How to Copy and Paste Document/Program Files in Windows

Very similar to copying and pasting text in Windows, there is an option to copy and paste document and program files within Windows as well. There might be times when you'll want to copy or move a file from one place to another, such as moving pictures or other files from your computer to a removable disk drive, and the copy and paste feature is a good way to do it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Copying Files
   
   To copy a document or program file in Windows, simply highlight the file name by clicking it once with the left button on your mouse, then right-click and select Copy. You can also copy by pressing the Ctrl button and the letter "c" on your keyboard at the same time, or by clicking Edit and Copy in your program's top menu bar.
   
   If you'd like to copy more than one file at a time, there are two tricks you can try. One, if the files are listed next to each other in a row, highlight the first file (click it once), then hold down your Shift key on your keyboard while you click the last file. Release Shift key, then right-click on highlighted files and click copy.
   
   Or, two, if the files you're wanting to copy aren't listed next to each other, you can highlight/click the first one, then hold down your Ctrl button while you select the other files. When done, release Ctrl button, right-click on highlighted files and click copy.
   
   Note: If you're wanting to copy all files in a folder, you could either copy the folder itself, or use the Select All option (right-click and choose Select All, click Edit and Select All, or in Vista, click Organize in top menu and Select All). When all files are selected, follow the same copy rules above.

2. Pasting Files
   
   This is a very simple step. Once you've copied the file(s), all you have to do is open the location where you're wanting to move it, then right-click in the main file area and choose paste. That's it. You can also click Edit and Paste (or Organize and Paste for Vista) in your top menu bar for the same effect. Pressing "Ctrl" and the letter "v" on your keyboard will work, too. If you'd like to copy the file to another place as well, there's no need to re-copy. Just open the new location and paste again. Your computer will keep the file stored until you copy something else or until you restart your computer.
   
   A note about cutting files: Use the cut and paste feature with caution. In the unlikely, yet still possible event that something should happen to your PC while cutting a file, you could lose the file(s). If the files are important to you, you might want to stick with the copy and paste option, then later go back and delete. In such cases, Windows will usually leave the files where they are, but it's still worth the mention.

3. Final Tip
   
   Another way to move files from one place to another is with the "Send To" feature. To use this instead, right-click on the file name, then run your mouse over Send To in the menu that pops up and select your choice of new location from there. If you're simply wanting to send a copy to a mail recipient or to your documents folder, even to another storage device, this is an easy way to do it.
   
   See article in Resources below to learn how to copy and paste text in Windows.

Resources

• How to Copy and Paste Words in Windows

[schmammel]

on 10/27/2009 Thanks for including Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V. You'd be amazed how many people don't know the shortcuts. Love the article!