Editing USB flash drive (section)

==Uses==

===Personal data transport===
The most common use of flash drives is to transport and store personal files, such as documents, pictures and videos. Individuals also store medical information on flash drives for emergencies and disaster preparation.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

===Secure storage of data, application and software files===
With wide deployment of flash drives in various environments (secured or otherwise), data and information security remain critical issues. [[Biometrics]] and [[encryption]] are becoming the norm as data security needs increase; [[on-the-fly encryption]] systems are particularly useful in this regard, as they can transparently encrypt large amounts of data. In some cases, a [[USB flash drive security|secure USB drive]] may use a hardware-based encryption mechanism that uses a hardware module instead of software for strongly encrypting data. [[IEEE 1667]] is an attempt to create a generic authentication platform for USB drives. It is supported in [[Windows 7]] and Windows Vista (Service Pack 2 with a hotfix).<ref>[http://support.microsoft.com/kb/981319 "An update is available that enables the support of Enhanced Storage devices in Windows Vista and in Windows Server 2008"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606054642/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/981319 |date=2011-06-06 }}. Microsoft Support. November 23, 2010.</ref>

===Computer forensics and law enforcement===
A recent development for the use of a USB Flash Drive as an application carrier is to carry the [[Computer Online Forensic Evidence Extractor]] (COFEE) application developed by [[Microsoft]]. COFEE is a set of applications designed to search for and extract [[Computer forensics|digital evidence]] on computers confiscated from suspects.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/microsoft/2004379751_msftlaw29.html |title=Microsoft device helps police pluck evidence from cyberscene of crime |newspaper=The Seattle Times |access-date=2008-04-29 |first=Benjamin J. |last=Romano |date=2008-04-29 |archive-date=2012-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423032134/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/microsoft/2004379751_msftlaw29.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Forensic software is required not to alter in any way the information stored on the computer being examined. Other forensic suites run from [[CD-ROM]] or [[DVD-ROM]], but cannot store data on the media they are run from (although they can write to other attached devices, such as [[external drive]]s or [[Flash memory|memory sticks]]).

===Updating motherboard firmware===
[[Motherboard]] firmware (including [[BIOS]] and [[UEFI]]) can be updated using USB flash drives. Usually, new firmware is downloaded and placed onto a [[FAT16]]- or [[FAT32]]-formatted USB flash drive connected to a system which is to be updated, and the path to the new firmware image is selected within the update component of system's firmware.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.northernmicro.com/en/support/tech-library/M4A785T-AS/WebHelp/asus_ez_flash_2_utility.htm
 |title       = ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
 |date        = 2013-12-21
 |access-date  = 2014-01-16
 |publisher   = northernmicro.com
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120917005940/http://www.northernmicro.com/en/support/tech-library/M4A785T-AS/WebHelp/asus_ez_flash_2_utility.htm
 |archive-date = 2012-09-17
}}</ref> Some motherboard manufacturers also allow such updates without the need to enter the system's firmware update component, making it possible to easily recover systems with corrupted firmware.<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://event.asus.com/2012/mb/usb_bios_flashback_guide/
 | title = How to Use USB BIOS Flashback
 | year = 2012
 | access-date = 2014-01-16
 | publisher = ASUS
 | archive-date = 2014-01-17
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140117000540/http://event.asus.com/2012/mb/usb_bios_flashback_guide/
 | url-status = live
 }}</ref>

In addition, [[Hewlett-Packard|HP]] has introduced a ''USB floppy drive key'', an ordinary USB flash drive with the capacity to emulate floppy drives, allowing it to be used for updating system firmware where direct use of USB flash drives is not supported. The desired mode of operation, regular USB mass storage device or floppy drive emulation, is selected via sliding a switch on the device's housing.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://h20565.www2.hp.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/psi/home/?sp4ts.oid=3374182&ac.admitted=1389715656950.876444892.492883150 |title = HP USB Floppy Drive Key Support - HP Support Center |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140114162241/https://h20565.www2.hp.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/psi/home/?sp4ts.oid=3374182&ac.admitted=1389715656950.876444892.492883150 |archive-date=14 January 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slashgear.com/hp-usb-floppy-drive-key-2420273/ |title=HP USB Floppy Drive Key |date=24 October 2008 |publisher=SlashGear |access-date=2017-06-06 |archive-date=2017-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808193300/https://www.slashgear.com/hp-usb-floppy-drive-key-2420273/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Booting operating systems===
<!-- This image is of a drive not supported by Microsoft any longer, so it should be replaced by something supported
[[File:Windows To Go USB Drive.png|thumb|Bootable [[Windows To Go]] USB flash drive|link=Windows To Go]] -->
Most current PC firmware permits [[booting]] from a USB drive, allowing the launch of an operating system from a [[bootable]] flash drive. Such a configuration is known as a [[Live USB]].<ref>[http://www.pcworld.com/article/2152040/aomei-partition-assistant-review-windows-to-go-no-longer-just-for-enterprise-users.html  Boot Windows from a certified USB flash drive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225000757/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2152040/aomei-partition-assistant-review-windows-to-go-no-longer-just-for-enterprise-users.html |date=2016-02-25 }}. Retrieved on 14 May 2014</ref>

