How to copy file to windows

OneDrive makes it easy to transfer your files from PC to PC

With internet access and a few clicks, you can back up your files online. When you’re ready, sync them onto a new PC—or you can leave them in the cloud without having to download them. This saves space on your new PC’s hard drive and leaves your files and photos easily accessible from any of your devices, anywhere.¹

Copy your files and folders to a secure location in the cloud then get up and running quickly so you can get back to doing what you love.

Set up OneDrive

Install the OneDrive sync app on your Windows 7 PC and get started. If you don’t have a Microsoft account, sign up for one here: https://account.microsoft.com/. It’s free and comes with 5 GB of OneDrive storage.

Bring your files and favorites with you

There’s no need to leave your photos, files, or browser favorites behind when you transfer files from PC to PC or from a Mac to PC. Bring them with you to your new computer.

Install what you love

When you start up your new PC, you may want to install additional apps. The Microsoft Store has many popular apps available to download or you can check with the publisher of your software for more information.

Check the table below to see what makes the most sense for your move.

Compare file transfer options

Solutions	OneDrive	USB/external drive
Details	If you’ve been using your PC for a few years, you probably have some files that you want to move to the new PC. By using OneDrive, you can quickly transfer files from PC to PC or Mac to PC, so your files are organized like they were on your old computer and you can get right back to work.	You can use an external storage device such as a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive to help you move all your favorite files off a Windows 7 PC and onto a Windows 10 PC.
Benefits	Turn on PC folder backup to automatically back up and sync your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to OneDrive. You can view and edit your files from the OneDrive app on other devices, including Androids and iPhones. You can also use any computer to go to the OneDrive website and sign in to access your files. Once your files are saved to OneDrive, if your device is lost or damaged, your files will still be backed up and protected in the cloud. You are in control of who, if anyone besides you, has access to the things you store in OneDrive. If you’re worried about hard drive space, the Files On-Demand feature lets you browse your OneDrive files in File Explorer without actually downloading them to your PC.	No internet access or additional software or services are required. External drives are portable, convenient, and can be encrypted for security. For a large collection of files that take up a lot of storage space, moving them via USB can be your quickest and most cost-effective option.
Cost	A Microsoft account comes with 5 GB of OneDrive storage. You can buy more storage if you want it. Compare plans.	Shop your local retailer for hard drives and USB drives.

There are a couple of ways to get your files and photos onto a new PC. With OneDrive you can quickly transfer files from PC to PC or Mac to PC, so your files are organized like they were on your old computer and you can get right back to work. Or you can use an external storage device such as a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive to help you make the move.

OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud storage service that lets you store your personal files in one place, share them with others, and get to them from any device connected to the Internet.
Learn more about OneDrive

A free OneDrive basic account offers 5 GB of storage. Need more space? No problem, see available options.

Yes. If OneDrive is not the best fit for you, there are other options available. For example, you can use an external hard drive along with the Windows Backup & Restore feature. There are also other programs designed to help with backing up your files and data and some retailers have service desks that will do the work for you.
Learn how

If you are upgrading an existing Windows 10 PC to Windows 11, your apps will remain on the PC and they should continue to work. However, if you purchase a new Windows 11 PC, you will need to reinstall your apps on the new PC.

Yes, you can drag whole folders from File Explorer to your OneDrive folder.

With the broadest choice of devices—across style, features, and form factors—we and our ecosystem of partners can help ensure that you will find the right fit with Windows.

PCs preloaded with Windows 11

Out of the box, get up and running with a new Windows experience that brings you closer to the people and things you love.

Thin, light laptops

It’s everything you love and more—portability, power, and the latest in processors.

Versatile 2-in-1s

2-in-1s provide power and flexibility. Touch, type, click, or pen—choose whatever fits your style.

Desktops & All-in-Ones

The power of a desktop computer in a variety of shapes and sizes. Perfect for your home office or a computer for the family to share.

Screens simulated. Features and app availability may vary by region.
1

Internet access required. Fees may apply.
2

Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account to complete device setup on first use.

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Updated: 11/18/2022 by

To copy computer documents, pictures, or other files from one place to another, follow these instructions.

Note

A file name must be unique. If it’s not, a number is appended to the end of a file name. It may also have «- Copy» appended to the end of the file name, instead of a number. Appending a number to the end of the copied file’s name assures the copied file is unique. For example, if the original file name is abc123.pdf and a copy is created in the same directory or folder, the copied file name could be abc123(1).pdf or abc123 — Copy.pdf.

