Computer Tricks and Secrets

Short answer: the real ways to speed up file copying are to use a faster copy tool (like TeraCopy or the built-in robocopy ), use faster hardware (USB 3.0+ ports and SSDs), and avoid the things that slow transfers, tiny files and antivirus scanning. Here is what actually works, with no fake "doubler" tricks. Use a faster copy tool TeraCopy , a free tool that copies faster, verifies files, and can pause/resume, much better than the default for big transfers. robocopy (built into Windows), powerful for large jobs; multi-threaded copying with /MT : robocopy "C:\\Source" "D:\\Destination" /E /MT:16 The /MT:16 flag copies with 16 threads, which noticeably speeds up folders full of files. Hardware is the real bottleneck Upgrade Effect on copy speed USB 3.0/3.1 port + drive Many times faster than USB 2.0 SSD instead of HDD Dramatically faster read/write Good cable/port Avoids throttling Always plug external drives into a blue USB 3.0 por...

Short answer: you can turn an ordinary USB drive into a physical key so your Windows PC locks the moment you unplug it and unlocks when you plug it back in. Free tools like Predator do this, and Windows has a built-in "Dynamic Lock" that does something similar with your phone. Here is how to set each up and which to choose. Method 1: USB-key lock with free software (Predator) Predator is a free tool that converts a USB flash drive into an access key: Install Predator and plug in the USB drive you want as your key. It writes a small key file to the drive (this does not erase your other files). Set a password as a backup, in case you lose the USB. Now, when you remove the drive, the screen goes dark and the keyboard and mouse are disabled; plug it back in and the PC unlocks. Any regular USB stick works as the key, you do not need a special device. Method 2: Windows built-in Dynamic Lock (uses your phone) If you would rather not use a USB, Windows can auto-lock w...

Short answer: the fastest way to move files depends on the devices, use Nearby Share (Android) or AirDrop (Apple) for phone-to-phone, a fast Wi-Fi transfer app for cross-platform, and a USB cable when you need to move a lot of large files quickly. Here is the fastest option for each situation. Phone to phone (same ecosystem) Android: Quick Share (Nearby Share) sends files device-to-device over a direct Wi-Fi link, fast and built in. Apple: AirDrop does the same between iPhones, iPads and Macs, very fast for photos and videos. Cross-platform (Android to iPhone, phone to PC) Fast Wi-Fi transfer apps create a direct connection between devices for high-speed transfer without the internet, useful across different platforms. Cloud sync (Google Drive, Dropbox) works anywhere but depends on your internet speed both ways. Send Anywhere and similar use a code to transfer directly between any two devices. When a cable still wins For moving many gigabytes (a video library, ...