Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive

Written by:  • Edited by: Rhonda Callow
Updated Jul 2, 2009
• Related Guides: Usb Flash Drive | Flash Drive | Usb Drive

There are several ways to transfer photos from one computer to another. We discussed how to email photos in part one of this series. This article will look at the benefits of using a flash drive to transfer photos and give step-by-step instruction on how to do so.

This is part 3 of a 6 part article series. To read the introduction, please visit How to Transfer Your Photos from One Computer to Another.

The Benefits of USB Flash Drives

A USB flash drive - also known as USB drive, pen drive, thumb drive, key drive or jump drive - is an excellent way to transfer photos from one computer to another. Flash drives are relatively inexpensive (taking into account they’re reusable), compact, convenient, easy to use, compatible with both PC and Mac, and don’t require any software installations. In addition to these advantages, flash drives are very durable and aren’t prone to scratches like CDs and DVDs.

How to Transfer Your Photos

Using a flash drive to transfer photos is very quick and super easy:

Step 1: Insert your flash drive into your computer’s USB port.

Step 2: You may be presented with a window open that says “Auto Play

If this is the case, simply click on “Open folder to view files”. If you don’t have this window automatically open, open “My Computer”, locate and double-click on the appropriate device to open.

Most flash drives will be labelled as a Removable Disk (see image below), but some will be labelled as a hard drive. If you have troubles locating your device, remove the flash drive from your computer, open “My Computer” and take note of the drives and devices already there, then reinsert your flash drive into the USB port and watch for a new device to appear. Take note of the name Windows uses to label the flash drive, Removable Disk (F:), for example. Double-click to open.

Step 3: Open the location of the photos and/or folders you wish to transfer to the other computer.

Step 4: Select the photos and/or folders. To select multiple images or folders, hold down the Ctrl key while making your selections.

Step 5: Right-click on your selection, choose “Send To” and then the appropriate destination (in my case, Removable Disk (F:). Alternatively, you can drag-and-drop your photos or folders into the opened flash drive folder, so long as both windows are seen on your computer’s monitor.

Step 6: Once your files have been moved over to the flash drive, click on the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon located in the notification area (bottom right corner of your computer’s monitor).

Select the device and click “Stop”. You may have another window open asking you to confirm which devices to stop.

Select the device from the list and click “OK”. You’ll then be prompted that it is safe to remove the device.

Select the device from the list and click “OK”. You’ll then be prompted that it is safe to remove the device.

Step 7: Plug the flash drive into the USB port of the computer you want your photos on. Open the flash drive folder (as described in step 2), click on one of the images/folders and then click Ctrl + A to select all. Now, either drag-and-drop your folders onto your desktop or right-click and choose “copy”. If you like, select “cut” rather than “copy and once you complete step 8, your photos will no longer be on your flash drive.

Step 8: Navigate to the location you want your photos copied to, right-click and choose “paste”.

You have now transferred your photos from one computer to another using a flash drive! If you have yet to purchase a flash drive, keep in mind that they come in a variety of storage sizes. Obviously, the more a flash drive can hold, the more costly it will be. You don’t necessarily need to purchase the flash drive with the largest storage. Depending on how many photos you’re transferring, a smaller flash drive simply means you’ll need to repeat these steps a few times to get all your images moved over.

Next>> Transferring Photos Via Uploading to Photo Sharing Websites


Comments

Showing all 70 comments
 
Phil Jul 31, 2011 5:16 PM
flash drive
none of you insturctions work for downlodeing photos to a flash drive.
Does anyone know how to do this?
Betty Jul 13, 2011 10:19 PM
using your web site
I 'googled' a query about moving photos from my computer to a usb drive and your web site was the one I chose to log on to. How lucky was I!! Clear, concise instructions that worked. Thankyou! I have added the site to my favourites.
PATRICIA PARKER Apr 22, 2011 12:25 PM
answers
I see all the "comments". How do you receive the answers?
Valmai Feb 19, 2011 1:29 AM
Photo transfer
How do I transfer photos onto a USB that plugs into a Apple Macbook I need step by step instructions as this is the first computer I have ever had.I really DO mean step by step.Thank you
cyn jones Feb 6, 2011 5:52 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
thank you for step by step - it worked!!!!!
rylee Jan 24, 2011 5:37 PM
HELP!
um i tried it and it didnt work im 13 and i have to get pictures to school for a story about my life PLEASE HELP i dont knowwhat i did wrong..
Sephronia Elkins Dec 30, 2010 11:45 AM
sharper image digital photo frame
I transferred my pictures to a USB, but when I plugged it in to the photo frame, the frame displayes them in black and white. What do I do?
Norma Dec 28, 2010 10:28 PM
extracting images from flash drive
how can I extract my digital photos from my memory stick to my computer. when I insert the memory stick to my camera it give me a message saying " reinsert memory stick". could it be damaged?
helen Nov 24, 2010 5:15 PM
sending e mail pictures to flash drive
I cannot remember how to send pictures of my grandson which I received in a e mail to my flash drive.
Can anyone help an old dummy?
Anonymous Nov 20, 2010 8:31 PM
downloading
I used my friends computer which is a mac to save my pictures with words but now i can't open it. Is it because im using a different computer???

