Copy or move files and folders

A file or folder can be copied or moved to a new location by dragging and dropping with the mouse, using the copy and paste commands, or by using keyboard shortcuts.

For example, you might want to copy a presentation onto a memory stick so you can take it to work with you. Or, you could make a back-up copy of a document before you make changes to it (and then use the old copy if you don’t like your changes).

These instructions apply to both files and folders. You copy and move files and folders in exactly the same way.

Copy and paste files
Copy and paste files

Copy and paste files

Cut and paste files to move them
Cut and paste files to move them

Cut and paste files to move them

Drag files to copy or move
Drag files to copy or move

Drag files to copy or move

You cannot copy or move a file into a folder that is read-only. Some folders are read-only to prevent you from making changes to their contents. You can change things from being read-only by changing file permissions .