"
Step 11. Remove the stick from the computer
Be careful not to damage the stick. Now, you have successfully added files to the memory stick.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Memory Stick on a Mac Komputer
Step 1. Locate the USB port on the Mac computer
The USB port is a rectangular port with a solid piece of plastic on the top half and empty space on the bottom. Usually there is an image of a three-pronged arrow pointing up next to the slot.
If you're using a desktop computer, the Mac's USB port is usually integrated into the monitor, while Mac laptops have a USB port on the left or right side of the keyboard
Step 2. Connect the memory stick to the USB port
Ensure that the solid plastic strip on the inside of the memory stick is on the bottom when it is connected to the computer's USB port.
Step 3. Wait for the memory stick icon to appear on the desktop
This process may take a few minutes if this is your first time installing the stick on your computer.
If the memory stick icon doesn't appear, open Finder and look for the stick name on the left side of the window. The name of the stick is usually under the "Devices" tab
Step 4. Double click the memory stick icon
The interface of the stick will appear and you can add files to the window, just as you would add files to any other folder.
Step 5. Select the files you want to add to the memory stick
If all the files are in the same directory, simply click and drag the cursor over the files until all files are marked.
To search for files manually, open Finder and type the file name into the search bar on the right side of the window. You can open the Finder by clicking the word " Finder " in the upper-left corner of the screen, or clicking the blue face icon in your computer's Dock
Step 6. Hold down Command. key and press C to copy files.
- If you don't want to keep a copy of the files on your computer, simply click and drag the selected files into the memory stick window, and drop them into the window.
- Some memory sticks will automatically duplicate files so that the original copy of the file remains on the computer.
Step 7. Click the memory stick window
After that, the memory stick will be selected as the destination for transferring files.
Step 8. Hold down Command. key and press V to paste the file.
After that, the file will be added to the stick.
Step 9. Wait for the files to finish moving
The process of adding files to the memory stick can take a few seconds to hours, depending on the size of the file.
Step 10. Hold down Command. key and press E to disconnect the stick from the computer.
It is important to disconnect the memory stick from the computer before unplugging it because if you don't do this, the files on the computer and the memory stick will be damaged.
You can click the memory stick name with two fingers in the Finder or the desktop, then select " Eject [memory stick name]"
Step 11. Remove the stick from the computer
Be careful not to damage the stick. Now, you have successfully added files to the memory stick!
Tips
- Memory sticks are also known as flash drives or thumb drives.
- Drive usage and settings may differ depending on the computer operating system. However, usage and setup documentation is usually provided by the manufacturer so feel free to use a web browser to look for documentation or memory stick manuals.
- Memory sticks have a wide range of storage space, from hundreds of megabytes to hundreds of gigabytes. Larger portable hard drives have up to 5 terabytes of storage space.
- You can delete files from the memory stick at any time by selecting the files you no longer need and clicking the Delete button.
- Delete unnecessary files from the memory stick. However, if the memory stick has software files included from the start, don't delete those files as they may be needed for the stick to function properly.
Warning
- Don't store very personal information on memory sticks if you want to take it with you to school or work. If you lose your stick, other people can access the personal information stored on it.
- Be careful when using memory sticks, especially if the USB connector is non-retractable. Damage to the outside or inside of the stick risks rendering the file inaccessible.
