By default, when users drag and drop one or more files from a specific location on the same drive, Windows moves the file. However, if you drag and drop a file from this location on the drive to another, Windows only executes the command to copy the file, preserving the original. Many users opt for the right-click copy method, but in reality, that approach is not widespread.
Mastering Proper File Copying and Moving on Windows
However, by default, users can easily copy or move files if they understand the rules of copying and dragging data. Additionally, this feature remains consistent across all versions, whether it's Windows XP or the latest Windows 10.
The Proper Way to Copy and Move Files on Windows
Of course, not every trick is always genuinely useful and practical. If you're not careful, you might encounter cases where Windows overwrites files.
- Hold Ctrl + Drag and Drop: This command allows you to always copy files when dragging and dropping, even when the default action of dragging and dropping is to move them (when moving files between folders on the same drive).
Proper Copying on Windows
- Hold Shift + Drag and Drop: This command allows you to always move files when you drag and drop them, even when its default action is only to copy files and data.
Guide to Proper Copying on Windows
The Shift and Ctrl keys play a crucial role as primary keys for selecting files in File Explorer. The trick is to choose any file 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 generate a shortcut for the file in the location containing the new file.
Hoping that with the shared tips, readers will learn more drag-and-drop tricks and file creation on Windows the right way.
For non-professional users, Mytour's instructions here will undoubtedly enrich your experience in dragging, copying, and moving files within Windows.
As Mytour has previously shared with you, copying or quickly copying files in Windows is not difficult at all. However, users need to understand the content of those actions, and it's best to choose a copying method that they are most familiar with for much faster execution.
Drag-and-drop operations are particularly useful when users want to permanently delete data by dragging and dropping on the hard drive. In reality, while dragging and dropping for moving and copying exists, dragging and dropping on the hard drive to permanently delete data is a special method not known to every Windows user. For faster file copying, you can also use software that supports file copying and moving, such as TeraCopy or FastCopy. TeraCopy is a compact and free software that you can download on all types of computers.
Wishing you all the best experiences in drag-and-drop and file creation on Windows.