Since the use of floppy disks ended, and zip drives became a thing of the past, file sizes have increased to the point where CDs and DVDs are no longer sufficient for storage. Since then, the humble USB drive has become a crucial means of portable storage. You might have many old USB drives in your desk drawer, either purchased by you, received as gifts, or bundled with hardware, containing essential driver files.
These drives can be useful for your work or might be too small for your daily tasks. However, there’s no need to throw them away, as, with a simple reformatting, you can repurpose them for various interesting projects. Here are some ways you can reuse your old USB drives.
Make a computer unlock key
We often hear about how poor our digital password practices are, and this also applies to our computer login passwords. So why not turn these passwords into a thing of the past? Transform your old USB drive into a physical login key for your computer. This way, you’ll be more secure and will use it daily like your own secret agent! It’s a simple yet effective solution that repurposes old tech.
To use this method, you’ll need to follow three simple steps: install a program, set up your USB drive, and then insert the USB drive to unlock your computer. When you unplug the drive, the computer locks and cannot be accessed by anyone else. It’s a great way to add an extra layer of security to your computer, especially if you work in public places. While most software packages may have a small cost, you’re not spending extra on new USB keys or security dongles because you already have USB drives on hand.
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Take your Chrome profile with you
Yes, you can install Google Chrome on a USB drive to make it a portable app. This way, all your bookmarks and other data are stored on the USB drive, leaving no trace on the computer you use. It’s a great solution for maintaining privacy, as you can keep your portable browser with you on an old USB drive and always have access to your browser.
Recycle them
If you prefer not to use your USB drives yourself, some services can recycle or repurpose them. For instance, some services take old USB drives and convert them into portable learning centers for children, giving them a new purpose and ensuring they aren’t just sitting unused. If you’re interested, you can look for local recycling programs or organizations that accept such items.
Portable Linux install
Installing Linux on a live USB drive allows you to carry your operating system with you wherever you go. You can boot into your familiar environment on any computer, ensuring consistency and security. It’s a great way to keep your computing environment portable and personalized.
Using Ventoy is a great way to manage multiple Linux distributions on a single USB drive. It allows you to easily boot into various operating systems without having to reformat the drive each time. This is especially useful for trying out different distributions or tools for specific tasks. It’s a convenient and flexible solution, and it ensures that no traces are left on the host computer.
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You can never have too many recovery drives
Computers can malfunction anytime, whether you are using Linux, Windows, or Mac OS. Modern Mac computers have a robust recovery environment for reinstallation, but this cannot be said for other options. If your old USB drives have at least 16 GB of storage, consider creating recovery drives for Windows 11 or Linux, so you can have them at home for emergencies. You’ll be glad you did if your computer encounters a problem that needs immediate resolution.
Make an mp3 mixtape for someone
Streaming media has made accessing music easier, but it has also taken away the magic we felt while discovering new music in the past. Instead of creating playlists on platforms like Spotify, make a digital playlist for your friends by putting some MP3 files on an old USB drive. You might introduce them to a new band they’ll love.
The intention is what matters. Crafting a mixtape by selecting tracks that match the mood you want to convey is a skill worth mastering. It involves not only choosing the right tracks but also knowing how they flow together. A good rule of thumb is to keep around twelve tracks but feel free to experiment with different lengths. The key is to ensure they match your preferred mood.
Make a portable antivirus stick
While modern antivirus programs offer protection against viruses, sometimes they can’t remove all malware when the operating system is running. Since modern malware and viruses are sophisticated, the best approach is to use a portable version of your preferred antivirus tool on a USB drive. When you suspect that your computer might be infected, you can boot from this USB drive to scan and clean your system.
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Use it as a dead drop
Dead Drops” is a Berlin artist Arm Barthol’s concept that allows people to share data via old USB drives placed in public places. This method can be a fun way to practice your spy skills but remember to be cautious and respectful of privacy. Instead of using your work laptop, use a personal or dedicated device to explore these drives. You might find some interesting files or even a quirky surprise like a recipe for your grandmother’s chocolates.
​​​​​​​Old USB drives still have some utility, even if they’re limited in capacity
Even though the cost of USB storage has gone down and newer, higher-capacity USB drives are more common, old USB drives still have their uses. You can repurpose them for various projects, such as creating backup and recovery drives or for low-cost computing tasks. They can be valuable for storing important files or even as a means to share data in a simple, portable way. Repurposing these drives can help you make the most of what you have.