How to Move a File in Windows

A file is moved when its contents are placed in a new location in the file system with the same file name and the original file is then deleted. Windows has several ways of moving files. The following steps will explain the different ways of moving this file.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Place the mouse cursor in the Explorer window over the file you wish to move and left click to select it.

2. Hold the left mouse button down over the file to be moved. Move the mouse cursor over the directory you wish to move the file to, hold the "Shift" key down and release the left mouse button. The file will now be moved to the new location. You can now release the "Shift" key. This method is called "dragging and dropping."

3. Bring up the Edit menu by left clicking on the Edit option in the Explorer Window. Select the Move to Folder command from the Edit menu and a directory window will pop up. Select the directory you wish to move the file to and select the move button. The selected file will now be copied.

4. Move the mouse cursor, with the right mouse button down, to the directory you wish to move the file to. Release the right mouse button and a context menu will pop up. Click on the Move Here command with the left mouse button and the file will be moved.

5. Press the "Control" key down while pressing the "C" key. Select the directory you wish to move the file to and hold the "Control" key down while pressing the "V" key. This will copy the file. Now select the original file and press the "Delete" key to delete the original file. This will effectively move the file.

Resources

• Learn more about using Windows at the Microsoft support website.