Select your operating system in the list below to view the instructions that apply to you.

How to copy a file in Microsoft Windows

Below are the steps on how to copy a file or multiple files in Microsoft Windows from one location to another.

Go to the files or folders you want to copy. If you need help locating the files, use the Windows find feature.
Highlight the file or files you want to copy by clicking them once with the mouse. If you need to highlight more than one file, hold down the Ctrl or Shift keys on your keyboard, or drag a box around the files you want to copy.
Once highlighted, right-click one of the highlighted files and select Copy. Users may also press the Ctrl+C keyboard shortcut, or in Windows Explorer, click Edit at the top of the window and select Copy.
Open the destination folder, right-click an empty space in the folder, and select Paste. Or, in the menu bar at the top, click File, choose Edit, then select Paste.

How to select or highlight multiple files and folders.

Tip

To copy only a certain type of file, click the Type column in Windows Explorer. This action sorts files by type, rather than by name. Once grouped by type, you can select only the files with the type you want to copy, and then copy those files.

Tip

You can also use the Windows command line to copy files. In some situations, such as copying multiple files of a certain extension or with a certain name, it can be easier.

How to copy a file in MS-DOS and the Windows command line

Below are steps on how to copy a single file from one directory to another directory in MS-DOS or the Windows command line.

Copying a single file

Using the cd command, move to the directory containing the file you want to copy.
Type a command similar to the following.

copy myfile.txt c:\my\location

In the example above, substitute «myfile.txt» with the name of the file you want to copy, and «c:\my\location» with the destination directory. To see files available in the current directory, use the dir command.

Copying multiple files to another location

Below are the steps on how to copy multiple files from one directory to another directory.

Using the cd command, move to the directory containing the files you want to copy.
Once in the directory containing the files you want to copy, type a command similar to one of the following commands.

copy *.* c:\mydir

In the example above, the command would copy every file in the current directory to the «mydir» directory.

copy *.txt c:\mydir

In the example above, the command would copy every txt, or text file, in the current directory to the «mydir» directory.

Tip

For additional examples of wildcard characters, see our wildcard definition.

xcopy hope example /e

If you need to copy files, directories, and subdirectories, use the xcopy command. In the example above, the xcopy command copies all directories (even empty directories) and files from the «hope» directory to the example directory.

Copying long file name files or files with spaces

Often, you can encounter a file with spaces in the file name. To copy these files, surround the full file name and file extension in quotes.

copy "computer hope.txt" "there is hope.txt"

In the example above, the «computer hope.txt» file is surrounded in quotes to let the command line know the complete file name, thus eliminating the spaces.

How to copy files to another drive

You can also copy files from the current location to any other drive. For example, if you have a USB (universal serial bus) flash drive that is drive letter F:, you can use the following command to copy all JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) image files to the flash drive.

copy *.jpg f:

How to change drives in MS-DOS and Windows command line.

How to make a copy of a file into the same directory

copy example.txt backup.txt

In the example above, the file «example.txt» is copied to the same directory as «backup.txt,» effectively making a backup copy of the file.

Related pages and help

See the cd command, dir command, copy command, and xcopy command pages for further information about each MS-DOS command.
How to use the Windows command line (DOS).

Batch file

To perform any copy command in a batch file, include any of the Windows command line copy commands above in a batch file.

How to make a batch file.

How to copy files in Linux and Unix

Below are steps on how to copy a single file from one directory to another directory in Linux and Unix.

Copying a single file from one location to another

Using the cd command, move to the directory containing the file you want to copy.
Type a command similar to the following.

cp myfile.txt /usr/bin

In the example above, substitute «myfile.txt» with the name of the file you want to copy, and «/usr/bin» with the destination directory. To see files available in the current directory, use the ls command.

Copying multiple files to another location

Below are the steps on how to copy multiple files from one directory to another directory.

Using the cd command, move to the directory containing the files you want to copy.
Once in the directory containing the files you want to copy, type a command similar to one of the following commands.

cp *.* /usr/bin

In the example above, the command would copy every file in the current directory to the «/usr/bin» directory.

cp *.txt /usr/bin

In the example above, the command would copy every txt, or text file, in the current directory to the «/usr/bin» directory.

For additional examples of wildcard characters, see our wildcard definition.

