Chromebooks are lightweight laptops that rely on cloud-based storage and Google’s Chrome OS operating system. Unlike traditional laptops, Chromebooks have limited local storage, usually between 16-64GB, and are designed to save files to cloud storage services like Google Drive. This allows Chromebooks to boot quickly, around 8 seconds, since there are fewer programs and files stored locally. However, it also means users are dependent on an internet connection to access their cloud-based files and apps. Chromebooks excel at web browsing, streaming, and lightweight tasks, but can’t run Windows/Mac software. With their low cost and ease of use, Chromebooks are popular in education and as secondary household devices.
Flash Drives Can Expand Local Storage
Chromebooks come with limited local storage, usually just 32GB or 64GB (Sources: https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/how-to-use-an-external-drive-with-a-chromebook/, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/explainer-how-local-storage-works-on-chromebook/articleshow/88736823.cms). This is because Chromebooks are designed with cloud storage in mind. However, users can expand local storage space using external flash drives. Flash drives plug into the USB ports on a Chromebook and allow you to store additional files, photos, videos, and other data locally.
Flash drives are small, portable, and inexpensive, making them a convenient way to add significant extra storage to your Chromebook. A 128GB flash drive can be purchased for under $20 and will dramatically increase the storage capacity for offline files, music, movies, and other data you want to access even without an internet connection. For Chromebook owners who need additional offline storage, using a flash drive is an easy solution.
Chromebook File Systems
Chrome OS supports reading from flash drives formatted with the FAT32 and exFAT file systems. This means any flash drive formatted with FAT32 or exFAT will be readable on a Chromebook without needing to reformat the drive. According to Google’s Chromebook Help, Chromebooks can access files on FAT and exFAT formatted external drives when connected via USB.
Chrome OS cannot natively read drives formatted with NTFS, HFS+, or APFS file systems. While there are some third-party utilities that allow NTFS support, the recommended format for flash drives to be used with a Chromebook is FAT32 or exFAT. These Microsoft file systems are universally compatible with Chrome OS out of the box.
When formatting a flash drive for use with a Chromebook, FAT32 or exFAT are the ideal options. Just remember to back up any data first, as formatting will erase all existing data on the drive.
Formatting a Flash Drive for Chromebook
To format a flash drive for use with a Chromebook, you’ll need to format it to the FAT32 or exFAT file systems. Chrome OS can read both of these file systems while Windows and Mac can also read and write to them. Here are the steps to format a flash drive on Chromebook:
1. Insert the flash drive into your Chromebook.
Plug your flash drive into one of your Chromebook’s USB ports. The flash drive will mount and appear in your file manager.
2. Open up your Chromebook’s Files app.
You can find the Files app in your app drawer or by clicking on the file folder icon in the shelf at the bottom of the screen.
3. Right-click on your flash drive.
In the Files app, locate your flash drive in the left side panel and right-click on it.
4. Select “Format Device”.
This will open the formatting options for your flash drive.
5. Choose FAT32 or exFAT file system.
Select either FAT32 or exFAT depending on your needs. FAT32 works with all devices but has a max file size of 4GB. exFAT supports larger files but may not work on older devices.
6. Give your drive a name and click “Format Device”.
Type in a name for your flash drive and click the “Format Device” button to begin formatting.
Once complete, your flash drive will be formatted and ready for use with your Chromebook.
Transferring Files to a Flash Drive
Transferring files from your Chromebook to a flash drive is easy using the Files app. Here are the steps:
- Insert your flash drive into one of the USB ports on your Chromebook.
- Open the Files app and select the flash drive from the left sidebar. It will be labeled with the drive name and size (e.g. “16GB Drive”).
- Open another Files window for the Downloads folder, either by clicking the Downloads shortcut in the sidebar or navigating to the folder manually.
- Select the files you want to transfer from the Downloads folder. You can use Shift or Ctrl to select multiple files.
- Drag and drop the selected files onto the flash drive window.
The files will begin copying over immediately. You’ll see the transfer progress on each file. When it reaches 100%, the transfer is complete and the files will now be located on your flash drive.
You can also use cut/copy and paste to move files between folders and drives in the Files app. Right click on your selected files and choose cut or copy, then right click in the destination window and select paste.
Overall the Files app provides a seamless experience for transferring files from your Chromebook’s local storage to external USB drives like flash drives. With just a few clicks you can quickly move documents, photos, videos and other files.
Setting Flash Drives as Default Storage
One handy option on Chromebooks is the ability to set an external flash drive as the default location for downloads, documents, media files, and more. This allows you to store files directly on the flash drive rather than filling up the limited built-in storage space on a Chromebook.
To set a flash drive as the default location for downloads and files:
- Insert your flash drive into the Chromebook.
- Open the Files app and locate the flash drive.
- Right click on the flash drive and select “Set as default folder”.
This will now set the flash drive as the default location for files. Any downloads from the browser or files saved within apps will automatically be stored on the flash drive rather than the Downloads folder.
