Windows – why doesn’t explorer copy files when control-dragged

drag and dropfile-transferwindows-explorer

In one of my systems, when I drag and drop a file it does not honor the pressing of the control key.

That is, when dragging in the same drive, it always moves files and does not copy them. And when dragging over a different drive, it always copies files.

Why is explorer exhibiting this behavior?

After more testing. Here is more information.

Sequence number 1

  1. Press CTRL key
  2. Click with left button over the filename on explorer
  3. Drag file (a plus (+) sign appears over the icon while dragged)
  4. move mouse over destination and release mouse button
  5. The file appears in destination and disappears in source. It MOVES, doesn't copy.

All the times I repeat sequence number 1 the result is the same. Independent of source and destination.

But if after sequence 1 I hold the CTRL key pressed (that is, I don't release the key and press it again) and repeat the sequence from point 2…

  1. keep Ctrl pressed
  2. Click with left button over the filename on explorer
  3. Drag file (a plus (+) sign appears over the icon while dragged)
  4. move mouse over destination and release mouse button
  5. The file now COPIES !!!

It also happens with the ALT key. Sequence 1 moves the file. And sequence 2 creates a shortcut.

Best Answer

I always use right-click drag'n'drop.
That way, on releasing the file @ destination, I get a neat menu where I can choose to Copy, Move, Create Shortcut, or Cancel the operation.
Works for all versions of Windows...

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