On this page
01. What you need02. Download the punches03. Load them into the software04. Copy users to another terminal05. Common problems06. A typical scenario07. Common mistakes08. Quick checklist09. Frequently asked questions
Plug a FAT32 USB drive into the K40 Pro, open Menu > USB Disk Mgt (or similar), choose to download attendance data, then import the file on the PC through the software's USB import option.
Key takeaways
- Format the drive as FAT32 if the terminal does not see it.
- Download attendance and user data separately.
- Import the file on the PC in the software.
- Keep the drive for backup after each payroll run.
01What you need
- A small USB flash drive, 32 GB or less is safest.
- Formatted as FAT32.
- Administrator access on the K40 Pro.
02Download the punches
- Insert the flash drive into the K40 Pro USB port.
- Press Menu and sign in as administrator.
- Open USB Disk Mgt (the exact name varies by firmware).
- Choose Download Attendance Data and, if asked, the date range.
- Wait for the confirmation and remove the drive safely.
03Load them into the software
- Plug the drive into the PC.
- In ZKBio Time.Net look for an option to import data from a USB disk under the Device or Attendance menu.
- Select the file the terminal produced and import.
- Check Attendance > Transaction to confirm the punches arrived.
04Copy users to another terminal
The same menu can download user data and upload it to a second K40 or compatible terminal, which saves enrolling everyone twice. Always keep a copy of the files off the PC.
05Common problems
- The terminal says the disk is not found: reformat to FAT32 or try a smaller drive.
- The file imports but shows no people: employee IDs on the device must exist in the software, so sync users first.
- Duplicate punches: importing the same file twice is normally harmless because identical punches are ignored, but check the transaction list.
06A typical scenario
A construction site in Juja had no network at the gate hut. Every Friday the supervisor put a flash drive in the K40 Pro, downloaded the week's attendance, and the office loaded the file on payday. It was slower than a network, but it worked every week without fail.
Illustrative example based on common cases, not a named customer.
07Common mistakes
- Using a drive formatted in NTFS or exFAT that the terminal cannot read.
- Pulling the drive out before the copy finishes.
- Importing before the employees exist in the software.
- Not keeping the drive file as a backup.
- Clearing the terminal before checking the import.
08Quick checklist
- FAT32 flash drive
- Download attendance data from USB Disk Mgt
- Safely remove the drive
- Import on the PC
- Check the transaction list
- Keep a copy of the file
09Frequently asked questions
Which USB format does the K40 Pro use?
FAT32 is the safe choice. Some terminals do not read NTFS or exFAT drives.
Can I delete the records after downloading?
Only after you have imported and backed them up. Clearing old records can also help when memory is full; see memory full.
Is USB download slower than the network?
For a day's punches it is quick. For routine daily use the network is easier.
Can I upload photos or screensavers by USB?
Many ZKTeco terminals allow it from the same USB menu. Check your firmware's menu.
This guide is part of our ZKTeco K40 and ZKBio Time.Net series. For the full start-to-finish walkthrough with screenshots, read How to Configure a ZKTeco K40 Pro with ZKBio Time.Net.
ZKTeco and ZKBio are trademarks of ZKTeco Inc. Menu names on the K40 Pro and in the software vary slightly by firmware and software version; where yours differ, look for the nearest match. Qyvea is a ZKTeco reseller and installer in Kenya.
