Have you noticed that sometimes, when you drag and drop files or folders from one location to another, on your Windows 11/10 computer, they get copied – and sometimes they get moved? Although this has been the default behavior of Windows since 1989, this can be pretty confusing for many. One could keep wondering – will the drag-and-drop action result in a ‘Copy” or ‘Move’!?
Drag and Drop in Windows 11/10
In this post, I will explain how the drag-and-drop operation works in Windows 11/10 and give you a few tips on how to modify its default behavior.
When will a drag-and-drop operation Copy the file
If you are moving the file from a location on one drive to ANOTHER DRIVE, then the operation will result in a COPY.
If you drag and drop a file from one partition to a network drive, the operation will result in a COPY.
Dragging a file from or to a DVD or CD will always result in a COPY.
When will a drag and drop operation Move the file
If you are moving the file from one location to another on the SAME DRIVE, then the operation will result in a MOVE.
Modify default drag and drop behavior
If you wish, you can change this default behavior. If you hold down Shift while carrying out the operation, then the operation will result in a MOVE.
If you hold down Ctrl, then the operation will result in a COPY.
Read: Configure Drag and Drop sensitivity; Prevent accidental Move.
Make the drag and drop operation create a shortcut
If while carrying out the drag-and-drop operation, you hold down Ctrl+Shift or Alt, then the operation will create a link or shortcut to the destination folder.
If you drag a system file or object, like the Control Panel, the operation will always create a shortcut. For obvious reasons, dragging to the Start Menu or any Toolbar will also always create a link or shortcut.
Read: Enable or Disable Drag Tray in Windows 11
Control Drag and drop behavior
If you do not want to remember all this or if you are very busy and cannot keep track of the source and destination drives, you can carry out the drag-and-drop operation using the RIGHT-CLICK.
Instead of using the left click to carry out the operation, as we normally do, use the right click to drag and drop the file.
When you reach the destination folder and drop the file or folder, you will be presented with the above menu, which will allow you to copy, move or create a shortcut in the destination folder. This will give you maximum control over the drag and drop operation.
You cannot drag and drop files into the left navigation pane, but you can drag and drop folders there to create their shortcuts.
Drag and Drop Icon changes
Have a look at the images above again. You will notice something else. Whenever a Copy is being carried out, a plus “+” icon is displayed. When a Move is being carried out, an arrow pointing to the right side “->” icon is displayed and when a shortcut is being created an arrow pointing to the top-right corner is displayed.
Drag and Drop not working in Windows
If you are facing drag and drop problems, this post will tell you how to Enable or Disable drag and drop by tweaking the Registry.
Bonus Tip: You can add a confirmation box or change Drag and Drop sensitivity.