To revert back to the built-in Downloads folder as the default, simply right click on the Downloads folder in the Files app and select “Set as default folder” again.
One thing to keep in mind is that setting an external drive as default is specific to each Chromebook. If you use multiple Chromebooks, you’ll have to set the default on each one individually.
Overall, setting a flash drive as the default storage location is an easy way to expand the storage capabilities of your Chromebook and keep your limited local storage from filling up too quickly.
Source: Google Support
Flash Drive Security
Since flash drives are portable and easily lost, it’s important to keep your data secure through encryption. Chrome OS supports encrypting flash drives to add a password protection layer and prevent unauthorized access if the drive gets misplaced.
To enable encryption on a flash drive for your Chromebook, open the Files app and right-click on the flash drive. Select “Encrypt” and set a password that will be required to unlock the drive whenever you plug it in. Make sure to remember this password, as data on the encrypted drive will be inaccessible without it.
For greater security, look for flash drives that offer hardware-based encryption. These have built-in encryption chips to provide robust protection that secures all data on the drive after it’s removed or device is powered down. The encryption keys are stored on the flash drive itself rather than through software.
Also consider flash drives with password protection software for an added layer of security on sensitive files. The software allows creating encrypted password-protected folders on the drive that remain locked until the correct password is entered.
With encryption enabled, you can securely store private documents, photos, financial information, or other sensitive data on a flash drive for your Chromebook without worrying about data leaks if you lose the drive.
Flash Drive Performance
When choosing a flash drive for your Chromebook, performance is an important consideration. The speed of the flash drive will impact how quickly you can access, transfer, and save files. There are a few key factors that affect a flash drive’s performance:
USB Interface
The USB interface determines how fast your flash drive can communicate with your Chromebook. Most flash drives today use a USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 interface, which provides speeds up to 5Gbps and 10Gbps respectively. USB 2.0 flash drives are slower with speeds up to 480Mbps. For the best performance, choose a USB 3.0 or 3.1 flash drive.
Flash Memory Type
There are two main types of flash memory used in flash drives today: NAND and 3D NAND. 3D NAND memory provides faster read/write times compared to traditional NAND memory. It also offers greater durability and longevity. When possible, choose a flash drive with 3D NAND type flash memory.
Read and Write Speeds
Read and write speeds measure how quickly data can be accessed from the flash drive. Read speed is particularly important for tasks like opening files, loading apps, and viewing media. Write speed matters for saving and transferring files. Most flash drives will indicate read/write speeds in their specs. Faster read/write speeds generally equate to better real-world performance.
Benchmark Results
Reviews of flash drives often include benchmark test results which measure the actual performance during file transfers, data writes, opening apps, and more. These benchmarks provide real-world speed comparisons between different flash drives. Checking benchmark results can help validate a manufacturer’s claimed speeds.
By evaluating these performance factors, you can choose the fastest flash drive for your Chromebook. Prioritize USB 3.0/3.1 interfaces, 3D NAND memory, faster read/write speeds, and excellent benchmark results.
Top Flash Drives for Chromebooks
When shopping for a flash drive for your Chromebook, you’ll want one that’s fast, reliable, and has ample storage. Here are some top recommendations to consider:
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C
This flash drive from SanDisk plugs directly into a USB-C port for easy transfers. It has fast transfer speeds up to 150MB/s and is available in sizes from 32GB up to 256GB. The retractable design keeps the connector safe.
Samsung BAR Plus USB 3.1 Flash Drive
With read speeds up to 300MB/s, the BAR Plus lets you quickly move files on and off your Chromebook. It has a metal casing and keyring to prevent loss. You can get 128GB or 256GB capacities.
Lexar JumpDrive Fingerprint F35 USB 3.0
This flash drive features a built-in fingerprint reader for added security. It has speeds up to 150MB/s and comes in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB sizes. The slim design easily fits in your pocket.
PNY Elite-X Fit USB 3.0
With a reversible USB connector, you don’t have to worry about plugging in the PNY Elite-X the wrong way. It offers read speeds up to 200MB/s and is available in 128GB and 256GB capacities.
Any of these high-performing, reliable flash drives would serve as an excellent storage expansion for your Chromebook. Just make sure to get a drive with enough capacity for your needs.
Summary
Chromebooks have limited local storage, but this can be expanded with flash drives connected via USB ports or wirelessly. Before using a flash drive, it needs to be formatted to a file system compatible with Chrome OS, like FAT, FAT32 or exFAT. Once formatted, files and folders can easily be transferred back and forth from the Chromebook to the flash drive.
Flash drives can even be set as the default download location, to automatically save files to external storage rather than the Chromebook’s local drive. It’s important to use encrypted flash drives and eject them properly before removing, to keep data secure.
High speed USB 3.0 flash drives provide the best performance for transferring files quickly. Choosing a reputable brand and checking reviews helps find reliable flash drives optimized for Chromebooks. With the right flash drive, you can greatly expand the storage capabilities of your Chromebook.
