USB flash drives are generally straightforward to use. Simply connect one to your computer, and you can start transferring files, playing media, or launching applications right away.
However, things don’t always go as smoothly as we expect. Beyond the classic joke about repeatedly trying to plug in a USB, there are real mistakes that can lead to frustrations and issues with your device’s performance.
Let’s explore some common missteps that can hinder your experience with a USB flash drive and the potential complications that may arise.
Using the Wrong USB Port
Most computers come equipped with several USB ports, leading many users to believe that all ports are created equal. When it’s time to connect your flash drive, you might simply pick the port that’s easiest to reach.
This assumption can be misleading. The performance of your USB drive can be drastically affected based on which port you choose, especially when transferring files. Plugging into an incompatible port can severely limit your read and write speeds, even if the drive fits perfectly.
Related: Essential Ports to Consider When Buying a New Laptop
USB technology has evolved over time, but the traditional USB-A port looks the same. Thus, it can be confusing to identify whether you’re connecting to a slower USB 2.0 port or a quicker USB 3.2 port. On most devices, faster USB 3.0 ports tend to be located at the back and have a blue inner lining, while USB 2.0 ports, often found at the front, lack any distinctive coloring. If you own a USB 3.x flash drive, it’s best to connect it to a compatible 3.x port for optimal performance.
Your USB Drive Isn’t Optimized
If you notice your USB flash drive has become sluggish, there are ways to optimize its performance within Windows.
Begin by pressing the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, then type diskmgmt.msc and hit OK. This will bring up the Disk Management interface, where you can right-click on your connected USB drive and select Properties.
Within the Properties window, go to the Hardware tab, select your drive, and click Properties. From there, navigate to the Policies tab and enable both “Enable write caching on the device” and “Turn off Windows write-cache buffer flushing on the device.”
If done correctly, you should notice a marked improvement in data transfer speeds. Additionally, consider changing the file system of your USB drive to better handle large data volumes, keeping in mind that formatting will erase all existing data on the device.
Related: Importance of File System on Your USB Drive
Not Safely Ejecting Your USB Drive
While there are instances where “safely ejecting” a USB drive may seem irrelevant, if you’ve taken steps to optimize it, failing to eject it properly before removal can result in lost data.
To safely eject your USB drive, navigate to This PC in File Explorer, right-click on the drive, and select Eject. This will ensure that all processes are finished and your device is safe to unplug.
Tossing Out “Broken” USB Drives
What should you do when your USB flash drive starts acting up? Perhaps you can’t delete files or the drive won’t format. This situation is common, especially with older or budget-friendly drives.
Instead of giving up or throwing it away, give recovery a shot. There are methods to attempt to revive your USB drive, which you can explore in our guide on fixing a malfunctioning flash drive.