On Windows 10 or 11, copy the files you want to preserve to a USB drive, check that they appear on the drive, and compare SHA256 hashes when you need stronger confirmation that each copied file matches its original. Keep the originals in place until you have checked the copy, then safely eject the drive before unplugging it.
Before you start: choose what to copy
Connect a USB drive with enough available space and make sure its connector works with your computer. Decide which files and folders matter; common locations include Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and Videos. Files may be spread across several locations, so selecting one folder does not necessarily include everything you need.
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Copy the files rather than moving them if the USB drive would otherwise become the only place they exist. A copy leaves the source in place; moving can remove it. Western Digital explains this distinction in its guide to backing up, copying, or moving data between drives.
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- Connect the USB drive and open File Explorer.
- Browse to the files or folders you want to back up. Select them, then copy them using the File Explorer copy command or keyboard shortcut.
- Open the USB drive in File Explorer and paste the selection. Repeat for files in other locations as needed.
- Wait for the transfer to finish before checking the destination. Microsoft’s Windows 10 and 11 guidance describes copying selected files to external storage and browsing the destination: Move your files to a new Windows PC using an external storage device.
Check that the files arrived
Browse the USB drive and confirm that the folders and files you intended to copy appear there. Open a few representative files from the USB drive if you want a practical check that they can be accessed. This basic inspection confirms that items are present, but it does not establish that their contents are byte-for-byte identical to the originals.
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Compare file contents with SHA256 on Windows
For a stronger integrity check, compare the SHA256 hash of an original file with the hash of its copied counterpart. A hash is a value calculated from file contents; matching values indicate the compared files have identical content. Microsoft describes the purpose of hash values as providing a cryptographically secure way to verify that a file’s contents have not changed. Its Get-FileHash documentation explains the command and algorithms.
- Open PowerShell.
- Run this command for the original, replacing the example path with the file’s actual path:
Get-FileHash -LiteralPath 'C:pathtooriginal.ext' -Algorithm SHA256 - Run the same command for the copy on the USB drive, using its path:
Get-FileHash -LiteralPath 'E:pathtocopied.ext' -Algorithm SHA256 - Compare the values in the
Hashcolumn. If they match, the contents of those two files match. Repeat for each file you want to verify this way.
Get-FileHash uses SHA256 by default. Microsoft notes that MD5 and SHA1 are no longer considered secure against attack or tampering, so use SHA256 for this comparison. Hash checking covers only the files you actually compare: it cannot tell you whether you forgot to select an important folder or file.
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Safely eject the USB drive
When copying and checking are complete, use Windows’ system-tray option for safely removing hardware rather than pulling the drive out during activity. Select Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media, choose the USB drive, and wait for Windows to say it is safe to remove. Microsoft provides the Windows 10 and 11 steps in its Safely remove hardware in Windows instructions.
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A USB backup is useful, including when internet access is unreliable, but it is still only one copy of your files. The UK National Cyber Security Centre recommends keeping multiple copies and advises storing external backup devices securely. Consider keeping another copy somewhere separate, such as an online backup, as appropriate for your needs. Its backing-up guidance was published April 9, 2026, and reviewed July 21, 2026.
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A successful transfer or matching hash does not establish that a USB drive will remain reliable indefinitely. Keep important originals and additional backup copies rather than relying on one removable device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Platform scope
The copy-and-hash steps here are documented for Windows 10 and 11; they are not a verified macOS procedure. Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025. The safe-removal instructions linked above are also for Windows.
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