Copying files with spaces in the file names

Often, you can encounter a file with spaces in the file name. To copy these files, surround the full file name and file extension in quotes.

cp "computer hope.txt" "there is hope.txt"

In the example above, the «computer hope.txt» file is surrounded in quotes to let the command line know the complete file name. In our example, the destination file name contains whitespace (spaces), so the name is enclosed in quotes.

How to make a copy of a file into the same directory

cp example.txt backup.txt

In the example above, the file «example.txt» is copied to the same directory as «backup.txt,» effectively making a backup copy of the file.

Related pages and help

See the cd command, cp command, and ls command pages for additional information about these commands.
For general help using the Linux command line, see our Linux and Unix shell tutorial.

How to copy files in Apple macOS

Drag-and-drop

Highlight the files you want to copy. Then, click the highlighted files with the left mouse button and, while continuing to hold down the mouse button, drag-and-drop the files to where you want to copy them. When you release the mouse button, the files are copied.

Keyboard shortcut

You can also copy files using keyboard shortcuts by following these steps.

Highlight the files you want to copy.
Press the keyboard shortcut Command+C.
Move to the location you want to move the files and press Command+V to copy the files.

Terminal

To copy files in a Terminal session, use the cp command.

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Workable Solutions	Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Copy Files Using Command Prompt Step by Step	Right-click the Start button and choose «Command Prompt (Admin)» to open CMD…Full steps
Other Easier GUI (Graphical User Interface) Methods to Copy Files	1. Use a USB Flash Drive; 2. Use OneDrive; 3. Use PC Data Transfer Software…Full steps

1. Use the Copy Command to Transfer Specific Files

Right-click the Start button and choose «Command Prompt (Admin)» to open CMD.

To copy files, use the copy command from the command line.

copy c:\myfile.txt e:

The command above will copy «myfile.txt» from the C: drive to the E: drive.

copy *.txt e:

The above command copies all text files in the current directory to the E: drive using a wildcard.

copy d:\example.xls

The command above copies the «example.xls» file from the D: drive to the current directory. We didn’t indicate a destination; by default, the current directory is utilized if the goal isn’t supplied.

2. Using the Xcopy Command to Copy All Files

Xcopy is a command that copies files or groups of files between directories. It’s convenient for copying data to and from a fixed drive.

Step 1. To find cmd, go to Start and type cmd into the search box. From the list, right-click Command Prompt and choose «Run as administrator».

Now, in the command prompt, type the Xcopy command to copy folders and subfolders, including their contents, as shown below. If you want to copy the «test» folder and its subfolders from the C drive to the D disc, use the Xcopy command as follows:

Xcopy C:\test D:\test /E /H /C /I

/E — Copies all subdirectories, including any that are empty.
/H – Copies files that are hidden or have system file attributes.
/C – Even if an error occurs, keep copying.
/I – Always presume the destination is a folder if in question.

A command-line interface differs from a graphical user interface, considering that it is text-only. A high learning curve, more space for error, a vast number of instructions, and the inability to figure anything out by research are all downsides of the command line interface.

Other Easier GUI (Graphical User Interface) Methods to Copy Files

Here are three easier ways to transfer and copy files from one drive or one computer to another. Check the detailed content.

1. Use Free PC Data Transfer Software – EaseUS Todo PCTrans

EaseUS Todo PCTrans Free, which tool allows you to transfer an unlimited number of files, programs, and settings between two PCs in a user-friendly manner. It’s also a data and application backup software that can keep your files safe as long as you perform regular backups. It’s more than just PC migration software that can transfer files between local disks/drives or between two computers for free. For example, you can transfer programs from C drive to D drive securely.

It does not necessitate extensive computer skills or the acquisition of any additional equipment. With a lifetime license, you can get free upgrades for the rest of your life.

Now, download this PC data transfer software to transfer files from one computer to another in simple clicks.

Step 1. Open EaseUS Todo PCTrans on both of your computers. Choose «PC to PC» to go to the next step.

Step 2. Make sure you have chosen the right transfer direction.

«New» — Move data from old computer to current new computer.

«Old» — Move data from current old n computer to remote new computer.

Step 3. Connect two PCs via the network by entering the password or verification code of the target PC. Besides, make sure you have chosen the right transfer direction and click «Connect» to continue.

The verification code is on the right top of the «PC to PC» main screen on the target computer.

Step 4. Then, choose «Files» to select files to transfer. Select the specific files as you want. What’s more, you can click the Edit icon to customize the storage path for transferred data.

Step 5. Now, click «Transfer» to begin to transfer files from PC to PC. The size of the file determines the transfer time. Wait patiently.

