iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Three common USB flash-drive mistakes can cost you files or stop a transfer: unplugging without ejecting in Windows, choosing a file system that cannot hold your file, and formatting before backing up. Safely eject the drive, check that the destination device supports the file system you need, and copy off anything important before you format.
How to safely remove a USB drive in Windows
Microsoft advises safely removing a USB flash drive before disconnecting it to avoid data loss. In Windows 10 or Windows 11, select the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media control in the notification area, choose the drive, and wait for the safe-to-remove confirmation before unplugging it. Microsoft’s Windows instructions cover the safe-removal process.
Why a file larger than 4 GB may not copy
FAT32 has a maximum single-file size of 4 GB; Kingston specifies the limit as one byte less than 4 GB. That is a per-file limit, not a limit on the drive’s total capacity. A drive can have ample free space and still reject a single file that exceeds the file system’s limit. The 4 GB FAT32 file-size limit is documented in Microsoft’s 2023 Windows installation guidance and Kingston’s manufacturer guidance. Microsoft’s Windows installation-media guidance also uses FAT32 in the described boot-media workflow, so the format remains necessary for some specific compatibility purposes.
FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS: which should you use?
Choose according to both the size of the files you need to store and the devices that will read or write the drive. No single choice is established as compatible with every computer, console, TV, or other device.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
| File system | What it supports | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| FAT32 | Maximum single-file size of 4 GB; used in Microsoft’s described Windows installation-media workflow. | Use it when the target device or a specific workflow calls for it. It cannot store a single file of 4 GB or more. |
| exFAT | Microsoft’s specification describes a 64-bit file-size field that enables very large files. Microsoft’s exFAT specification documents this capability. | Check that every intended device supports exFAT. Kingston notes that older operating systems may need updates. Kingston’s support guidance discusses the compatibility qualification. |
| NTFS | Kingston says its DataTraveler drives must use NTFS or exFAT to transfer files of 4 GB or larger. | Confirm the target devices support it; the cited guidance does not establish NTFS as the best choice for broad device compatibility. |
For files of 4 GB or larger, Kingston’s guidance for its DataTraveler drives specifies NTFS or exFAT. Microsoft describes exFAT’s 64-bit file-size field for very large files. Neither fact guarantees that a particular receiving device supports the format, so check the device’s requirements before reformatting. The available guidance does not provide a complete compatibility matrix across platforms.
Back up the drive before formatting
Formatting can erase the files on a USB drive. Before changing its file system, copy anything you want to keep to another storage location and check that the copy is accessible. Kingston explicitly instructs users to back up drive contents before formatting. Kingston’s formatting guidance includes this warning.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Rank #4
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
- TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
Rank #3
- What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
- Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
- Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
- Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
- Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
- Check the file-size limit you need: FAT32 cannot hold one file of 4 GB or larger.
- Check the requirements of every device that will use the drive, especially if you are considering exFAT or NTFS.
- Copy important contents elsewhere and verify the backup.
- Format the drive using the file system required by your devices or workflow.
- Copy files back only after confirming the drive is formatted as intended.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
