Copy, Move and Delete Files

We regularly copy, move and delete files to keep our computer organised. These three actions may look similar, but they perform different tasks.

Copy vs Move vs Delete

ActionWhat Happens?Real-Life Example
CopyA duplicate file is created. The original remains available.Photocopying a document
MoveThe file changes its location. No duplicate is created.Moving a book to another shelf
DeleteThe file is removed from its folder.Throwing unwanted paper into a bin
flowchart TD
    A["Original File"] --> B["Copy"]
    A --> C["Move"]
    A --> D["Delete"]
    B --> E["File available in both locations"]
    C --> F["File available in new location"]
    D --> G["File goes to Recycle Bin"]

What Does Copying a File Mean?

Copying creates an identical duplicate of a file. The original file remains in its current location.

How to Copy a File on Windows

  1. Select the file.
  2. Right-click and select Copy.
  3. Open the destination folder.
  4. Right-click an empty area.
  5. Select Paste.

Copy Shortcut

  • Press Ctrl + C to copy.
  • Press Ctrl + V to paste.

Practical Example

You have Computer-Notes.pdf in the Documents folder. You copy it to a USB drive.

After copying:

  • The original file remains in Documents.
  • Another copy appears on the USB drive.

What Does Moving a File Mean?

Moving transfers a file from one location to another. The file is removed from its old location and placed in the new one.

How to Move a File on Windows

  1. Select the file.
  2. Right-click and select Cut.
  3. Open the destination folder.
  4. Right-click and select Paste.

Move Shortcut

  • Press Ctrl + X to cut.
  • Press Ctrl + V to paste.
flowchart LR
    A["Downloads Folder"] --> B["Cut File"]
    B --> C["Open Documents"]
    C --> D["Paste File"]
    D --> E["File moved"]

Practical Example

You downloaded Assignment.docx, but it is inside the Downloads folder. You move it to the School Work folder to keep it organised.

After moving, the file is available only inside the School Work folder.

Copying and Moving with Drag and Drop

You can also use the mouse:

  1. Open the file’s current folder.
  2. Select and hold the file.
  3. Drag it into another folder.
  4. Release the mouse button.

Drag-and-drop behaviour can differ depending on the folders or drives. Use Copy and Paste or Cut and Paste when you want better control.

What Does Deleting a File Mean?

Deleting removes an unwanted file from its folder. On Windows, the deleted file usually goes to the Recycle Bin first.

How to Delete a File

  1. Select the file.
  2. Right-click it.
  3. Select Delete.
  4. Confirm the action if asked.

You can also select the file and press the Delete key.

flowchart LR
    A["Select File"] --> B["Delete"]
    B --> C["Recycle Bin"]
    C --> D{"What next?"}
    D --> E["Restore File"]
    D --> F["Delete Permanently"]

How to Restore a Deleted File

If you delete a file accidentally:

  1. Open the Recycle Bin.
  2. Find the deleted file.
  3. Right-click the file.
  4. Select Restore.

The file will normally return to its previous location.

Permanently Deleting a File

To permanently remove a file:

  • Delete it from the Recycle Bin, or
  • Empty the entire Recycle Bin.

The Shift + Delete shortcut can delete a file without sending it to the Recycle Bin.

Be careful: permanently deleted files are much harder to recover.

How to Copy, Move or Delete Files on a Mobile

Open the Files or File Manager application and press and hold the file. Then select:

  • Copy to create a duplicate.
  • Move to change its location.
  • Delete to send it to Trash.

The exact options may differ between Android phones, iPhones and file manager applications.

Important Safety Tips

  • Check the file before deleting it.
  • Keep backups of important documents and photos.
  • Do not remove unknown system files.
  • Confirm the destination folder before copying or moving.
  • Check the Recycle Bin before emptying it.
  • Safely eject a USB drive after copying files.

Quick Recap

  • Copy: Creates a duplicate; the original remains.
  • Move: Changes the file’s location.
  • Delete: Removes the file and usually sends it to the Recycle Bin.
  • Restore: Brings a deleted file back.
  • Permanent delete: Removes the file without an easy recovery option.

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