2. Use a USB Flash Drive

Depending on the drive’s capacity, USB flash memory devices, also known as memory keys and memory sticks, can replicate a few files or a large quantity of data.

Step 1. Place the flash drive in one of your computer’s USB ports.

Step 2. Open the File Explorer window and look for the flash drive’s entry in the left pane.

Step 3. Drag and drop the files you want to copy into the drive’s folder.

Step 4. Remove the flash drive and place it in a USB slot on the other PC after you’re finished.

Step 5. By picking and dragging the files into another folder in a File Explorer window, you can copy them to the new PC.

3. Use OneDrive

The cloud drive is another option for transferring files across your Windows devices. It can be accomplished by sharing the file with any Windows app that supports cloud storage services such as OneDrive. The storage space, upload time, and potential expense of this technology are its drawbacks. The method could be a terrific choice for you if you need to move smaller files more frequently.

Step 1. Drag and drop files into OneDrive.

Go to OneDrive and sign in. Add the file to your OneDrive cloud account and simply click «Add» when the app opens. Your OneDrive account will receive the file.

Step 2. Get the files you need.

Open the OneDrive software on the other laptop, right-click the file, and select «Download». The Files It will complete the file transfer from your laptop or computer to the other computer on your network.

Conclusion

There are many ways of copying files from one drive/computer to another. However, all the mentioned methods have their advantages, but they also come with many disadvantages. That’s why it is recommended that you should use EaseUS Todo PCTrans to copy files. This software poses no security threats and is easy to use.

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Contents

Can You Transfer Files to a Windows 11 Computer from a Windows 10 PC?
How to Transfer Files to a Windows 11 Computer
- 1. Use a Software Program to Transfer Your Files
  - How to Transfer Files from One Computer to Another in 2022 Using a Software Program
- 2. Transfer Your Files Using OneDrive
- 3. Send Files Via Email
- 4. Transfer Files Using an External Hard Drive
- 5. How to Use a USB Transfer Cable to Send Files
What is the Fastest Way to Transfer Files from PC to PC?
Final Thoughts

You can now use Windows 11 by updating your Windows if your device meets the system requirements. And it’s far easier to update to Windows 11 if you’re still using Windows 10. However, Windows 11 doesn’t have the built-in “Easy Transfer” functionality. Today, we are looking into the best ways to transfer files to a Windows 11 computer.

That means transferring files from Windows 10 to 11 or from one PC to another can be challenging.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to transfer files to Windows 11. And you don’t need a computer expert to help you with it because it’s automatic.

So, this guide will show you how to transfer files from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Let’s begin.

Can You Transfer Files to a Windows 11 Computer from a Windows 10 PC?

Yes. Microsoft makes it easy to move your files from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

However, you’ll need a fresh installation for Windows 11 for an upgrade or a newly purchased computer. But you can complete this process without a problem with just a few simple actions.
You can also use advanced software to transfer your files with a single mouse click if you’re a tech-savvy user. Other options include transferring files manually with a USB Transfer cable or using a hard drive to transfer your files.

We’ll go through each option in the next section.

How to Transfer Files to a Windows 11 Computer

Ideally, you should be able to upgrade to Windows 11 and safely transfer all your essential files. And if necessary, have a secure backup of all your important data files.

Luckily, there are four ways to accomplish this. Let’s go through them.

1. Use a Software Program to Transfer Your Files

You must have a stable internet connection and the latest software from a reputable company to transfer your files from Windows 10 to 11. That’s why we recommend using standalone software.
However, the free version of this type of software tends to have a few glitches. But the pro version is free from these issues and includes steps to help you transfer your files from one PC to another.

Using a software program, you can transfer documents, files, images, apps, etc., to Windows 11.

However, depending on the size, file transfers can be lengthy and stressful tasks, regardless of the software you use.

But, with the right software, you can quickly move all your files with one click. So it’s better to take a free trial of different software to know their features before purchasing them.

How to Transfer Files from One Computer to Another in 2022 Using a Software Program

Ensure the software is installed on both computers before beginning the “PC to PC” data transfer.
Choose which file to transfer, and remember to exercise caution when choosing commands.
Use the verification code to link two PCs across a local area network. Select the appropriate data transfer action and click “Continue” to proceed. Next, find the verification code displayed on the home screen of the targeted computer. To activate and verify the connection, click the tab.
Navigate to the ‘Files’ tab and choose the files and folders you want to transfer.
Click the “Transfer” tab to begin the data transfer process. Large files may take some time to upload, so be patient.

