Users can turn disable USB flash drive pop up messages in Windows 10 by performing a very simple step in Settings. While it may seem counterproductive to turn off USB notifications in Windows 10, once you’ve been using Windows for a while you will likely want to reduce the number of pop-up messages.

There are two ways to disable USB flash drive messages in Windows. Performing a RegEdit or modifing a Settings feature in the Windows GUI

Disable the USB flash drive pop up message via Windows Registry Edit

• Open RegEdit by typing “regedit” in the Search bar
• Navigate to: HOKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Miscrosoft\Shell\USB
• Click the USB folder on the left of the screen to highlight the registry entries for \USB\
• On the right side of screen select “NotifyOnUsbErrors” by clicking on it
• Right click and select “Modify”
• Set the value to “0” (zero). Zero is off, One is on

NOTE: Most users will receive a message saying they do not have privileges to modify the registry value. That is meant by design, and please see the comments at the end of this article for why.

Disable the USB flash drive pop up message via Settings

• Type “settings” in the Seach bar of Windows
• Select “Devices”
• Select the USB tab near/at the bottom on left
• Uncheck “Notify me if there are issues connecting USB devices

The second method via Settings is the preferred method because changing registry entries is not recommended unless the user is very experienced with computers. Windows 10 does a good job of not allowing users make registry changes that would crash their computer or brick the operating system, but the risk is still there.

If you received some sort of permissions message when attempting our regedit method, I would stay away from trying to resolve that security message. The reason Miscrosoft locks downt he registry in certain areas is to provide a more secure computer system for the user and reduce potential risk of malware or hackers getting control of your computer.

Over the years, numerous reports have come out about how hackers will expose certain USB protocols to insert malware or take control of a system. The registry is the main point of focus for hackers.

If you are persistent about changing the registry entries the first thing you can try is running RegEdit as Administrator. If that doesn’t resolve your issue then you may Google search for your specific error message and see if another website offers up a solution.

Electric vehicles are increasingly popular, and many Tesla owners are discovering the appeal of camping with their cars. With generous interior space, comfortable seating, and advanced features, a Tesla can be a practical option for road trips and overnight stays. However, some owners run into power issues when trying to run devices like electric coolers or medical equipment such as CPAP machines that require continuous power.

Below is a simple, real-world workaround that some owners have used to keep the 12V outlet powered overnight.

One Tesla owner shared their experience attempting to run an eCooler during a camping trip. They tried using Sentry Mode and Camp Mode, but once the vehicle entered sleep mode, the rear 12V outlet on their Model Y stopped supplying power. While troubleshooting, they accidentally left a duffle bag on the driver’s seat. The car interpreted the added weight as an occupied seat, prevented sleep mode from activating, and kept the 12V system active. The cooler continued running without interruption.

This simple trick—placing weight on the driver’s seat—has worked for some owners who need continuous power for devices like coolers or CPAP machines. For users who rely on medical devices overnight, maintaining uninterrupted power can be critical.

That said, this is an informal workaround, not an official Tesla-supported feature. Tesla frequently updates vehicle software and power management behavior, so this method may stop working in the future. Still, for now, many owners report that this approach keeps the 12V outlet active through the night.

The Romotow T8 is a conceptual caravan that has taken the world of mobile homes by storm for its sleek design and creative form. One of the most intriguing features of the Romotow is its swiveling design, which strongly resembles the USB swivel drives often featured on this website.

It was created by the renowned New Zealand architecture firm W2, and it is unlike any other RV you have likely seen. With its distinctive design, advanced features, and premium materials, the Romotow T8 delivers a unique camping experience for those who want something visually striking and unconventional.

The caravan is built on a fixed chassis with a curved exterior, while the inner living section can rotate up to 90 degrees. This innovative design allows the caravan to expand and contract, offering flexible indoor and outdoor living space. When opened, the Romotow creates a spacious deck area ideal for relaxing outdoors. Large doors open into a sheltered living space, giving the interior an open, modern feel.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Romotow T8 includes features designed to impress. Options include wall-mounted TVs, an outdoor projector, integrated audio, and sleeping configurations with either single or double beds. The caravan runs on a 200Ah lithium battery supported by roof-mounted solar panels, making it well-suited for off-grid use.

Despite its advanced design, the Romotow T8 may present practical challenges at some campgrounds. Many campsites use narrow parking layouts, which could make it difficult or impossible to fully open the rotating structure without interfering with nearby vehicles or RVs. In practice, the Romotow is likely better suited for open environments rather than tightly packed RV parks.