Original flash memory designs had very limited estimated lifetimes. The failure mechanism for flash memory cells is analogous to a [[Fatigue (material)|metal fatigue]] mode; the device fails by refusing to write new data to specific cells that have been subject to many read-write cycles over the device's lifetime. Premature failure of a "live USB" could be circumvented by using a flash drive with a write-lock switch as a [[Write Once Read Many|WORM device]], identical to a [[live CD]]. Originally, this potential failure mode limited the use of "live USB" system to special-purpose applications or temporary tasks, such as:

* Loading a minimal, hardened [[kernel (operating system)|kernel]] for embedded applications (e.g., network router, firewall).
* Bootstrapping an operating system install or [[disk cloning]] operation, often across a network.
* Maintenance tasks, such as virus scanning or low-level data repair, without the primary host operating system loaded.

{{As of|2011}}, newer flash memory designs have much higher estimated lifetimes. Several manufacturers are now offering warranties of 5 years or more. Such warranties should make the device more attractive for more applications. By reducing the probability of the device's premature failure, flash memory devices can now be considered for use where a magnetic disk would normally have been required. Flash drives have also experienced an exponential growth in their storage capacity over time (following the [[Moore's Law]] growth curve). As of 2013, single-packaged devices with capacities of 1&nbsp;[[Terabyte|TB]] are readily available,<ref name="tomshardware-1tb">{{cite web |author=Jane McEntegart |url=http://www.tomshardware.com/news/1TB-USB-Large-Capacity-Thumb-Drive-512GB-USB-DataTraveler-HyperX-Predator-USB-3,20278.html |title=Hands-on with Kingston's 1TB USB Stick |publisher=Tomshardware.com |date=2013-01-08 |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308063310/http://www.tomshardware.com/news/1TB-USB-Large-Capacity-Thumb-Drive-512GB-USB-DataTraveler-HyperX-Predator-USB-3,20278.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and devices with 16&nbsp;GB capacity are very economical. Storage capacities in this range have traditionally been considered to offer adequate space, because they allow enough space for both the operating system software and some free space for the user's data.

===Operating system installation media===
Installers of some operating systems can be stored to a flash drive instead of a CD or DVD, including various [[Linux distribution]]s, [[Windows&nbsp;7]] and newer versions, and [[macOS]]. In particular, [[Mac OS X 10.7]] is distributed only online, through the [[Mac App Store]], or on flash drives; for a [[MacBook Air]] with [[Boot Camp (software)|Boot Camp]] and no external optical drive, a flash drive can be used to run installation of Windows or Linux from USB, a process that can be automated via the use of tools like the [[Universal USB Installer]] or [[Rufus (software)|Rufus]].

However, for installation of Windows 7 and later versions, using USB flash drive with hard disk drive emulation as detected in PC's firmware is recommended in order to boot from it. Transcend is the only manufacturer of USB flash drives containing such a feature.

Furthermore, for installation of [[Windows XP]], using a USB flash drive with a storage limit of at most 2&nbsp;GB is recommended in order to boot from it.

===Windows ReadyBoost===
In [[Windows Vista]] and later versions, [[ReadyBoost]] feature allows flash drives (from 4&nbsp;GB in case of Windows Vista) to augment operating system memory.<ref name="test">{{cite web |first=Martin |last=Brinkmann |title=Windows 7 to Extend Readyboost |url=http://windows7news.com/2008/11/01/windows-7-to-extend-readyboost/ |publisher=Windows 7 News |date=2008-11-01 |access-date=2009-05-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106073155/http://windows7news.com/2008/11/01/windows-7-to-extend-readyboost/ |archive-date=2009-01-06 }}</ref>

===Application carriers===
Flash drives are used to carry [[List of portable software|applications]] that run on the host computer [[Portable software|without requiring installation]]. While any standalone application can in principle be used this way, many programs store data, configuration information, etc. on the hard drive and [[Windows Registry|registry]] of the host computer.

