---
id: data-transfers.only-some-transfers-wait-for-the-drive
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/only-some-transfers-wait-for-the-drive
category: "Data Transfers"
subcategory: "External drive and disk space"
question: "Why do some transfers wait for my external drive while others keep running?"
alt_questions:
  - "cloud to cloud transfer without drive"
  - "transfer runs without external drive"
  - "which transfers need the drive"
  - "unplugged drive some transfers still running"
short_answer: "Only transfers that use your Storage Studio external drive wait for it. Cloud-to-cloud, Mac-to-cloud and device transfers keep running when the drive is unplugged."
tags: ["external drive", "waiting for drive"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-does-waiting-for-drive-mean", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/check-drive-and-abandon-pending"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why do some transfers wait for my external drive while others keep running?

Only transfers that read from or write to your Storage Studio external drive need it. Those wait as *Waiting for drive* while it's unplugged and start by themselves when it's back.

Transfers that don't touch the drive — cloud to cloud, a Mac folder to a cloud account, or to a paired device — carry on normally, so you can keep working away from your desk.

Related: [“Waiting for drive”](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-does-waiting-for-drive-mean) · [External drives](https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/)