Pros

Easy to use
No need for technical skills
Transfer different files within minutes

Cons

Free versions are limited
Users may face problems when moving files over the same LAN network

Remember that you may need a driver updater to check potential driver problems or missing drivers on your new PC.

2. Transfer Your Files Using OneDrive

Another way to transfer your files to a Windows 11 computer is through OneDrive. Microsoft’s cloud service makes it easy to move your data, such as documents, videos, and pictures.

Here’s how the process works:

Install OneDrive on your current computer. You may want to sign up for a OneDrive subscription to help transfer your files to your new computer.
Use OneDrive to synchronize all the data you plan to move. You can do it on the OneDrive app or the OneDrive website. Click on “Upload” to add the files you want to transfer.
The files can be uploaded to OneDrive directly from File Explorer.
Set up OneDrive on your new Windows 11 computer. Make sure to sign in with the same OneDrive account used on your old PC for the sync.
Choose the files, and download them to your new Windows 11 computer.

Pros

It’s scalable and cost-effective
Accessible anywhere
Collaborate with several users at the same time
It’s easy to recover lost files

Cons

Not strong against attacks
It may not work on slow internet connections
Uses lots of bandwidth

3. Send Files Via Email

Transferring via email is an excellent option if you’re not sending massive files from your old PC to the new Windows 11 computer. It’s one of the easiest and safest options to transfer files online.

However, email file transfers come with several issues. For example, email doesn’t provide any means of encrypting the data it sends.

In addition, there are limitations on the total file size that you can attach to an email. The standard size for an email is capped at 10 MB by most email services. This may be the lowest possible cost for transferring files between computers.

So, a PC-to-PC data transfer is the better option if you want to transfer large files.

Pros

Free to use
Easy to download
Fast and easy-to-share files
Easy to use

Cons

Requires a stable connection
Susceptible to viruses
You can’t transfer large files

4. Transfer Files Using an External Hard Drive

If you don’t know how to transfer files from pc to pc in Windows 11, consider external hard drives and flash drives. It’s one of the best ways to move your files quickly and easily without internet connectivity.

Simply connect an external hard drive or flash drive to your computer. Then, copy all the files you want to transfer to your new Windows 11 PC.

After that, connect the external hard drive to your Windows 11 computer. Then transfer the files to your new computer.

The files you store on an external drive can serve as a backup if your primary storage device fails.

Pros

It’s portable
Easy to use
Transferring files is fast
No network required
Massive storage space

Cons

It can overheat
External cable or power adapters required
The device can break easily

5. How to Use a USB Transfer Cable to Send Files

You can also use the USB transfer cable to transfer files from Windows 10 to 11. And you can save lots of time because no additional hardware is involved. Here’s how the process works:

Download and install the USB bridge cable’s manufacturer-supplied drivers on both computers.
Plug the USB cable into the corresponding USB ports on the two computers.
Turn on both computers so they can detect the USB cable. This may start the installation wizard.
Select the USB Super Link Adapter for the installation.
Choose the High-Speed Data Bridge.
Launch Device Manager, enlarge System devices, and double-check that the USB cable is shown as a High-Speed USB Bridge Cable. The cable’s name could be different between vendors.
Load the USB cable’s installation disc into the CD or DVD-ROM drive. After that, download the necessary data transfer software and run it. Then, repeat the process on the second computer.
Launch the program on both computers. A window will appear with your PC on the left and the destination PC on the right.
Pen the drive, choose the files and folders you want to transfer, and then drop them in your preferred location.

Pros

Easy to use
Transfer different files within minutes

Cons

It can be technical for some users

What is the Fastest Way to Transfer Files from PC to PC?

All the points discussed in this guide offer a fast way to transfer your files from one PC to another. However, one method may be better depending on several factors like the internet connection, software purchase, and file size.

For example, if you’re transferring extensive files, consider using a software program or a USB transfer cable to move your files, not via email. However, the USB transfer cable may be ideal if you don’t want to purchase the software.

So what is the fastest way to transfer files from PC to PC? It depends on what works for you. Thus, go through each point, consider the pros and cons, and come up with the type of transfer that works for you.

Final Thoughts

Use this guide to learn how to transfer files from one computer to another in 2022. However, there are pros and cons to each of the file-sharing methods discussed in this guide.

So choose the one that best suits your needs. However, before you begin sharing the file, you should determine whether or not you need a network connection.