As expected with a design-forward product, the Romotow T8 carries a significant price tag. At approximately $266,000 USD, it sits at the high end of the caravan market. Buyers outside New Zealand may also face additional costs related to international import and compliance.

In conclusion, the Romotow T8 is an ambitious and visually distinctive caravan that offers a genuinely different camping experience. Its rotating structure enables adaptable living space, and its feature set positions it as a premium product. While not practical for every campsite and certainly not inexpensive, it is a standout option for those who value design and originality.

The design company behind this project is W2 in New Zealand

TeamViewer is one of the most popular applications to share computer screens with other people. However, TeamViewer is very expensive. Is there a TeamViewer alternative? Yes there is… and it’s 100% free.

We found a TeamViewer alternative one day because, as a business, we had to provide technical support to a remote Windows computer. TeamViewer is very clear about their software being used in a business should have a business license.

From the screenshot below, you can see a single license is $34.90 per month. What TeamViewer doesn’t tell you… until halfway through the purchase process… is a yearly subscription is your only option. Ugh. This now puts your TeamViewer cost at $418.80 for a single year. More licenses require a bigger financial commitment.

We immediately went into TeamViewer alternative mode.

As an alternative, we found Quick Assist from Microsoft.

Quick Assist is 100% free and offered by Microsoft, which allows users to share their computer screen and give full control to the other person. There is no time limit for a sharing session, no limit to the number of times you can use the tool, and no restriction on who you can use the tool with.

You need to download the free utility from the Microsoft App Store, and that process is extremely easy. Type “quick assist” into the search bar and Windows will provide a link to download.

After download, the Quick Assist app is ready for use.

By launching the app you can either input a code from an assistant who is helping you remotely, or you can select the option to assist someone else. See the image below.

To assist another person you will need a Microsoft account, and if you don’t have one, Quick Assist will guide you through the process in just a couple of steps.

If you are receiving help from someone, a Microsoft account is not required.

Below are a couple screenshots showing the connection flow between an “assistant” and the person receiving help.

It is worth noting, the Quick Assist application is 100% free, but there are some limitations to it. For example, there is no built-in chat feature like in TeamViewer; however, we found that launching Notepad allows both users to type and communicate during the session. Of course, the two can always pick up a phone and communicate the old-school way.

The only potentially serious limitation is the fact Quick Assist does not allow file transfers between computers. In our situation, we needed to supply a file to the client and simply emailed the files instead. However, if email is part of the problem, this could be a roadblock.

That said, for our use case, we found an excellent TeamViewer alternative that cost nothing, was quick to set up, and had all the features we needed.

The other thing to consider is that Quick Assist is a Microsoft product designed for Microsoft Windows. The tool does not work on other operating systems.

So the next time you need to share a computer screen with someone off-site, the Quick Assist tool is a strong alternative to the popular TeamViewer application.

Hold USB Flash Drive in a DVD Case

This is a brilliant solution that, after watching the video, will make you say, “This should have come out years ago!”

It is the least expensive — yet most secure way to hold a USB flash drive in a DVD case.

The era of CDs and DVDs is coming to a close, with USB flash drives taking their place. Yet many CD and DVD duplication facilities still have shelves full of DVD jewel cases that need a new purpose. The DVD-to-USB Insert card is a quick, easy, and low-cost solution.

The insert allows users to keep their existing DVD cases and printed artwork exactly the same, while securely holding a USB flash drive inside the case instead of an optical disc.

Many businesses continue to prefer DVD cases because they make excellent storage containers. The case size is practical, and the thick spine provides space to clearly label the contents.

This solution allows you to continue using that same “library-style” organization with the DVD-to-USB Insert card.

As shown in the video above, the insert can securely hold two USB flash drives inside a single DVD case. The DVD-to-USB Insert is made from clear plastic with a thickness of 0.65 mm — the same diameter as a DVD disc.

The clear plastic insert includes two inverted rectangular cutouts designed to hold nearly any USB flash drive. It accommodates drives up to approximately 3 inches long, 3/4 inch wide, and 3/8 inch thick (for metric users: 76 mm long, 21 mm wide, and 9.5 mm deep).

A center hole, the same size as a DVD disc hub, allows the insert to snap securely into the DVD case’s retention clip. Using virtually any standard DVD case on the market, the USB flash drive remains firmly in place and will not fall out during shipping or transit.

To be clear, the DVD-to-USB Insert includes only the clear plastic insert that holds the USB flash drive using the DVD case’s center snap. The DVD case itself is not included, as this solution assumes the user already has DVD case inventory.

