Updated on November 8, 2026.
Open the Files app, select the files you want, and copy them to the USB drive shown in the sidebar. The same steps work for a single file or an entire folder.
Copy files to a USB drive in ChromeOS
- Plug in the drive. If your Chromebook only has USB-C and your drive uses USB-A, use an adapter or hub that supports data transfer.
- Open the Launcher, then open Files. Find the files under My files, Downloads, or Google Drive.
- Select a file or folder. To select several, hold Ctrl while clicking each item. Press Ctrl+C.
- Click the USB drive in the left sidebar, open the destination folder, and press Ctrl+V.
- Wait for the transfer to finish and check that the files open from the USB drive. Click the Eject icon beside the drive in Files before unplugging it.
Copying leaves the originals in place. If you also use the drive on Windows, see our guide to safely ejecting a USB drive.
Copy files from Google Drive to USB
Files that are already available in the Chromebook Files app can be copied to the drive. If a cloud-only file is unavailable, connect to the internet and download it first. For a Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides document, open it and use File > Download to save a PDF or another format you can open on the other computer. Copy that downloaded file to USB. See Google’s download instructions.
What to check when the drive or file won’t copy
| What you see | What to check |
|---|---|
| The drive is missing from Files | Reconnect it, try a different port or a data-capable adapter, and test the drive on another computer. |
| The drive opens but you can’t write to it | Check the drive’s format, any physical write protection, and available space. A school or work policy can also restrict USB storage. |
| One large file fails to copy | Check free space and the file system. A FAT32 drive can’t hold a single file of 4 GiB (roughly 4 GB) or larger. |
| ChromeOS asks to format the drive | Check whether another computer can read it and copy off files you need first. Formatting erases the drive. |
ChromeOS supports formats including FAT32 and exFAT. If you need to copy large files, exFAT is a practical choice when the devices you use support it. Back up the drive before formatting and check which formats your Chromebook offers. See Google’s storage compatibility guide and Microsoft’s file-size limits.
Frequently asked questions
Can I copy a whole folder to USB on a Chromebook?
Yes. Select the folder in Files, copy it, then paste it on the USB drive. Check that the drive has room for everything in the folder.
Why can’t I copy a large video to a USB drive with free space?
Check whether the drive uses FAT32. The limit applies to each file, even when the drive has enough space overall. Try a compatible drive formatted as exFAT.
Can I copy files to USB without an internet connection?
Yes, if the files are stored locally or available offline. Download cloud-only files before disconnecting.
Where is the USB drive in the Files app?
Look for the drive name in the left sidebar. When you’re done copying, use the Eject icon beside it.