How Often Do You Power Up A Usb Stick?

I read that if the USB stick is just sitting on the computer desk not getting power just sitting there the data on the USB stick may start to go bad and you could get errors.

So how often do you plug in the USB stick to the computer to get power so it does not go bad? Every two years or every three years?

Yes using USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 at the least.

https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2017/05/01/lexar-jumpdrive-tough-usb-flash-drive-1_0.jpg

 

Where did you read this?

 

I've read it too - but generally, we are talking years (like 8 - 10 years) before degradation occurs - "IF" the drive is properly stored, undisturbed in a cool, dry place.

However, it should be pointed out that flash drives were never meant for long term storage of data. They were never meant to be backup storage devices. Their primary purpose is for very temporary storage. For example, to take a file from home to work.

Thumb drives are just too fragile to be used as backup devices. They can easily be lost, stepped on, or even zapped by static when putting in and pulling out of your pocket. And then there's the fact they are very cheap - and I am referring to cheap as in poor quality and reliability, not cost.

Never! Why? Because I never use flash drives to store important files, or for any type of long term storage. NEVER! And neither should you!