Writing to a USB Flash Drive Once longevity

[thescreensavers]

I'm putting a copy of an image of a backup on a flash drive and putting it away.

How long can I expect it to be able to be read in the future?

 

[Billb2]

Until the Earth runs out of food, but then, you'll be dead.
It's not the data, it's the ability to access it. USB will become extinct before the data is gone. And your Windows version will be long gone way before that happens.

 

[Coup27]

From what I understand, an SSD will eventually lose the information stored on it if it is not powered up within a certain time frame. I think this is 12 months, but I cannot say for sure.

I suspect USB sticks will suffer from the same issue. USB sticks are not designed for long term data retention. You're better off with DVD's, or if they are not practical, a HDD.

 

[Hellhammer]

From what I understand, an SSD will eventually lose the information stored on it if it is not powered up within a certain time frame. I think this is 12 months, but I cannot say for sure.

12 months at the end of their endurance rating, but 10 years with 10% cycling according to JEDEC spec.