Frequent large-file movers
If you regularly move photo libraries, videos or substantial folders, transfer time and the USB connections on both computers matter.
Who needs which approach?
Home archive keepers
If you mainly want a local copy of documents, photos and videos, start with the space your files use and a backup routine you can maintain.
Multi-device cloud users
If you need files on a replacement computer or another device, assess your cloud allowance and account recovery options, as well as whether to keep a separate local copy.
What should you check before choosing?
Decide whether your main need is repeated transfers, a complete local copy, compatibility across computers or access away from one device. Then check the requirements that could prevent that approach from working for your files.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Large-file transfers | Check the ports on both computers and the supplied cable; a quoted maximum speed depends on the connection used. | If I move large video or photo folders repeatedly, I want to avoid a connection that slows each transfer. Around 33% of consumers put faster large-file transfers first. |
| Local capacity | Measure the folders you need to copy and leave room for growth; check the copied files before removing originals. | When I keep a growing collection of personal files, fitting the whole archive matters more than finishing each transfer quickly. Around 25% of consumers prioritise local capacity. |
| Format and backup tools | Check whether both computers can read and write the drive’s format, and whether it will be dedicated to Time Machine. | If I use Windows and Mac, or want an automated backup, I need a destination that works with my intended setup. Around 17% of consumers make compatibility their primary concern. |
| Access and recovery | Check cloud space and account recovery options; if you need an offline local copy, disconnect the drive after backup. | If a computer or drive becomes unavailable, I still want a way to reach my files without depending on one device. Around 25% of consumers put off-device access and recovery first. |
Mistakes that can put files at risk
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Buying an SSD for its headline speed alone
Samsung says the T7’s maximum rated speeds require USB 3.2 Gen 2, a compatible cable and UASP. Seagate notes that older USB ports or limiting hubs can also affect external-drive performance.
Identify the ports on each computer and check the cable ends and connection requirements before choosing a drive.
A different cable or adapter may be needed for the computers you intend to use.
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Reformatting the only copy of your files
Apple warns that erasing and reformatting a drive deletes what is already on it. A format suitable for exchanging files between Windows and Mac is not necessarily the format for a dedicated Time Machine disk.
Make and check another copy of existing files before changing the format, then choose the format for the drive’s intended use.
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Assuming a cloud account will always be accessible
A cloud copy is less useful if you cannot get back into the account. Google provides recovery options, and Microsoft advises keeping a recovery code away from the device used to sign in.
Check your storage allowance and set up recovery information while you still have account access.
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Leaving your only local backup connected
A drive that remains connected is not an offline copy. The US Federal Trade Commission advises disconnecting a backup drive until it is needed again.
If an offline copy is part of your plan, safely eject the drive after backup and store it separately. Consider encryption for sensitive files and keep its password or recovery information safe.
Relevant brands for reference
Samsung
The Portable SSD T7 line is relevant when you move large personal files regularly and can use a suitable wired connection.
- Samsung specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2 for the T7 and supplies USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables.
- Samsung’s maximum rated read and write speeds require a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, compatible cable and UASP; an older connection may limit transfer speed.
Seagate
The Expansion Portable hard-drive range is a reference point for a capacity-focused local archive or file-transfer setup.
- Seagate describes improved Expansion Portable performance through a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connection.
- USB 2.0 ports or hubs can limit performance; check the cable or adapter needed for a USB-C-only computer and the particular drive variant.
Apple
Time Machine and iCloud+ are relevant to Mac users deciding between a local backup disk, cloud access or both.
- Apple supports Time Machine backup to an external device connected through a compatible Mac port and prefers APFS or APFS Encrypted for its backup disk.
- iCloud+ storage involves an ongoing subscription; check the space you need and how you would regain account access.
Joybuy external drives
These portable SSDs and hard drives are local-storage options for backing up or moving personal files. Match their stated capacity and connection to your files and computers; cloud storage is a separate choice.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 2 TB, grey
Consider this portable SSD for a local copy or repeated file transfers if its capacity suits your folders. The product name specifies 2 TB and USB 3.2 Gen 2; check the computers’ ports before relying on faster transfers.
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Samsung MU-PG2T0B 2 TB portable SSD, black
Consider this USB-C SSD for moving files between computers with suitable ports. Its product name specifies 2 TB and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; confirm the capacity shown at purchase and check host and cable requirements before relying on its quoted transfer speed.
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Samsung MU-PE1T0S 1 TB portable SSD, black
Consider this portable SSD if 1 TB accommodates the files you plan to move or back up. Its product name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2; check the connection on each device before choosing it for large transfers.
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Western Digital My Passport 2 TB portable hard drive, black
Consider this 2 TB portable hard drive for a local collection of personal files. Check that its USB-A-to-Micro-B connection suits your computers; for Mac use, confirm read/write support and any driver requirements for your macOS version before relying on it for backup.
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Western Digital Elements Portable 4 TB hard drive, black
Consider this 4 TB portable hard drive for a larger local collection of files. Its product name specifies USB 3.0; check the supplied connection against your computers, and confirm the drive’s format before using it with a Mac.
Common questions
What format should I use to share a drive between Windows and Mac?
Check that both computers can read and write the chosen format before copying files. Apple identifies MS-DOS (FAT) and ExFAT as Windows-compatible formats, while a Mac may read but not write an NTFS drive without additional support. Make another copy of existing files before reformatting, which erases the drive.
Can a Time Machine drive also hold ordinary files?
A volume set up for Time Machine should be treated as a Time Machine backup destination, not an ordinary shared-files volume. Apple describes creating an additional APFS volume on the same physical disk for other files where appropriate; protect existing data and check the setup before changing volumes.
How can I check a file move to a new Windows PC?
Copy the files to external storage and check that the needed folders and files appear there before removing anything from the old computer. Microsoft identifies Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Music, Pictures and Videos among the locations worth checking, and advises ejecting the device before disconnecting it.
What should I check before relying on cloud storage?
Check that your allowance accommodates the files and set up account recovery while you can still sign in. Google says recovery information can help if you lose access, while Microsoft advises storing a recovery code away from the device used to sign in; consider a separate local copy if you do not want access to depend on the account alone.