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To copy a file or folder in Windows, select it in File Explorer, press Ctrl+C, open the destination folder, and press Ctrl+V. To move it instead, use Ctrl+X followed by Ctrl+V. Copy keeps the original; cut and paste relocates it.
Copy or move files in File Explorer
- Open File Explorer. Press Windows key+E, or open File Explorer from the taskbar or Start menu.
- Select the item or items. To select multiple separate files or folders, hold Ctrl while selecting each one.
- Choose the action. To make another copy and leave the original where it is, press Ctrl+C. To relocate the selected items, press Ctrl+X.
- Open the destination folder and press Ctrl+V. Wait for the transfer to finish before closing File Explorer or disconnecting any storage device.
You can also use File Explorer’s Copy, Cut, and Paste commands from its menus or context menu. In Windows 11, common commands appear in the streamlined context menu; choose Show more options to find legacy commands that are not shown there. Menu labels can vary by Windows version and configuration. If an item is shown in Quick access, Microsoft notes you may need to open the item before using cut and paste.
Choose the right transfer method
| What you need | Suitable method | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Move items between folders on one PC | File Explorer: Cut, then Paste | Check that the destination is correct before moving the items. Microsoft’s File Explorer guidance describes the available commands. |
| Keep the original and make another copy | File Explorer: Copy, then Paste | The source remains in its original location. Microsoft’s Windows shortcut list includes Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V. |
| Transfer files to another PC without a storage device | OneDrive or another cloud-transfer route | Cloud access and account or service setup are required. Microsoft documents OneDrive as an option for PC-to-PC transfer: transfer files to a new Windows PC. |
| Transfer files offline or move a large collection | USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive | Check storage capacity and that the device can connect to both PCs. Larger transfers or many files can take time; Microsoft recommends verifying the copied files and safely ejecting the device before unplugging it. See Microsoft’s transfer steps. |
| Free space but keep infrequently used files | Move them to external storage | The files are available when that drive is connected. This is a move, not a second recoverable copy. Microsoft’s guidance on freeing drive space describes external storage as an option. |
| Move SharePoint files while retaining their version history | Use SharePoint’s Move to command | A File Explorer transfer includes only the latest or published version, not the full version history. Microsoft explains the SharePoint move and copy options. |
Transfer files between PCs with an external drive
- Connect an external storage device to the old PC.
- In File Explorer, copy the files and folders you want to transfer to the device. Copying leaves the originals on the old PC.
- Wait for the copy to finish, then check the drive to confirm the files are present.
- Safely eject the drive before disconnecting it.
- Connect it to the new PC, copy the files from the drive, and paste them into the desired folders.
- Open a selection of the transferred files on the new PC to verify that they work before deleting anything from the old PC.
The transfer can take time depending on the number and size of the files. Microsoft also documents OneDrive as a way to transfer files without carrying a storage device. Its current guidance states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; the steps in this article concern File Explorer operations and interface labels may differ by Windows version.
A move is not a backup
Cutting and pasting relocates files; it does not leave a separate recovery copy behind. If you need to restore files after accidental deletion, device failure, or an unwanted change, use a backup approach instead. Windows backup options include File History, and Microsoft describes cloud, external-drive, and network-drive approaches for backup. Review how a backup restores files before overwriting current versions.
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Microsoft’s Windows backup and restore guidance explains backup choices. For File History, see Microsoft’s File History instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a copy or move fails
There is no single fix for every failed transfer. If File Explorer reports an error, note its wording and where the files are stored. On a network share, check the connection and whether your account has permission to access the source and destination. Microsoft’s troubleshooter covers file or folder permission errors and lost network connections, but the appropriate remedy depends on the specific error: Microsoft’s file and folder access troubleshooting guidance.
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