When you drag and drop files and folders in Windows, they will get moved or copied by default based on the source and destination locations.
  • If you drag and drop a file/folder from a location on one drive to another drive, then the default action will be to copy the file/folder to the drop location.
  • If you drag and drop a file/folder from a local location to a network location, then the default action will be to copy the file/folder to the drop location.
  • If you drag and drop a file/folder from or to a CD/DVD or Blu-ray, then the default action will always be to copy the file/folder to the drop location. This cannot be changed.
  • If you drag and drop a file/folder from a location to another on the same drive, then the default action will be to move the file/folder to the drop location.
  • If you drag and drop a file/folder to the Recycle Bin, then the default action will always be to move the file/folder to the drop location. This cannot be changed.

You can also use any of the keyboard shortcuts below to temporarily change the default drag and drop action for this instance.

  • Press and hold the Control (Ctrl) key while you drag and drop to always copy.
  • Press and hold the Shift key while you drag and drop to always move.
  • Press and hold the Alt or Control+Shift keys while you drag and drop to always create a shortcut.