Flash storage or USB flash drives have been around for a long time. But, to keep them and your MacBook safe, it is essential to learn how to manage flash storage on MacBook Pro. If you are a former Windows user and now using the MacBook for the first time, then keep reading this post. Here, you will find a useful guide to managing flash storage accurately for reliable performance.
What Is Flash Storage on a Mac?
Flash storage in a Mac is the storage integrated with the motherboard. That means if you are purchasing a MacBook Pro Retina with 256GB of flash storage, you can’t upgrade it to 512GB. However, an SSD is flash storage in an enclosure. It helps in the easier replacement of the actual HDD.
Flash storage uses erasable memory modules and has no moving parts. Both of these storage devices are less or more identical, excluding their physical connection. If your Mac is low on storage, you can add a flash drive to expand the space.
But how would you know how much storage space is available on your Mac? Well, your Mac will start displaying signs of performance lags, such as slow functioning or screen flickering that indicates you need to add more storage.
In this article, you will learn about the potential ways to expand the storage on Mac. In addition, you will get information on managing the flash drive on your Mac computer.
Flash Storage vs. SSD on MacBook
Most users consider SSD and flash storage as similar devices. But, still, there are some differences. Compared to SSD storage, flash storage is smaller and even faster. But, it is not true for all. It is necessary for the MacBook Pro and Air to use retina technology.
Since flash storage is integrated with the motherboard, you can’t upgrade it. But, the regular SSD can be upgraded to anyone you want. Let’s learn the ways to manage flash storage on Mac.
Delete Files From Flash Drive
To remove unwanted files from the flash drive, drag them into the trash. To start this process, open your system and connect the drive. Then, open the drive and drag and drop the required files into the Trash icon available at the Dock.
Alternatively, right-click on the selected files. Now, select ‘Move to Trash’ from the drop-down menu. Then, simply drag those files into the trash.
Erase Files in Disk Utility
Just like the Windows platform, macOS also features the option to format the flash drive. But, before you execute this option, note that it will fully erase the drive content. So, backup your files first. Plug your flash drive into your MacBook.
Navigate to Applications and then access Utilities. Now, open Disk Utility and choose the device or drive in the left sidebar. Hit the Erase button and give the device a name. Select the format and hit Erase.
Format the Flash Drive on macOS
To delete files from a flash drive on MacBook, use the Disk Utility option. Press Command and Space keys on the keyboard. Now, launch Spotlight and enter Disk Utility in the dialog box. Now, click on the Enter button to run the app.
You will see the connected USB drive as External. Click on the name of your flash drive to select it. Now, select the drive and tap Erase. This will permanently delete files from the flash drive.
How to Back Up Data Before Formatting?
Back up all your important data frequently before you format flash storage or any other device. Get Backup Pro is one of the best apps for bootable backups. When you load this app, you have to create a new project and give it a name.
Select the destination and also set when to trigger backup automatically. You can reduce the archive size greatly. Not just on Mac, but you can use this app to recover files from other operating systems as well.
Recover Deleted Files from Flash Drive
If you have deleted some important files accidentally while deleting a flash drive Mac, then restore it using a professional data recovery tool. The market is flooded with reliable software that helps you to recover deleted files from Mac for free.
The advantage of using a professional tool over manual data recovery methods is that the chances of permanent data loss are thin.
The Conclusion
Flash storage is an old technology used for the permanent storage of data. But, it underwent several improvements by the late 2000s. However, sometimes USB flash drives fail to work on Macs completely or function poorly.
To avoid this situation, it is necessary to make the best use of flash storage on the MacBook Pro. By formatting this drive, you can reduce the chances of data loss, sudden corruption, and other issues.