How to download files onto external hard drive

To transfer data, begin by plugging the external hard drive into the appropriate port. Most computers will recognize the hard drive as a new device, and will scan it to determine what it is. The computer will assign the portable hard drive a letter. This allows you to transfer data to it exactly like you would move files around on your computer. Select the data you want to move, determining whether you want a copy on the external hard drive or whether you want to remove the data from your primary hard drive altogether.

In many cases, you may be able to view the contents of folders on each drive side-by-side, one showing the drive or folder you want to copy or move files from, and the other showing the destination on the external hard drive; you can then simply drag the files you want to move from one window to the other.

You can also cut or copy the files from their original location and paste them on the destination drive. Many USB devices are also hot swappable, which means that they can be plugged in and turned on while the computer is turned on. To remove the device, use the computer's ejection utility. This ensures that the device will not be damaged when you power down and unplug it.

When you transfer data, you want to ensure that it will not be lost, so be certain to wait until the computer indicates that it is safe to disconnect the external hard drive.

An external hard drive can be used to transfer data to and from multiple computers. The drive can be plugged into any computer with the appropriate port, which will recognize the drive. The data on the drive can be seen and manipulated at will by the user.

This allows multiple users to take advantage of the same external hard drive. In addition, it makes data portable, which can be highly useful. External hard drives are far less vulnerable to virus attacks and spyware because they are not continuously connected. When you transfer data, make sure that it has been scanned so that you do not inadvertently introduce viruses to your external hard drive. This wikiHow teaches you how to copy files that are on your computer onto a portable hard drive, flash drive, or memory card.

You can also drag and drop files into the external hard drive. If you plug in an external hard drive, it usually opens in Finder. Highlight your files, click and hold them, and then drag and drop them into the new drive you plugged in. Connect the drive to the computer. Format the drive if necessary. Open File Explorer. Go to the folder with the files you want to copy. Click This PC. Open the external drive. Did this summary help you?

Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Determine the connection type for the hard drive and your computer.

Virtually all external hard drives use a USB cable to connect to your computer, but you may find that your computer doesn't have a traditional rectangular USB port. Buy an adapter if necessary. You can find these online or in some tech stores e. Plug one end of the external hard drive's cable into your computer. This will usually be the USB end of the cable. The USB connector should only fit one way, so don't force it if it doesn't fit; instead, rotate it degrees and try connecting it again.

If you're using an adapter, first connect the end of the adapter that fits in your computer to your computer, then plug the end of the external hard drive's cable into the free end of the adapter. Attach the other end of the cable to the external hard drive. Depending on the external hard drive, the cable may already be attached; if not, attach the free end of the cable to the port into which it fits on the external hard drive. Format your hard drive if necessary.

Depending on both the external hard drive and your computer's operating system, you may not be able to use your drive until you change its format to work with your computer. This is ideal if you want to use your hard drive with both Windows and Mac computers. Formatting an external hard drive will erase everything on it. Part 2. This icon is used on wikiHow as fair use because it is being used to provide how-to instructions. Go to the folder where your files are.

Using the left-hand panel of options, go to the folder where you have the files you want to copy to the external hard drive. For example, if your files are in the Documents folder, you would click Documents on the left to open the Documents folder.

Highlight the files you want to copy. To do so, click and drag your mouse cursor across the contents of the folder. You can also hold down Ctrl and click each file you want to copy to select them individually. Copy the files. It's on the left side of the File Explorer window. Double-click your external hard drive's name. You'll see it below the "Devices and drives" heading in the middle of the page.

If you don't see anything below the "Devices and drives" heading, click once the heading to expand it. If you can't find your external hard drive here, try using a different USB slot for your hard drive. Paste in your files. Wait for your files to finish copying onto the drive. Depending on your files' sizes, this process time will vary. Remove your hard drive. Part 3. Open a folder when you keep your files, then click and drag your mouse cursor across the contents of the folder. If you can't find your files, click All My Files on the left side of the Finder window to browse all of your Mac's folders.

Click the Edit menu item. It's in the upper-left corner of your Mac's screen. Click Copy. This option is in the Edit drop-down menu. Click your external hard drive's name. You'll find it below the "Devices" heading on the left side of the Finder window. Doing so opens your hard drive's window in the Finder. Click the Edit menu item again. The drop-down menu will reappear. Click Paste Items.

This will begin copying your selected files onto your external drive. Wait for your files to finish copying. A simple program for this is CCleaner, which will remove unnecessary files for you quickly and efficiently.