How to properly copy and move files on Windows

If you are a proficient Windows 10 user, you will need to know how to copy and move files on Windows properly. Most users only know the copy and move key combinations that are useful on Windows but are actually Few people can grasp the most standard way to copy and move files.

By default if the user drags and drops one or more files from a certain location on the same drive, Windows will move that file. But if you drag and drop a file from one location on the drive to another location on the drive, Windows will just copy the file and leave the old file intact. There are many people who use the right-click method to copy files, but in reality that method is not common.

How to properly copy and move files on Windows Picture 1 How to properly copy and move files on Windows Picture 1

However, by default, users can copy or move files easily if they clearly understand the rules of copying and dragging and dropping data. In addition, this feature does not discriminate on all versions of Windows XP or Windows 10 to date.

How to properly copy and move files on Windows

Of course, this trick is not always really useful and reasonable. If you are not careful, you may encounter a situation where Windows overwrites files.

- Hold Ctrl + Drag and drop : This command will allow you to always copy files when dragging and dropping files, even if the default action of that drag and drop is to move them (when moving files between folders on the same drive).

How to properly copy and move files on Windows Picture 2 How to properly copy and move files on Windows Picture 2

Copy properly on Windows

- Hold Shift + Drag and Drop : This command allows you to always move files when you drag and drop them even if its default action is just to copy files and data.

How to properly copy and move files on Windows Picture 3 How to properly copy and move files on Windows Picture 3

Instructions for copying on Windows properly

The Shift and Ctrl keys act as the main keys allowing file selection in File Explorer. The trick is to select any files you want to copy or move, click and start dragging them, then hold down the desired key on the keyboard before releasing the mouse or trackpad.

- Hold Alt + Drag and drop : Windows will create a shortcut for the file at the location where the new file is located.

Hopefully with the above sharing, readers will know more tricks to drag and drop and create files on Windows properly.

If you are not a professional user, the above instructions from TipsMake will definitely help you gain more experience in dragging, dropping, copying and moving files in Windows.

As TipsMake once shared with you, copying or copying files quickly in Windows is actually not difficult, the only thing is that users will need to understand the content of those operations, and it is best to choose a copying method for themselves. Quick file in Windows, which I am most familiar with, because this will make the operation much faster.

The drag and drop operation is also especially useful in cases where users want to permanently delete data by dragging and dropping on the hard drive. In fact, drag and drop operations to move and copy already exist, but drag and drop on the hard drive to Permanently deleting data is one of the special ways that not all Windows users know. If you want to copy files faster, you can also use software that supports copying and moving files like TeraCopy or FastCopy. TeraCopy software is quite compact and free so you can download it on all computers.

Wishing you the best experience dragging and dropping and creating files on Windows.