The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Moving a file to another partition on the same physical drive usually means the computer copies it to the destination and then deletes the original. That is different from moving it between folders on the same filesystem, which can often be handled as a quick rename. The key distinction is the filesystem or volume boundary—not whether both partitions use the same piece of hardware.
Why a move between partitions usually copies the file
Each partition is presented to the operating system as a separate volume or mounted filesystem. A move between two partitions therefore commonly crosses a filesystem boundary. The destination needs a new copy of the file’s data; after that copy succeeds, the operating system or file manager attempts to remove the source.
That means the operation can take about as long as copying the file, and the destination needs enough free space to hold it while the transfer is underway. The label “move” describes the user’s requested result, not necessarily a single operation that relocates data instantly.
How this differs from moving within one filesystem
When source and destination are on the same filesystem, a move can often be completed by changing the file’s name or directory entry rather than copying its contents. Linux’s rename(2) manual describes this operation and notes that it returns EXDEV when paths are on different mounted filesystems. The successful same-filesystem rename is atomic: other processes do not see the destination disappear during replacement, although for a short time both names may refer to the file.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
GNU mv responds to a cross-filesystem boundary by copying the requested files and removing the originals after a successful copy, as documented in the GNU Coreutils mv manual. The relevant test is the filesystem boundary, not the number of physical drives.
What Windows, macOS, and Linux document
Windows
Microsoft documents that MoveFileEx can handle a move across volumes when used with the required flag. For a different volume, “the function simulates the move by using the CopyFile and DeleteFile functions.” If copying succeeds but Windows cannot delete the original, the function can succeed while leaving the source file intact. Microsoft’s documentation also says that a cross-volume move assigns the destination directory’s default security descriptor rather than carrying over the source security descriptor. See Microsoft Learn’s MoveFileExA documentation.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
This describes the API, not every detail of Windows Explorer or another application’s interface. A graphical file manager may add its own prompts, progress reporting, or error handling.
Apple platforms
Apple’s FileManager documentation says that its moveItem(atPath:toPath:) method copies an item first and removes it from its current location when the source and destination are on different volumes. This establishes the behavior of that API method; it should not be assumed to describe every macOS app. See Apple’s FileManager documentation.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Linux and GNU tools
Linux rename(2) handles moves within a filesystem but reports EXDEV across mounted filesystems. GNU mv then uses copy-and-remove behavior for the cross-filesystem case. A single physical disk can hold multiple filesystems, so sharing a drive does not avoid that boundary.
Will the original be deleted, and what if something goes wrong?
In a typical cross-partition move, the source is removed only after the destination copy succeeds. If the copy completes but the source cannot be deleted, both copies may remain; Microsoft documents this outcome for MoveFileEx. Do not assume every app handles interruption or cleanup the same way, or that a move across partitions is one atomic transaction with automatic rollback.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- If the transfer is still running, allow it to finish before treating the source as disposable.
- If an error appears, check both the source and destination before retrying; the destination may contain a complete or partial copy, depending on the application and failure.
- Keep a separate backup for important files rather than relying on a move operation to provide rollback.
Will permissions and metadata stay the same?
Not necessarily. Moving across volumes can require the destination to create a new filesystem entry, and permissions or other metadata may be recreated or translated. Microsoft’s documented security-descriptor behavior is one concrete example: the destination directory’s default security descriptor is used for its cross-volume move. The cited documentation does not establish a universal rule for every operating system, file manager, timestamp, owner, access-control list, alternate data stream, or extended attribute.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