This method of securing USB flash drives inside a DVD case does not infringe on patents held by other manufacturers using alternate retention designs.

Please contact USB Copier for more details. USB Copier is a professional USB duplication service company.

DIY recipes are beloved for many reasons: saving money, saving time, and the rewarding task of simply doing it yourself. Today’s post is clearly off topic from the normal USB hacks and news we typically write about. Today we’re talking about making a Starbucks-style coffee at home — not standard black coffee, but the more delicious varieties like a vanilla latte.

At the time of this post, the Coronavirus is in full swing and many Starbucks shops are closed, operating with limited hours, or have drive-thru lines that are simply too long. Here’s your in-home solution.

The first thing to understand is just how sweet Starbucks really makes their drinks. It’s well known the calorie and carbohydrate counts for a vanilla latte are fairly high. This DIY recipe helps you control those intake amounts, giving you better control over how much sugar your body gets from these sweet, delicious, energy-giving drinks.

We should really give Starbucks credit for figuring out the exact balance of sugar and caffeine needed to jump-start your heart rate in a legally addictive way.

Starting with a vanilla latte, the real magic of this drink is the full, frothy milk. There’s no requirement for the fancy frother you see behind the Starbucks counter. A simple $40 (approximately) milk frother from Amazon will do the trick. The Miroco is a fantastic product and a true life-changer for making coffee-based drinks. Probably the best “appliance” purchase we’ve made since the introduction of the DVR in 1999 (feel free to challenge us on this claim {wink}).

The first step is to brew your coffee. Use any brand you like. If you want the closest taste to Starbucks, use their coffee, but honestly, with enough sugar and syrup added, the coffee brand doesn’t matter all that much.

Once the coffee is brewed, fire up the milk frother.

This topic is brought up today because we hear some users have issues understanding this point. The partition size inside an image file does matter. The question we will answer today is why it matters, and why an image can fail even when the IMG file itself looks small.

Let us start off with two simplified overviews. First, all storage devices use a partition to define their characteristics. A storage device has a file system like FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, and that file system has a defined size or digital capacity. These characteristics, along with a few others, are laid out in the partition table.

Second, an image file is the above partition with all its detail — the file system, defined capacity, along with all the actual files and folders on that partition — captured into a single file, typically an .img file.

For a non-technical person, let me use a puzzle as an example.

• The puzzle box is equivalent to the physical device.
• The plastic bag inside the puzzle box, holding all the pieces, is the image file.
• The print on the puzzle box indicating the number of pieces is the partition.
• The puzzle pieces inside the box are equivalent to the data.

At this point we know the image file (.img) is the bag that holds all the puzzle pieces and the data are the pieces themselves. So let’s address the core question: why does the partition size matter inside an image file?

Back to the puzzle box. The outside of the box lists how many pieces are inside. If the physical box size is, say, 8 by 11 inches, it’s logical that a 1,000-piece puzzle would fit. It’s also logical that a 20-piece puzzle would fit. But could a 5,000-piece puzzle fit inside that same box?

From those scenarios, one clearly doesn’t work. The box claims more pieces than the physical space can support. Partitions behave the same way.

Said another way, you cannot use a partition table size of 4GB and try to write that image to a USB stick that has only 1GB of physical storage. Even if the image file itself contains only 1GB of actual data, the declared partition size still must fit on the device.

Here is a real-world example: you can download this IMG file which is only 40MB in size. The IMG contains a 4GB partition. Write it to a 4GB (or larger) flash drive and it works. Try writing it to a 2GB drive and it will not.

What happens?

Windows is smart. All modern versions of Windows compare the partition table size against the available physical memory on the device. If Windows sees the partition claims more space than physically exists, it blocks access to the device and only allows formatting. Formatting rewrites the partition table to match the real capacity.

This behavior exists to prevent fraud. Older operating systems like Windows XP did not validate partition size versus physical memory, which allowed fake-capacity USB drives to be sold. Windows 7 and newer closed that loophole.

This same partition-size rule shows up frequently when creating bootable media. We’ve seen it come into play when users attempt to write boot images that fail silently or appear corrupted, such as when creating tools like the Ultimate Boot CD on a USB flash drive, where the target USB device must meet or exceed the image’s declared partition size.

If you found this article because an image file is not working when written to a USB flash drive, check the partition size inside the image against the physical capacity of the device. The easiest way to verify this is to mount the IMG file and check its properties. Keep in mind the default Windows mount option does not work for this; you need something like this.

