What Does It Mean to Copy a File?
A file copy is just thatanexactcopy, or a duplicate.
The original file isn’t removed or altered in any way.
Cutting a file is different because it actually moves the file from one location to another.
Windows 11
Open File Explorerby selecting the Start button, and then searching for and selectingFile Explorer.
Double-clicking a folder or subfolder moves you through the file system.
UseThis PCfrom the left pane to access a disc,external hard drive, or another hard drive.
choose the file (don’t double-click it).
Choose the copy button from the top of the window.
It looks like two pieces of paper on top of each other.
The same copy button is accessible in the context menu if you right-smack the file you want to copy.
Once you’re inside the destination folder, use the paste button at the top of the window.
This is the one to the right of the copy button.
It’s the one that looks like a file.
Windows 8 users can search forThis PCfrom the Start screen.
Both versions of Windows also support openingFile ExplorerorThis PCwith theWIN+Ekeyboard shortcut.
It’s likely that your file is located deep inside several folders.
snag the file by clicking or tapping it once.
This will highlight it.
The exact same process works for copying folders, too.
Anything you just copied is now stored in the clipboard, ready to be duplicated elsewhere.
Navigate to the folder where the file should be copied to.
From theHomemenu at the top of the destination folder, choosePaste.
The file selected from Step 3 is now copied to the location you chose in Step 5.
Windows 7 & Windows Vista
Select theStartbutton and thenComputer.
Those can be found in theUsersfolder.
Highlight the file you want to copy by selecting it once.
Do not initiate the file.
Want to copy more than one file (or folder)?
Hold down theCtrlkey on your keyboard and select any files and folders you want to copy.
Release the key when you’ve highlighted all the files and folders you want to copy.
All of those highlighted files and folders will be copied.
ChooseOrganizeand thenCopyfrom the menu at the top of the folder’s window.
Navigate to the location where you want to copy the fileto.
Once you’ve found the folder, tap on it once to highlight it.
You shouldn’t click any files.
The file you’re copying is already in your PC’s clipboard.
ChooseOrganizeand thenPastefrom the folder window’s menu.
This is because no two files can exist in the same folder with the exact same name.
If you’re prompted to provide administrator permissions to copy to the folder, chooseContinue.
The original file will be left unchanged and an exact copy will be created in the location you specified.
Windows XP
SelectStartand thenMy Computer.
These folders are stored within each user’s folder inside theDocuments and Settingsdirectory.
You should not modify its contents.
“, chooseShow the contents of this folderto continue.
Want to copy more than one file (or folder)?
Hold down theCtrlkey on your keyboard and select any files and folders you want to copy.
Release the key when you’re done.
All highlighted files and folders will be copied.
ChooseEditand thenCopy To Folderfrom the menu at the top of the folder’s window.
If the folder doesn’t yet exist that you want to copy the file to, selectMake New Folder.
Choose the folder you want to copy the file to, and then select Copy.
The file you selected in Step 4 will be copied to the folder that you chose in Step 7.
The original file will be left unchanged and an exact copy will be created in the location you specified.
It works with not only text, but also files and folders.
Whatever remains highlighted is what will be copied.
Files can also be copied from theCommand Promptin any version of Windows, with thecopyorxcopy command.
it’s possible for you to also open File Explorer by right-clicking theStartbutton.
The option is calledFile ExplorerorExplore, depending on the version of Windows that you’re using.
you’re able to even copy files directly from that program and avoid using File Explorer.
Otherfile search toolshave similar features.
