How to Transfer Files to Flash Drive Windows 11 (Full Tutorial)

Oliver updated on Jun 13, 2024 to PC Transfer | How-to Articles

Portable flash drives offer a convenient way to store and transfer files, but the process can be daunting for some users. This article will show you how to transfer files to flash drive Windows 11 with a comprehensive tutorial.

Are you seeking complete guidance on transferring files to a flash drive in Windows 11? Now look no further! This article will offer you a detailed tutorial to ensure smooth file transfers to a flash drive. 

Whether you want to create backups, share data among devices, or expand the storage capacity of your computer, let's get started with this article from EaseUS.

Preparing the Flash Drive

Before beginning file transfers, make sure that you prepare your flash drive. Preparing the flash drive guarantees that the data transfer procedure runs smoothly and without disruptions. You can do it by taking two easy actions:

First, check the flash drive format for compatibility with Windows 11. FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS are examples of common file systems. If necessary, reformat the drive accordingly.

Second, examine the available storage capacity to avoid any transfer glitches caused by a lack of space. To check capacity, right-click the drive icon in File Explorer and select "Properties."

You can ensure a smooth file transfer experience by ensuring adequate storage and the appropriate formats. Now that you are prepared to transfer files to a flash drive on Windows 11, proceed to the next section to explore the article and discover the three methods showcased within.

Moreover, ensure to share this invaluable article with your friends and acquaintances. Equip them with the expertise to prepare their flash drives for safe and secure data transfers in Windows 11.

 

Way 1. Transfer Files to Flash Drive Windows 11 via File Explorer

Generally, you can simply transfer files to a flash drive via File Explorer on Windows 11. It's a flexible application that enables easy access and administration of your files and folders.

Follow the steps given below to transfer files to a flash drive in Windows 11 via File Explorer:

Step 1. Insert your flash drive into your device and open File Explorer by pressing the "Windows" + "E."

Step 2. Navigate to the folder you want to transfer to the flash drive.

Step 3. Choose the desired files or folders by clicking on them.

Step 4. Now right-click on the selected items and select "Send to" > your flash drive.

Step 5. Wait for the process to finish.

If you encounter the file explorer not responding issue, please go to the following page and learn how to fix it.

Fix File Explorer Not Responding on Windows 11/10 | 8 Plans

When File Explorer not responding on Windows 11/10, how do we fix it? Do not panic. This article will offer you a detailed guide to resolve the problem. Read more >>

Way 2. Transfer Files to Flash Drive Windows 11 via A Transfer Tool

For a hassle-free experience, consider copying data to a flash drive using a specialized transfer application in Windows 11.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans Professional is a powerful transfer tool known for its speed, reliability, and efficiency. It provides sophisticated features to help you expedite your file transfer process, including quicker transfer rates, increased dependability, and optimal performance for large files.

Now, follow the steps here to transfer your files to the flash drive:

Step 1. Create a backup file of the source hard drive

Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on your Windows computer. Navigate to the "Backup & Restore" mode and click "Start".

Hover your mouse over "Data Backup", and click "Next". Later, confirm the default settings of the file name and file path, or you can customize the settings on your own.

Now select the items you want to transfer to the other hard drive. EaseUS Todo PCTrans allows users to create backup files of multiple file types, including applications, personal data, and user accounts. To transfer files from one drive to another, deselect the "Applications" and "Accounts", hover your mouse over "Files", and click "Edit".

This is where you need to select files on the source drive. Expand the drive so you can selectively choose desired files, after then click "Finish". In the end, click "Backup". Wait for the process completes. 

Step 2. Restore the file to the destination drive

Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and follow the same way to reach the step of selecting a transfer method. This time choose "Data Restore" and click "Next".

Choose the existing backup file presenting on the interface, or navigate to the exact file path where the backup file is, click "Restore".

You're back to the "Files", click "Edit" to get in. The backup file is viewable here. You need to click the pencil icon to set the target location, which is the other hard drive, and submit the change. After the basic settings, click "Finish" and finally "Restore". Wait patiently until the transfer process is over. 

This tool not only transfers regular files to flash drives, but it also supports applications and user files. Below are its main features:

So, download and try EaseUS Todo PCTrans Professional to experience seamless file transfers like never before. Do not forget to recommend it to your friends, enabling them to enjoy the same convenience and efficiency.

Way 3. Transfer Files to Flash Drive Windows 11 via Command Prompt

In this part, you will look at how to use Command Prompt to transfer data to a flash drive on Windows 11. Command Prompt is a robust command-line interpreter in Windows that enables comprehensive system control and file operations using text-only commands. While effective, this technique needs experience with Command Prompt and command-line tools, making it a little more complex.

Here are the steps:

Step 1. To launch Command Prompt, hit the Windows key, type "cmd," and press Enter. 

Step 2. Type wmic logicaldisk get deviceid, volumename, description to list all the drives connected to your computer, including the flash drive. Note the drive letter of your flash drive (e.g., E:).

Step 3. Use the cd command to navigate to the folder containing the files you want to copy. For example, to navigate to the Documents folder, type cd C:\Users\admin\Documents (Replace admin with your actual username).

Step 4. Here are two options:

  • To copy a single file to the flash drive, you can type copy file1.txt E:\ (Replace file1.txt with the actual name and extension of the file).
  • To copy an entire folder to the flash drive, use the xcopy command with the /s switch to include subfolders: xcopy FolderName E:\ /s (Replace FolderName with the name of the folder you want to copy, and "E:" with the drive letter and root directory of your flash drive.)
Tip
If prompted to overwrite existing files, type A to copy all files or N to skip copying files that already exist on the flash drive.

Step 5. After the transfer is complete, safely eject the flash drive.

By following these steps, you can efficiently use cmd to transfer files and folders to your flash drive in Windows 11.

If you find any methods in this page helpful, share it on your social media to help more users.

 

Conclusion 

To sum up, the goal of this extensive guide was to provide Windows 11 users with the skills and resources they needed to effectively transfer data to a flash drive. You must have explored three techniques to meet several needs, from using File Explorer for simple transfers to investigating Command Prompt for more experienced users.

However, you must utilize EaseUS Todo PCTrans if you want a more straightforward and user-friendly experience. It provides a smooth solution for managing your data with its sophisticated features, which include quicker transfer speeds, increased dependability, and optimum performance for huge files.

Transfer Files to Flash Drive Windows 11 FAQs 

This section will address some common queries regarding transferring files to a flash drive on Windows 11. So, if you still have questions, you may find the answers right here.

1. Does Windows 11 have a transfer tool?

The answer is NO. Windows Easy Transfer is no longer available on Windows 10 and 11. Thus, you can only resort to third-party transfer software like EaseUS Todo PCTrans.

2. Why can't I transfer files to my flash drive in Windows?

Several factors could prevent file transfer to a flash drive, including insufficient storage space, file system compatibility issues, or hardware malfunctions. 

3. Why is my USB read-only?

A USB drive may become read-only due to write protection settings, file system errors, or physical damage. To resolve this, check if the drive has a physical write-protection switch and ensure it is in the correct position.