The [[U3 (software)|U3]] company works with drive makers (parent company [[SanDisk]] as well as others) to deliver custom versions of applications designed for [[Microsoft Windows]] from a special flash drive; U3-compatible devices are designed to autoload a menu when plugged into a computer running Windows. Applications must be modified for the U3 platform not to leave any data on the host machine. U3 also provides a software framework for [[independent software vendor]]s interested in their platform.

[[Ceedo]] is an alternative product that does not require Windows applications to be modified in order for them to be carried and run on the drive.

Similarly, other [[application virtualization]] solutions and [[portable application creators]], such as [[VMware ThinApp]] (for Windows) or RUNZ (for Linux) can be used to run software from a flash drive without installation.

In October 2010, [[Apple Inc.]] released their newest iteration of the [[MacBook Air]], which had the system's restore files contained on a USB hard drive rather than the traditional install CDs, because the Air did not include an optical drive.<ref>[https://techcrunch.com/2010/10/20/a-compact-death/ "Yep, Apple Killed The CD Today"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603231339/https://techcrunch.com/2010/10/20/a-compact-death/ |date=2017-06-03 }}. TechCrunch.com. October 20, 2010.</ref>

A wide range of [[portable application]]s, which are all free of charge, and able to run off a computer running Windows without storing anything on the host computer's drives or registry, can be found in the [[list of portable software]].

===Backup===
Some [[value-added reseller]]s are now using a flash drive as part of small-business [[turnkey]] solutions (e.g., [[point of sale|point-of-sale]] systems). The drive is used as a [[backup]] medium: at the close of business each night, the drive is inserted, and a [[database]] backup is saved to the drive. Alternatively, the drive can be left inserted through the business day, and data regularly updated. In either case, the drive is removed at night and taken offsite.

* This is simple for the end-user, and more likely to be done.
* The drive is small and convenient, and more likely to be carried off-site for safety.
* The drives are less fragile mechanically and magnetically than tapes.
* The capacity is often large enough for several backup images of critical data.
* Flash drives are cheaper than many other backup systems.

Flash drives also have disadvantages. They are easy to lose and facilitate unauthorized backups. A lesser setback for flash drives is that they have only one tenth the capacity of hard drives manufactured around their time of distribution.

=== Password Reset Disk ===
Password Reset Disk is a feature of the Windows operating system. If a user sets up a Password Reset Disk, it can be used to reset the password on the computer it was set up on.

===Audio players===
[[File:Sony Walkman NWZ-B183.jpg|thumb|A contemporary thumb drive styled solid-state digital audio player ([[Sony Walkman]] B180 Series)]]
Many companies make small solid-state [[digital audio player]]s, essentially producing flash drives with sound output and a simple user interface. Examples include the [[Creative MuVo]], [[Philips GoGear]] and the first generation [[iPod shuffle]]. Some of these players are true USB flash drives as well as music players; others do not support general-purpose data storage. Other applications requiring storage, such as [[Digital recording|digital voice or sound recording]], can also be combined with flash drive functionality.<ref>[http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/VN-801PC_Instructions_EN.pdf From the manual for a typical digital voice recorder] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201153455/http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/VN-801PC_Instructions_EN.pdf |date=2016-02-01 }}: "Apart from using this unit as a recorder, you can use it as an external memory for your computer, as an external storage device."</ref>

Many of the smallest players are powered by a permanently fitted rechargeable battery, charged from the USB interface. Fancier devices that function as a digital audio player have a USB host port (type A female typically).

===Media storage and marketing===
[[File:Wizo USB Stick.jpg|thumb|The German band [[Wizo]]'s ''Stick EP'', released in 2004, was the first album released on a USB stick.]]
[[Digital audio]] [[Audio file formats|files]] can be transported from one computer to another like any other file, and played on a compatible [[media player (application software)|media player]] (with caveats for [[Digital rights management|DRM]]-locked files). In addition, many home [[Hi-Fi]] and [[car audio|car stereo head units]] are now equipped with a USB port. This allows a USB flash drive containing media files in a variety of formats to be played directly on devices which support the format. Some LCD monitors for consumer HDTV viewing have a dedicated USB port through which music and video files can also be played without use of a personal computer.