HELP
leonelle mae rallos Oct 17, 2010 8:27 AM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
afterdouble clicking the removable disk i cant open it why???
Karen Oct 16, 2010 7:12 PM
Removing Flash Disk
How long should it take to download photos to flash disk. Everytime I try to remove it says "cannot be stopped now. Retry later". This is going on 1 hour.
sam Oct 11, 2010 2:38 PM
help please URGENT
HEY there , i did the same things to transfer my photos to another computer but when plugged the flash to another computer , i cant view the photos & it's says the source data format is not recognized . so what should i do ?
Karen Oct 5, 2010 12:26 PM
transferring emails to flashdrive
Need to know how to transfer emails to flash drive. Highlight emails but once files transfer - I can not open emails sent to my flash drive
Chris Sep 28, 2010 9:48 AM
USB drive
Any idea where I might find the USB port on my computer. Have looked but cannot see it. Am new to all this.
ivory Sep 25, 2010 3:57 PM
how do i transfer photos from flash drive
hi am trying to transfer some photos from y flash drive can you help and thanks in advance
D.S.B Sep 2, 2010 3:00 AM
HEEEELLLLPPPP
Hey there,

i transfered photos from my phone onto my friends computer than on to a flash drive..
i get the flash drive home and then put it on my computer to download the photos onto it and nothing showed up in the removeable disk (E:)

how could this be because i watched it all upload to my flash drive, have i done somthing wrong?

HEEELLLP ME PLEASE AND THANK YOU :)
Emmy334577 Aug 30, 2010 10:05 AM
thanks sooooo much!
Thank you! I had dificulties trying to do this alone with no help. So I searched for help on google and found this. It's just what I needed. Thanks again. :)
nidhi rastogi Aug 2, 2010 1:15 AM
downloading
i would like to know how to download images or photos from google in the pen drive
Stephen Leatherland Jul 6, 2010 11:19 AM
usb flash drive
help please,when i insert the flash drive it shows as removable disk (D).When I try to send photos there, I get a message saying: This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions on this computer-contact your system administrator.What do I have to do please?
arlene Jul 3, 2010 4:52 PM
copy photos to usb
Help please! I am a senior and have never used a usb drive before. Not very pc literate either... Hoping to be able to copy daughter's wedding photos to usb to share but still keep in My Pictures on my pc. Is this possible. Thanks
wilson okey Jul 1, 2010 11:54 AM
its beeen difficult uploading my picture.
pls i need you to help me with the easiest way to uplaod my picture on my badoo account.it's been very difficult trying to upload my pictures,pls i am waiting for candid instruction.
Laura Jun 23, 2010 12:31 PM
blank photos
I have the same problem as leonidas.

after transferring my photos they are grey . How can I fix this? Why is it doing this? I'm only able to view one of my folder of my photos.
debbie Jun 14, 2010 10:34 AM
Stoeage of photos
what's safer and longer to protect you photo's Flash drive or CD?
Bngozi May 29, 2010 10:39 AM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
I want 2 thank u 4 helpn us 2 solve some problem we are encantering. Pls, how can i know a good flash drive?.
DonPaul45 May 22, 2010 12:08 PM
Thank You
I'm a senior new to computers..found this great site..Transferring My Photos to USB Flash Drive...brilliant..Thanks Rhonda.....Don from Australia..Cheers
Deanna May 14, 2010 12:51 AM
Thank you!
I want to thank you for the step by step way to put my pictures on the USB drive. People like me need all the help they can get. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Regards,
Deanna
Helen Saunders May 13, 2010 2:28 PM
Removing UDISK (I)
Rhonda,