You can use a software program, OneDrive, or email if you want to share data over a network. But if you want to share files without a network, consider using external hard drives.

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If you’re making the move to a new PC, you can bring your files with you using an external storage device such as a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive. First, you’ll copy your files onto your drive, then you’ll transfer them to your new PC.

Note: For info on how to move files to a new PC without needing a storage device, see Move files to a new Windows PC using OneDrive. OneDrive can securely store your files, so they’re backed up and protected in the cloud and accessible from any device—including your new PC.

To move files from a Windows 11 PC using an external storage device, follow these instructions.

Back up files from your current PC to an external storage device

Connect your external storage device to your current Windows 11 PC.
On the taskbar, select File Explorer .
Locate the files you wish to copy, or the folders where those files are stored.
To copy multiple files, hold CTRL as you select additional files or folders.
Once you have files and folders highlighted, select and hold (or right-click) the folders, then select Show more options > Send to. Select your external storage device name from the list of options.
Your files and folders will begin copying to your drive. You may need to repeat steps 3 – 5 if you have files stored in multiple locations. Make sure to also move files from locations like your Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Favorites, Music, Podcasts, Pictures, and Videos folders.

Verify your files are correct and remove the storage device

After you have copied or moved your files onto an external storage device, you can verify they’re in the right location by browsing the external drive.

Then you’ll need to safely remove the drive to ensure no files are lost or corrupted. To remove the device, select Eject before you disconnect the drive from your PC.

Once you have moved your files onto your external storage device, you’ll be able to transfer them onto your new Windows 11 PC.

Transfer your files to your new PC

Connect your external storage device to your new Windows 11 PC.
Select File Explorer from your task bar.
On the left guide bar, select This PC.
Locate the external drive and double-click its corresponding icon.
Locate the folder where your files are saved, and then double-click that folder’s icon.
To select all the files in this location, select See more in the top left and then Select all. All the files in this folder will now be highlighted. To copy only one file, select it by clicking on it once.
Once you select a file, you will see Cut and Copy in the toolbar. Select either to cut or copy the selected file(s).

To paste a file, navigate to a location where you want to paste the file, and then select the Paste icon in the toolbar.
Your files will begin to transfer to your Windows 11 PC. Note that this may take time depending on the number and size of the files you transfer.
After the files are copied, you can navigate to their new location to make sure the files were successfully transferred.

Back up files from your current PC to an external storage device

Connect your external storage device to your current Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 PC.
On the taskbar, select File Explorer .
Locate the files you wish to copy, or the folders where those files are stored.
To copy multiple files, hold CTRL as you select additional files or folders.
Once you have files and folders highlighted, make sure you’re in the Home tab, then select Organize > Copy to, and select your external storage device name from the list of options.
Your files and folders will begin copying to your drive. You may need to repeat steps 3 – 5 if you have files stored in multiple locations. Make sure to also move files from locations like your Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Favorites, Music, Podcasts, Pictures, and Videos folders.

Verify your files are correct and remove the storage device

After you have copied or moved your files onto an external storage device, you can verify they’re in the right location by browsing the external drive.

Then you’ll need to safely remove the drive to ensure no files are lost or corrupted. To remove the device, select Eject before you disconnect the drive from your PC.

Once you have moved your files onto your external storage device, you’ll be able to transfer them onto your new Windows 10 PC.

Transfer your files to your new PC

Connect your external storage device to your new Windows 10 PC.
Select File Explorer from your task bar.
On the left guide bar, select This PC.
Locate the external drive and double-click its corresponding icon.
Locate the folder where your files are saved, and then double-click that folder’s icon.
To select all the files in this location, select the Home tab in the top left and then Select all. All the files in this folder will now be highlighted. To copy only one file, select it by clicking on it once.
Select the Home tab in the top left, select Copy to, and then select the folder you’d like the files copied to: Documents, Music, Pictures, or Videos. You can also choose a custom location by selecting Choose location….
Your files will begin to transfer to your Windows 10 PC. Note that this may take time depending on the number and size of the files you transfer.
After the files are copied, you can navigate to their new location to make sure the files were successfully copied over.

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Updated: 11/18/2022 by

To copy computer documents, pictures, or other files from one place to another, follow these instructions.

Note

Select your operating system in the list below to view the instructions that apply to you.

How to copy a file in Microsoft Windows

Below are the steps on how to copy a file or multiple files in Microsoft Windows from one location to another.