Artists have sold or given away USB flash drives, with the first instance believed to be in 2004 when the German punk band [[Wizo]] released the ''Stick EP'', only as a USB drive. In addition to five high-[[bitrate]] [[MP3]]s, it also included a video, pictures, lyrics, and [[tablature|guitar tablature]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/vorbespielter-usb-stick-musik-zum-loeschen-a-321682.html |title=Vorbespielter USB-Stick: Musik zum Löschen |last1=Patalong |first1=Frank |date=2004-10-06 |website=[[Spiegel Online]] |publisher=[[Der Spiegel]] |access-date=2014-06-26 |language=de |archive-date=2015-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709171002/http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/vorbespielter-usb-stick-musik-zum-loeschen-a-321682.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, artists including [[Year Zero (album)#Promotion|Nine Inch Nails]] and [[X (Kylie Minogue album)|Kylie Minogue]]<ref>[https://www.amazon.co.uk/X-USB-Kylie-Minogue/dp/B000YVCQZW X (USB): Kylie Minogue: Amazon.co.uk: Music] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118213009/https://www.amazon.co.uk/X-USB-Kylie-Minogue/dp/B000YVCQZW |date=2018-11-18 }}. Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved on 2011-05-18.</ref> have released music and promotional material on USB flash drives. The first USB album to be released in the UK was ''[[Kiss Does... Rave]]'', a [[compilation album]] released by the [[Kiss Network]] in April 2007.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/albums-arrive-on-usb-format/035620|title=Albums arrive on USB format|date=23 April 2007|magazine=[[Music Week]]|issn=0265-1548|oclc=60620772|access-date=8 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908105902/http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/albums-arrive-on-usb-format/035620|archive-date=8 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Brand and product promotion===
[[File:Ubuntu USB lanyard.jpg|thumb|100px|[[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]]-branded USB flash drive and [[lanyard]]]]

The availability of inexpensive flash drives has enabled them to be used for [[promotion (marketing)|promotional]] and [[marketing]] purposes, particularly within technical and computer-industry circles (e.g., technology [[trade fair|trade shows]]). They may be given away for free, sold at less than wholesale price, or included as a bonus with another purchased product.

Usually, such drives will be custom-stamped with a company's [[logo]], as a form of [[advertising]]. The drive may be blank, or preloaded with graphics, documentation, web links, [[Adobe Flash|Flash]] [[animation]] or other [[multimedia]], and free or demonstration software. Some preloaded drives are read-only, while others are configured with both read-only and user-writable segments. Such dual-partition drives are more expensive.<ref name=cp3>{{cite web |url=http://www.usbpromos.com/data-preloading-custom-usb-promos-usb-drives/ |title=Preloaded Flash Drives &#124; USB Promos |access-date=2016-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423060855/http://www.usbpromos.com/data-preloading-custom-usb-promos-usb-drives |archive-date=2015-04-23 }}</ref>

Flash drives can be set up to automatically launch stored presentations, websites, articles, and any other software immediately on insertion of the drive using the Microsoft Windows [[AutoRun]] feature.<ref name=cp1>[http://www.flashbay.com/usb_flash_drive_autorun_setup.html USB flash drive auto run setup] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301232343/http://www.flashbay.com/usb_flash_drive_autorun_setup.html |date=2010-03-01 }}, article from Flashbay.com</ref> Autorunning software this way does not work on all computers, and it is normally disabled by security-conscious users.

===Arcades===
In the [[arcade game]] ''[[In the Groove (game)|In the Groove]]'' and more commonly ''[[In The Groove 2]]'', flash drives are used to transfer high scores, [[screenshots]], dance edits, and combos throughout sessions. As of software revision 21 (R21), players can also store custom songs and play them on any machine on which this feature is enabled. While use of flash drives is common, the drive must be [[Linux]] compatible.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

In the arcade games ''[[Pump it Up NX2]]'' and ''[[Pump it Up NXA]]'', a specially produced flash drive is used as a "save file" for unlocked songs, as well as for progressing in the WorldMax and Brain Shower sections of the game.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

In the arcade game ''[[Dance Dance Revolution X]]'', an exclusive USB flash drive was made by Konami for the purpose of the link feature from its Sony PlayStation 2 counterpart. However, any USB flash drive can be used in this arcade game.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}