What is the life of a USB key?

USB sticks are perfect for storing digital files and replacing CDs and DVDs as storage media of choice.

The advantages of USB sticks are that they are portable, durable, and have incredible storage capacities (between 64MB and 256GB since 2010). Moreover, they are able to keep the memory even after power off. But can the memory last forever? Does it recommend using them to store important documents and files? How long do they last?

If you just copy data to a USB drive and put it in a safe place for 10 years, it will work again and all the data will still be there.

But if you keep using it again and again, it will definitely wear out.

USB sticks have a number of write / erase cycles defined

The life expectancy of a USB key can be measured by the number of write or erase cycles. USB sticks can last anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 write / erase cycles, depending on the memory technology used.

When the limit is reached, some of the memory will no longer function properly, which leads to data loss and corruption.


Of course, the life of a USB key can also be prematurely shortened if you abuse it, if you do not take care of it or expose it to extreme environmental conditions. In addition, if few quality memory components are used, USB flash drives can fail much sooner.

Be wary of unknown brands because they can use low quality components in the manufacturing process in order to maintain a low cost. If you are looking for high quality USB sticks, focus on suppliers who only use Grade A memory and have ISO-9001: 2008 certified factories.

Is it advisable to use USB keys to store important files?

The best use of USB sticks is to copy and transfer files from one computer to another. If you want to use it to store important files such as family photos and videos, it is recommended to make copies

Take care of your USB key

To prolong the life of your key and ensure that it works properly for years to come, here are some precautions to follow:

When not using the USB key, be sure to cover it with a plug to prevent the accumulation of dust and contaminants on the contacts.

1. Do not expose your USB key to harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures and humidity.
2.  Never remove the USB key from the system unit or from the USB port while it is still operating. Also, you must "Eject" the disc (Right-click on the USB key and select "Eject") before removing it from your computer.
3. Do not leave it plugged into the computer for an extended period of time. If you do not use it, simply unplug it from your computer.
   
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