In general, any new USB flash drive has no name. Once they plugged into a PC, the machine would recognize it as a storage flash drive along with a drive letter without a name.
For instance, Windows 7 using the prefix “Removable Disk”, and Windows 10 using “USB Drive” as the default name.
In this tutorial, I’m going to show you the easiest way to rename a USB flash drive both Windows PC and Mac. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
How to name a USB flash drive on Windows PC
First of all, plug in your USB flash drive to the computer or laptop. Then, open My Computer or Libraries on your device.
On the left sidebar, right-click on the desired USB DRIVE and click Rename.
You can also use a shortcut keyboard by click on the USB DRIVE and then press F2. Some characters are not allowed due to system concerns. So, it’s always recommended to use a letter or number solely.
After renaming the drive, press the Enter button on the keyboard, and the new name will remain permanent even though you are using it on another PC.
How to Name a USB Flash Drive on Mac
First, plug in the USB drive to the Mac device. The device icon immediately appears on the desktop. Click on the icon name, once highlighted, press Return/Enter key on the keyboard.
Next, you can name it, and press Return/Enter key or click blank space on the desktop to confirm the new name. Similar to Windows, the name will remain forever unless you change by yourself.
Another method is via the context menu. Right-click on the USB flash drive, select Get info. Once a new window appeared, go to Name & Extension and change the name.
File security and privacy are cannot be negotiable. That’s why you have to protect USB flash drive with a password so an unauthorized user cannot access your private files.
Additional Tips for Managing USB Flash Drives
Organize Your USB Drives with Color-Coded Labels
If you use multiple flash drives, consider adding physical labels or color-coded stickers to distinguish them. This simple step can help you quickly identify the correct drive without needing to plug it in.
Protect Your Data with Password Encryption
To keep sensitive data safe, encrypt your USB drive. On Windows, use BitLocker, and for Mac, enable the Encrypt option in Finder. These methods ensure your files remain secure even if the drive is lost or stolen. Check out Amazon’s encrypted USB drives for added convenience.
Regularly Backup Your USB Data
USB drives are prone to wear and tear. To avoid losing important files, make it a habit to back up your data to cloud storage or an external hard drive. Tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive can simplify this process.
FAQ
Can I rename a USB flash drive using my smartphone?
Yes, some smartphones allow renaming USB drives when connected via an OTG (On-The-Go) cable. Use a file manager app to locate the drive and rename it.
Why does my USB drive name revert after renaming?
This issue may occur if your USB drive is write-protected or has corrupted file system metadata. Reformatting the drive (after backing up data) can resolve the problem.
Is there a character limit when renaming a USB flash drive?
Yes, most systems impose a limit of 11 characters for FAT32-formatted drives. For NTFS or exFAT formats, longer names are generally supported.
How do I check the file system format of my USB drive?
On Windows, right-click the drive in File Explorer, select Properties, and look under “File System.” On Mac, open Disk Utility and check the format listed under the drive’s details.
Can I use emojis in the name of my USB flash drive?
Yes, modern operating systems like Windows 10/11 and macOS support emojis in file names. However, compatibility issues may arise when using the drive on older systems.
By following these tips and tricks, you can maximize the functionality and security of your USB flash drives!
