The move shortcut key for files in Windows is Ctrl + X followed by Ctrl + V. Select the file in File Explorer, cut it, open the destination folder and paste; the file leaves the old folder and appears in the new one. Nothing is lost if you change your mind, because Ctrl + Z moves it straight back.
The same idea works for moving windows: Win + Shift + Right or Win + Shift + Left sends the active window to the next monitor. On a Mac, the move is Command + C in the old folder and Command + Option + V in the new one, which moves rather than copies.
Quick facts
Cut file
Ctrl + XPaste to move
Ctrl + VForce move when dragging
Hold ShiftUndo a move
Ctrl + ZWindow to other monitor
Win + Shift + RightMove window with arrows
Alt + Space, then MMac move
Command + Option + V
Move shortcut key for files, step by step
- Open File Explorer and select the file or folder. Hold Ctrl and click to select several.
- Press Ctrl + X. The icon fades to show it is waiting to be moved.
- Browse to the destination folder.
- Press Ctrl + V. The file moves; the original location is now empty.
Until you paste, nothing has moved. If you cut a file and then copy something else, the cut is cancelled and the file stays where it was. Cut and paste in general is covered in cut shortcut key.
Dragging: when it moves and when it copies
| Drag | Result |
|---|---|
| Within the same drive | Moves the file |
| To a different drive or pen drive | Copies the file |
| Hold Shift while dragging | Always moves |
| Hold Ctrl while dragging | Always copies |
| Drag with the right mouse button | Menu with Move here and Copy here |
The small label under the pointer, such as Move to Documents or Copy to USB, tells you which will happen before you release the mouse. Watching that label prevents the common surprise of a file being copied to a pen drive when you wanted it moved off the laptop.
Move to a folder from the ribbon
In Windows 10 File Explorer, select the file, press Alt then H and M to open Move to, and pick a folder from the list or Choose location. Windows 11 puts Cut in the right click menu, and the command bar has a scissors icon; paste in the destination as usual. Moving many files into a new folder at once is easier if you first create it with Ctrl + Shift + N; see new folder shortcut key.
Move a window with the keyboard
| Keys | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + Shift + Right | Send window to the monitor on the right |
| Win + Shift + Left | Send window to the monitor on the left |
| Alt + Space, then M | Move mode; use arrow keys, Enter to finish |
| Win + Left | Snap to the left half |
Move mode is a rescue tool for a window stuck off screen after unplugging a monitor: press Alt + Space, then M, tap any arrow key, and the window follows the mouse back into view. Snapping is explained in split screen shortcut.
When moving does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| File copied instead of moved | It went to another drive; delete the original or use Ctrl + X |
| Access denied | The folder needs administrator rights or the file is open |
| File in use | Close the program using it, then try again |
| Moved file to the wrong folder | Press Ctrl + Z right away |
Frequently asked questions
What is the move shortcut key for files?
Why did my file copy instead of move?
Dragging to a different drive copies. Hold Shift to move.
How do I undo moving a file?
Press Ctrl + Z.
How do I move a window to my other monitor?
How do I move a window that is off screen?
How do I move a file on a Mac?
Press Command + C, then Command + Option + V where it should go.