The copy shortcut key is Ctrl + C on Windows and Command + C on a Mac. Select something first, press the keys, and a copy is placed on the clipboard while the original stays where it is.
Nothing seems to happen when you copy, which confuses many beginners. The copy is only visible when you paste it with Ctrl + V. If you searched for "copy ka shortcut key", the answer is the same Ctrl + C, on any laptop or desktop.
Quick facts
Windows
Ctrl + CMac
Command + CCopy all
Ctrl + A, then Ctrl + CPaste
Ctrl + VAlso works
Ctrl + InsertWorks on
Text, files, folders, cells, images
How to use the copy shortcut key
- Select what you want: drag over text, click a file, or click a cell.
- Press Ctrl + C. Hold Ctrl and tap C once.
- Go to the place where the copy should go.
- Press Ctrl + V to paste it.
Copying never removes anything. If you want to move something instead, use the cut shortcut key, Ctrl + X.
Copy shortcut key in computer apps and folders
| Where | Select first | What is copied |
|---|---|---|
| Word, email, browser | Drag over the words | Text with its formatting |
| Excel | Click a cell or drag over cells | Values, formulas and formats |
| File Explorer | Click files or folders | The files, ready to paste in another folder |
| Photos and web pages | Right click an image | Use Copy image from the menu |
| Command Prompt (Windows 10 and 11) | Drag over the text | Plain text |
Copy all with Ctrl + A and Ctrl + C
There is no single copy all shortcut key. Press Ctrl + A to select everything in the document, page or folder, then press Ctrl + C. In Excel, the first Ctrl + A selects the current table and a second press selects the whole sheet. More on this is in the select all shortcut key guide.
Copy with the keyboard only
You can select text without a mouse. With Shift held down, each arrow press extends the highlight by one letter; add Ctrl to jump word by word: Ctrl + Shift + Right. Shift + End selects to the end of the line. Then press Ctrl + C. This is handy on laptops with a touchpad that keeps jumping.
Copy formatting, not the text
Sometimes you want the look of some text, not the words. In Word and Outlook, Ctrl + Shift + C copies only the formatting, and Ctrl + Shift + V applies it to selected text. The mouse version of this is the format painter.
When Ctrl + C does not copy
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Paste gives the old item | Nothing was selected when you copied; select first, then copy |
| Ctrl + C closes a program | In Command Prompt it stops a running command; select text first |
| Copy blocked on a web page | The site stops selection; use the page's own download or share option |
| Ctrl key does not respond | Try the right Ctrl key, or check the keyboard on the on screen keyboard |
| Files copy slowly | Large files take time; watch the progress box |
Copy on a Mac
On a Mac press Command + C. Mac users also copy files in Finder with Command + C and paste with Command + V. See the Mac copy and paste guide, and the paste shortcut key guide for paste options on Windows.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key of copy?
What is the copy shortcut key in laptop keyboards?
The same Ctrl + C. No Fn key is needed because C is a letter key.
How do I copy all text at once?
Press Ctrl + A to select everything, then Ctrl + C.
Where does copied text go?
To the clipboard, a temporary memory. It stays there until you copy something else. Win + V shows recent copies if clipboard history is on.
Can I copy files with Ctrl + C?
Yes. Select files in File Explorer, press Ctrl + C, open another folder and press Ctrl + V.