Go to the files or folders you want to copy. If you need help locating the files, use the Windows find feature.
Highlight the file or files you want to copy by clicking them once with the mouse. If you need to highlight more than one file, hold down the Ctrl or Shift keys on your keyboard, or drag a box around the files you want to copy.
Once highlighted, right-click one of the highlighted files and select Copy. Users may also press the Ctrl+C shortcut key, or in Windows Explorer, click Edit at the top of the window and select Copy.
Open the destination folder, right-click an empty space in the folder, and select Paste. Or, in the menu bar at the top, click File, choose Edit, then select Paste.

How to select or highlight multiple files and folders.

Tip

If you want to copy only a certain type of file, click the Type column in Windows Explorer. This action sorts files by type, rather than by name. Once grouped by type, you can select only the files with the type you want to copy, and then copy those files.

Tip

You can also use the Windows command line to copy files. In some situations, such as copying multiple files of a certain extension or with a certain name, it can be easier.

How to copy a file in MS-DOS and the Windows command line

Below are steps on how to copy a single file from one directory to another directory in MS-DOS or the Windows command line.

Copying a single file

Using the cd command, move to the directory containing the file you want to copy.
Type a command similar to the following.

copy myfile.txt c:mylocation

In the example above, substitute «myfile.txt» with the name of the file you want to copy, and «c:mylocation» with the destination directory. To see files available in the current directory, use the dir command.

Copying multiple files to another location

Below are the steps on how to copy multiple files from one directory to another directory.

Using the cd command, move to the directory containing the files you want to copy.
Once in the directory containing the files you want to copy, type a command similar to one of the following commands.

copy *.* c:mydir

In the example above, the command would copy every file in the current directory to the «mydir» directory.

copy *.txt c:mydir

In the example above, the command would copy every txt, or text file, in the current directory to the «mydir» directory.

Tip

For additional examples of wildcard characters, see our wildcard definition.

xcopy hope example /e

Copying long file name files or files with spaces

Often, you can encounter a file with spaces in the file name. To copy these files, surround the full file name and file extension in quotes.

copy "computer hope.txt" "there is hope.txt"

In the example above, the «computer hope.txt» file is surrounded in quotes to let the command line know the complete file name, thus eliminating the spaces.

How to copy files to another drive

You can also copy files from the current location to any other drive. For example, if you have a USB flash drive that is drive letter F:, you can use the following command to copy all JPEG image files to the flash drive.

copy *.jpg f:

How to change drives in MS-DOS and Windows command line.

How to make a copy of a file into the same directory

copy example.txt backup.txt

In the example above, the file «example.txt» is copied to the same directory as «backup.txt,» effectively making a backup copy of the file.

Related pages and help

See the cd command, dir command, copy command, and xcopy command pages for further information about each MS-DOS command.
How to use the Windows command line (DOS).

Batch file

To perform any copy command in a batch file, include any of the Windows command line copy commands above in a batch file.

How to make a batch file.

How to copy files in Linux and Unix

Below are steps on how to copy a single file from one directory to another directory in Linux and Unix.

Copying a single file from one location to another

Using the cd command, move to the directory containing the file you want to copy.
Type a command similar to the following.

cp myfile.txt /usr/bin

Copying multiple files to another location

Below are the steps on how to copy multiple files from one directory to another directory.

Using the cd command, move to the directory containing the files you want to copy.
Once in the directory containing the files you want to copy, type a command similar to one of the following commands.

cp *.* /usr/bin

In the example above, the command would copy every file in the current directory to the «/usr/bin» directory.

cp *.txt /usr/bin

In the example above, the command would copy every txt, or text file, in the current directory to the «/usr/bin» directory.

For additional examples of wildcard characters, see our wildcard definition.

Copying files with spaces in the file names

Often, you can encounter a file with spaces in the file name. To copy these files, surround the full file name and file extension in quotes.

cp "computer hope.txt" "there is hope.txt"

How to make a copy of a file into the same directory

cp example.txt backup.txt

In the example above, the file «example.txt» is copied to the same directory as «backup.txt,» effectively making a backup copy of the file.

Related pages and help

See the cd command, cp command, and ls command pages for additional information about these commands.
For general help using the Linux command line, see our Linux and Unix shell tutorial.

How to copy files in Apple macOS

Drag-and-drop

Keyboard shortcut

You can also copy files using keyboard shortcuts by following these steps.

Highlight the files you want to copy.
Press the keyboard shortcut Command+C.
Move to the location you want to move the files and press Command+V to copy the files.