When I click on the icon in the lower right hand corner that says "safely remove USB mass storage device Drive 1" it then says "The device Generic Volume 1 cannot be stopped right now. Try stopping again later. But every time I try later, it says the same thing. How long does this take?
Peter Furnish May 8, 2010 12:17 PM
Scan photos direct to USB Flash drive
Dear Rhonda......Is there a commercial device that allows me to scan my 'photos direct to a USB flash drive (with or without the PC)?
leonidas May 8, 2010 5:00 AM
blank photos
i have a pen drive an have just loaded my photos from my laptop to my flash but some of the photos have come out just gray as if blank when there not if i transfer em back the photo is ok whats couseing this and how can i fix it?
Lewis Apr 16, 2010 4:24 AM
Pica shown in the correct order
How do you ensure that pictures taken say on a vacation are displayed in the correct order (on your tv) when stored on a flash drive? I have tried everything I know anmd the order seems to be very random. Help!!
Susan Apr 12, 2010 9:04 AM
Transferring Photos to Flash Drive
Rhonda,
Is there a way to scan the photos and go directly to the flash drive without putting on the computers hard drive? My mother-in-law is wanting to put all the family photos on a flash drive. Tks!
Wanda Torres Mar 27, 2010 8:54 AM
Thanks
I didn't know how to transfer things from the Flashdrive your article was quite helpful
Alicia Mar 18, 2010 4:03 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
Great job this helped out ALOT. (:
I can now succesfully download my
pictures to a USB drive!
THANKS TO YOU!
shirleyshaheen Feb 12, 2010 11:54 PM
transferring photos to new compputer
Thanks for the advice. Haven't tried it yet, but I hadn't a clue before. I have 7 on my new computer, so I guess it will work with that also. I might just try using the flash drive method. I'm not sure how to navigate photos from desk top to location where I want photos copied to (probably "my pictures?)
Rhonda Callow Feb 1, 2010 5:50 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
Hi Lexie,
See second paragraph in Step 2.
Hope this helps!
lexie Jan 31, 2010 7:45 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
what if the little thing that your talkn about that says auto play doesnt pop up then how do i know they are actually on the hard drive
Rhonda Callow Jan 27, 2010 5:52 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
Hi Britt - I'm happy you found this article helpful! Thanks for the comment. :o)
Rhonda Callow Jan 27, 2010 5:50 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
Hi Scarlett - Have you tried using a different USB port? Perhaps the one you're using doesn't work?
peter Jan 14, 2010 8:54 PM
Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
wholesale usb provides cheap usb flash drive and best quality
Jan Dec 28, 2009 3:45 PM
transfer from windows to sd card
I am having problems transferring photos from the Windows (XP) gallery to an sd card to run in digital photoframe. keep getting error message saying unable to recreate file. I am trying to copy and paste- any ideas
scarlett o'hara Dec 28, 2009 3:00 PM
not working!!
hi rhonda,
when i connect my nokia phone to the computer using the usb port nothing changes in the my copmuter file . i cannot locate any folder in either hard disc or removable disc which has the phones files...pleas help
Lorri Dec 12, 2009 11:01 PM
how to transfer photos via memory card
How do I transfer my photos to a memory card? I thought it would work like a flash drive but am having trouble. Any advise?
Mary Nov 30, 2009 4:40 PM
How do I select photos I wish to transfer from a group?
maria rosa Nov 28, 2009 10:13 AM
transferring phots via flash drive on mac
Hi- each time I try to drag the photo folder into the flash drive I get a round "do not enter" type symbol and the photo just wont go in. I'm working with a MacBook. Please help. thanks
maria rosa
margaret Oct 30, 2009 1:51 AM
tranfer photos to flash drive
how to tranfer photos in windows photo gallery to flash drive from my XP
Britt Oct 28, 2009 11:38 AM
Thanks a million!
This was so helpful, I would have never been able to figure out how to use the flash drive on my own! I was able to transfer all my sons baby pics to our new computer, thanks so much!
Jeff C Oct 25, 2009 8:39 AM
issues transferring pics from pc to flash drive
Hi,
I'm having the exact same issue as Dmitry who posted on 10/13. I right click on pic (or folder), click "send to", then click on "D" drive, and i get msg. error0x80070052. "Directory or file not created." This is maddening! Thanks for any advice you may have! :)
sherry Oct 22, 2009 9:09 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
Flash drive won't stop! Help!!!
Bill Oct 22, 2009 7:43 PM
copy photos from Kodak EasyShare to Flash Drive
When I inserted Flash Drive (SanDisk Cruzer USB 2.0 Flash Drive) into the computer the computer went blank and when it came back it said the computer had recovered from a serious error. I want to copy my photo folders to a flash drive and now need help.
Dmitry Oct 13, 2009 2:06 PM
Re: Transfering photos from computer to flash drive
Dear Rhonda,
Please help! I amtrying to transfer photos from computer to flash drive. I plugged in flash drive. It was recognized by computer.Opened the pictures file, highlighted all the pictures, right click, send to flashdrive. Message came in- error0x80070052. The directory of file cannot be created.Pictures not transferred.Please advise! Thanks!
William Charles Caccamise Sr, MD Oct 12, 2009 10:55 AM
how to copy contents of one flash drive to another empty flash drive
