To move files safely, copy them to the SSD, check that the new copies open, and keep the originals until you have a separate backup. Don’t use Cut or Move for the first transfer: if it is interrupted, you could lose data. You only need to format the drive if its current file system won’t work with the computers you plan to use.
Before you copy: check the drive and its contents
Confirm the SSD is recognized and writable
Connect the SSD to the computer you’ll use for the transfer. If the cable or port doesn’t match, use a suitable adapter. Open the drive in File Explorer on Windows or Finder on Mac to confirm it appears.
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Check that the drive has enough free space for the files you selected. On a Mac, select the drive in Finder and choose File > Get Info to inspect its format and available capacity. Apple lists insufficient free space and incompatible formats among reasons a Mac may not save to an external drive: Apple’s external-drive troubleshooting guide.
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Choose a format for the computers that will use it
| How you’ll use the SSD | Format guidance | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Mac only | APFS is Apple’s default file system for macOS 10.13 or later and is optimized for SSD and flash storage. | Check whether any specialized apps you use require a different format. Apple’s Disk Utility format guide |
| Mac and Windows | Apple lists exFAT as Windows-compatible. | Confirm compatibility with the actual computers and other devices you’ll connect. The cited Apple guidance does not cover every legacy system or third-party device. Apple’s Disk Utility format guide |
| Mac writing to a drive formatted as NTFS | Resolve write access before copying. macOS may read NTFS, but Apple says Disk Utility doesn’t support writing to it. | Don’t assume the Mac can save files to an NTFS volume. Apple’s guide to saving files to an external drive |
Formatting is not a routine first step: use the existing format if it is writable and suits your workflow. If you do need to change it, first copy anything on the SSD somewhere safe. Formatting deletes data on the volume, as Apple explains in its format guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Find all the files you want to transfer
Don’t assume everything is in one folder. On Windows, check locations such as Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Favorites, Music, Pictures, and Videos, along with any folders you created elsewhere. Microsoft lists these common locations in its external-storage file-transfer instructions. On a Mac, identify the relevant folders and any files stored in other locations.
Copy the files without removing the originals
- Select the files or folders on the source computer. Start with the items you intend to transfer and confirm the SSD has enough free space.
- Copy, then paste into the SSD. Use Copy and Paste rather than Cut and Paste or a destructive Move action. Western Digital recommends copying because an interruption during a move can result in data loss: its drive-to-drive transfer guidance.
- Wait for the transfer to finish. Keep the SSD connected and don’t disconnect it while files are still being copied.
The computer’s built-in file manager is enough for this transfer. If an error appears, leave the source files untouched, note which items did not copy, and resolve the capacity or write-access issue before trying those items again.
Rank #2
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Check the new copies before disconnecting
Open the SSD in File Explorer or Finder and confirm that the expected folders and files are present. Open a selection of important files from the SSD to check that the copies are usable. Microsoft recommends browsing the external drive and checking the files after transfer in its Windows instructions.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Keep the originals on the computer until you’ve checked the destination and, for important data, made another backup. One external SSD holding the only copy is not a backup; Western Digital advises preserving the source until the destination copy is backed up in its copy and backup guidance.
Rank #3
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
Eject the SSD before unplugging it
Windows
After copying has finished and you’ve checked the files, use Windows’ Eject option for the drive before disconnecting it. Microsoft includes ejecting the external storage device in its Windows 10 and Windows 11 transfer instructions.
Mac
In Finder, eject the mounted SSD before unplugging it. Wait for it to disappear from Finder, then disconnect it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
Rank #4
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
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