Will "USB juice jacking" trend on Twitter anytime soon? Probably not. Should you be paranoid about USB juice jacking? Probably not.

What is USB juice jacking anyway?

The idea is someone, a hacker, trying to steal your data while you are charging up, or "getting juice" from a public USB port.

Yes, it can technically happen, so don't be fooled. But could it actually happen? Probably not, so don't sound like a fool.

Getting down to brass tacks of how this could happen, what would a hacker need to pull it off?

First, they'd need to make a connection, either WiFi or Bluetooth. This connection would transmit your valuable data to the hacker. To do that, the hacker needs some sort of device that holds that communication chip. That chip would need to sit behind the USB port in the string of communication. This "device" would also need power.

Given the above, a quick observation of the USB port you are planning to use will tell you everything you need to know. So basically if you see a big block with a USB port, don't plug in your device. If it's a wall mounted USB port, chances are ultra-slim there is a technology behind the placard stealing your data.

So take airport chairs and charging stations for example; as this is the most common place a website gives for the "scare." You are not going to get hacked using those ports. First off, airports are high security areas and those charging stations are monitored. Second, the security cameras will pick up on someone trying to tamper with a charging station or USB port on the chair. Third, the people in the terminal need a boarding pass to get to those spots, so their identity is already known if anything suspicious does turn up.

It's also worth noting that USB charging has effectively become the universal power standard for mobile devices. As discussed in our follow-up coverage on how USB became the dominant "juice" connection for phones and mobile gear, power delivery has standardized far faster than most people expected. Read the updated analysis here .

Now, if we are talking a coffee shop just be sure

What do you call a bee born in the United States? A USB.

When the person who invented the USB drive dies: They will lower the coffin into the grave and realize it’s the wrong direction. Flip it, and try again.

Why do people complain about plugging in USB cables? I always connect them on my second try.

Amazon offers a USB-powered taillight: It’s used to back up your computer.

Arguing with your wife is like a USB port: You will only be right 50% of the time.

I ate my USB flash drive: It only took 1 byte.

If you are carrying around a USB stick: Do you have mobile data?

What do you call a USB stick in Russia? A “Put-in.”

The USB Type-C design is brilliant: I can’t see a downside to it.

How do you stop an elephant from charging? Take away its USB cable.

Thanks to these guys for inspiration.

In a battle so old most users no longer think about it, Microsoft has moved away from requiring safe removal for USB flash drives. The original intent behind safe removal was to prevent data loss if a user unplugged a drive before an active write operation had completed.

In practice, data loss was uncommon unless a large file was actively being transferred, but it is notable to see Microsoft finally adapt to real-world user behavior.

The update that introduced this change arrived with Windows 10 version 1809. If you are unsure which version of Windows you are running, right-click the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of your screen and select System.

From the resulting screen, you can view the installed version of your operating system.

History of portable storage devices – An interesting topic and starts earlier then you probably think.  Starting in 1928 the punch card is what started it all.  Like the punch music you probably remember on your grandmothers piano where the piano played automatically from the punch roll.

• 1928 – Punch Card Storage: One of the earliest forms of portable data storage, punch cards used holes in paper to represent data and instructions for computers.
• 1956 – Magnetic Disk Storage (IBM 305 RAMAC): Introduced the first hard disk drive, capable of storing 5 MB of data using rotating magnetic platters.
• 1963 – Magnetic Tape Cartridges: Offered portable data storage for mainframes, allowing larger amounts of information to be transported between systems.
• 1971 – Floppy Disk: A flexible magnetic disk developed by IBM, making it easier to store and transfer data on personal computers.
• 1984 – CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory): Allowed digital data to be stored on optical discs, improving durability and storage capacity over floppies.
• 1990 – PCMCIA Flash Memory Cards: Early flash memory cards, primarily used in laptops and industrial equipment, paved the way for solid-state storage devices.
• 1994 – CompactFlash (CF) Cards: Used in digital cameras and handheld devices, offering small, removable flash-based storage.
• 2000 – USB Flash Drive: A major breakthrough in portable storage, offering rewritable, durable, and high-capacity data storage via USB interface.
• 2005 – SD and microSD Cards: Became the standard flash storage format for cameras, smartphones, and embedded systems due to their small size and reliability.
• Today – High-Capacity Flash Storage: Modern USB drives and SSDs now offer terabytes of solid-state storage, with fast read/write speeds and advanced encryption capabilities, replacing most earlier portable storage technologies.

History of Portable Storage (Infograph) An infographic by the team at History of Portable Storage (Infograph)