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External Storage Devices

One of the most common criticisms of ChromeOS is that many ChromeOS devices ship with a smaller amount of built-in storage than their traditional Windows/macOS counterparts. ChromeOS does indeed try to encourage the use of Cloud Storage in favor of local storage; however, ChromeOS does allow for external storage options. 

Please keep in mind that ChromeOS does not encrypt external storage, so it is strongly advised not to store any sensitive information on an external storage device unless your external storage device includes a biometric security option that only exposes the storage when unlocked. Please refer to the ChromeOS Security Guide to understand the limitations of ChromeOS Security on external storage devices.

MicroSD/SD Cards

Most ChromeOS Devices have a MicroSD card that can be used to expand the storage available to your device. MicroSD Cards/SD Cards are designed to be removable but work very well as a fixed storage option for those who want a semi-permanent way to increase their storage. 

USB Flash Drives

ChromeOS works well with all USB Flash Drives on the market and offers a lot of flexibility as they can easily be swapped between multiple devices. Unlike MicroSD Cards or Full Size SD Cards, you should remove your USB Flash Drive whenever you plan to move or transport your ChromeOS Device.

External Hard Drives/External SSD

ChromeOS works well with all USB External Hard Drives on the market and is ideal for those who need a large amount of storage as the capabilities typically exceed the limits of USB Flash Drives. External USB Hard Drives offer the highest capacity options at a lower cost but sacrifice the speed and reliability that can be found with an External SSD. If you do plan to travel with your external drive, it is strongly advised to obtain an external SSD.  Some External Hard Drives may also require external power as their power requirements are often higher than their SSD counterparts, some draw power from a second USB connection and others may require being connected to a A/C wall outlet.