Terminal

To copy files in a Terminal session, use the cp command.

This post shows students and new users steps to copy or transfer files from a USB flash or thumb drive to a Windows 11 computer. A USB or portable drive is a common way of easily transferring files from one computer to another.

Windows 11 supports many types of USB and portable drives. From USB 2.0/3.0 to USB-C to pen drive and more, depending on if your computer has a port or external USB adapters available.

A lot of computers already have built-in USB ports available. You may purchase an external adapter if your computer lacks enough USB ports. Once a USB drive is connected to your computer, make sure it’s properly plugged in, and working.

To get started transferring your files from a USB drive to Windows 11, follow the steps below.

How to transfer files from a USB flash drive to Windows 11

Once you have the correct USB ports available for the thumb drive with your files, insert the drive into the USB port. A USB-C drive goes into the USB-C port and USB 2.0/3.0 goes into the standard USB port.

Depending on your computer settings, Windows 11 will notify you to choose what to do with the files, similar to the notification below.

“Select to choose what happens with removable drives“

The new pop-up should come up with options on what to do with the drive inserted. At this point, click Open folder to view files.

In some cases, you may not get a prompt, and File Explorer will automatically open and show you the content of the drive. If File Explorer doesn’t open the memory card or drive automatically, click on This PC on the left, then double-click a newly attached drive with the letters E, F, G, or H.

At this point, you can either choose to transfer a single file or all the files on the memory card to your computer. If you’re transferring all the files, press CTRL + A on your keyboard to select all the files. You can also read this post to learn how to select files.

Once you’ve selected the file or all the files, press the Windows key and E on your keyboard. A new window of File Explorer will open up. Simply browse to where you want to put the copied files, then press the CTRL + V on your keyboard to paste the file(s).

You may also use the mouse to select and copy/paste files to Windows 11. Read the post below to learn how to select items on Windows 11 to copy and paste.

How Select Files and Folders in Windows 11 – Website for Students

That should do it.

Conclusion:

This post showed you how to transfer files from a USB thumb drive to Windows 11 PC. If you find any error above, please use the comment form below to report.

Workable Solutions	Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Copy Files Using Command Prompt Step by Step	Right-click the Start button and choose «Command Prompt (Admin)» to open CMD…Full steps
Other Easier GUI (Graphical User Interface) Methods to Copy Files	1. Use a USB Flash Drive; 2. Use OneDrive; 3. Use PC Data Transfer Software…Full steps

1. Use the Copy Command to Transfer Specific Files

Right-click the Start button and choose «Command Prompt (Admin)» to open CMD.

To copy files, use the copy command from the command line.

copy c:myfile.txt e:

The command above will copy «myfile.txt» from the C: drive to the E: drive.

copy *.txt e:

The above command copies all text files in the current directory to the E: drive using a wildcard.

copy d:example.xls

2. Using the Xcopy Command to Copy All Files

Xcopy is a command that copies files or groups of files between directories. It’s convenient for copying data to and from a fixed drive.

Step 1. To find cmd, go to Start and type cmd into the search box. From the list, right-click Command Prompt and choose «Run as administrator».

Xcopy C:test D:test /E /H /C /I

/E — Copies all subdirectories, including any that are empty.
/H – Copies files that are hidden or have system file attributes.
/C – Even if an error occurs, keep copying.
/I – Always presume the destination is a folder if in question.

Other Easier GUI (Graphical User Interface) Methods to Copy Files

Here are three easier ways to transfer and copy files from one drive or one computer to another. Check the detailed content.

1. Use a USB Flash Drive

Depending on the drive’s capacity, USB flash memory devices, also known as memory keys and memory sticks, can replicate a few files or a large quantity of data.

Step 1. Place the flash drive in one of your computer’s USB ports.

Step 2. Open the File Explorer window and look for the flash drive’s entry in the left pane.

Step 3. Drag and drop the files you want to copy into the drive’s folder.

Step 4. Remove the flash drive and place it in a USB slot on the other PC after you’re finished.

Step 5. By picking and dragging the files into another folder in a File Explorer window, you can copy them to the new PC.

2. Use OneDrive

Step 1. Drag and drop files into OneDrive.

Go to OneDrive and sign in. Add the file to your OneDrive cloud account and simply click «Add» when the app opens. Your OneDrive account will receive the file.

Step 2. Get the files you need.

3. Use Free PC Data Transfer Software – EaseUS Todo PCTrans