I am preparing a genealogy WP document with photographs for my children. I have successfully loaded all files to an HP-flash drive. I now wish to copy the contents of this master flash unit to another blank flash unit Can this be accomplished without repeating the same computer steps that were used for the master flash unit? Is it possible to make a more direct transfer through simultaneous use of 2 USB ports - one for the master flash unit and one for the empty flash unit? I am planning on making 7 copies of the master flash unit as Christmas gifts. Thank you for your suggestions.
Stan Oct 12, 2009 5:15 AM
Transferring photos from computer to disc
Hi, when we download the photos to disc and play back disc they do not show up in the order that they were in and with several folders being downloaded they assuredly end up all over the place, why, thanks.
emma romero Sep 29, 2009 7:29 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
hi im trying to transfer my pic from my camera to my computer, i some how i cant do it.. in the camera keeps saying usb connect, but i dont know where to go, i follow all of ur instructions and im having a really hard time..
manoj kumar Sep 27, 2009 11:09 AM
how usb is beneficial
Please tell me what are the benefits ofusing a usb flsh drive instead of burning files to a cd or trasferring them directly to another computer?
Lynn Sep 26, 2009 12:22 AM
transfered photos/files
hi there i have already dragged over the files and pictures but the pics seem to not be showing and they are just showing nothing on the tabs i'm not sure if i did it can you help?
Mirna Lopez Sep 19, 2009 7:54 AM
kodak easy share
I simply need to transfer my pictures from kodak easy share folder to a usb drive, please help. thanks
John Sep 3, 2009 9:07 PM
copying photos to a flash drive
I tried following your instructions but when I go to file, it only allows me to "send to a mobile phone". My pictures are stored on my ahrd drive in Adobe Photoshp Album Starter Edition 3.2.
Michelle Aug 22, 2009 9:50 AM
Transfer Programs??
I'd like to know if you can transfer programs to a flash drive. I have 3 or 4 photo programs that I'm not using but don't want to delete from my computer. My computer is going on 6 years old and I'd like to free up some space on it without deleting the programs....! Any thoughts?
Mary Aug 18, 2009 6:22 PM
Storing photos on flash drive
A friend told me I should use zip drives to store my photos instead of using cd's as I wouldn't have to worry about getting scratches on them. Is this a good idea?
Terry Aug 18, 2009 3:32 PM
drive cannot find the sector
My computer was loading onto flashdrive and stopped in the middle of a file containing video and said "cannot copy MOV00507: drive cannot find the sector requested. My daughter tried to continue copying individual pics but it continued to pop up "cannot find sector". What does this mean? How do I continue copying the rest of my pics and videos?
Rhonda Callow Aug 6, 2009 1:11 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
Hi Yenny - See the last paragraph in "Step 2".
yenny Aug 6, 2009 11:37 AM
help me
I want to transfer my pictures from the USB to my computer but when I plug in doesn't open anything , I don't know why my computer doesn't let me do it I tried
in others computers and it woks please can you tell me what to do ? thanks
Rhonda Callow Aug 5, 2009 4:26 PM
USB Port
If it looks like it fits, then it's a USB port. You can stick it in whichever port is available and then follow the steps given in this tutorial. Hope that helps!
dottie Aug 5, 2009 3:31 PM
usb port
where exactly is this located? I have 4 things on the back of the computer all together in a row, I'm thinking thats where the flashdrive fits, the first and second have something in them, the 3rd and 4th are empty is this where the flash drive goes and how do i get the computer to recognize it? totally novice here.
thanks
Doris Jul 24, 2009 5:58 PM
transfering photos to a flash drive
Please be gentle with me Iam a beginner, I have transfered photos to my flash drive but I not sure how I did it. It takes me a long time to find the F drive. I think I go the wrong way about it. In which order do I start. download camera to computer then my computer then flash drive F
Rhonda Callow Jul 20, 2009 1:04 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
Hi Ardath - I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. If you're trying to transfer a lot of pictures, chances are you've filled up your flash drive. You'll need to put these onto your new computer and then repeat the steps once the flash drive is empty again. I hope this answers your question but, if not, feel free to make further comment!
Rhonda Callow Jul 20, 2009 12:58 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
Hi Jacque,

Yes, you can follow these steps to transfer all of your files. Note, however, that you can't transfer programs this way.

Hope this helps!
Ardath Jul 19, 2009 2:52 PM
RE: Transferring Photos Via USB Flash Drive
I Rhonda, I have followed your directions posted above, I am only able to download l69 pictures, I am trying with a 2 BG zip also have used disk, however it will not allow we anymore, I don't know what I am doing wrong. Thanks
Jacque Jul 11, 2009 5:05 PM
Transfer photos only??
Hi Rhonda.. I love that name for a girl but I had a boy...>> Question... Everything that was on on my old PC is now on a 8GB flash drive. I have a new Toshiba Satellite laptop and want to transfer ALL MY FILES to new PC. Do I just follow the same directions as for photos? Thanks..
 
blog comments powered by Disqus
Email to a friend