Well, there's no one answer to that question. If you simply added files to the flash drive & forgot about them, then likely, they are okay - even if you don't open that flash drive for 10 years. However, if you were to use a flash drive consistently for, say, 3 years, it's more likely to crash. This is due to the fact that the lifespan of a flash drive is based on wear & tear. And besides - what good are 10-year-old files if the file types themselves become obsolete?

It's like a pair of sneakers: if you wear them to the gym every day, you'll need a new pair sooner rather than later. Leave them in the closet, though, and they'll look brand new.

But even a flash drive left untouched has an expiration date.

So, what can you do to prolong it?

• Keep the cap on to prevent dust from entering the flash drive.
• Don't expose your flash drive to extreme temperatures.
• Always properly eject your flash drive - never just pull it out!
  The main concerns with flash drives are physical damage or simply losing them since they're so small! This is why we always say: make sure your files are backed up somewhere you can trust.