“Moving files around” in a Windows 10 folder can mean two things: rearranging the order files appear in, or moving them into other folders to get organized. File Explorer handles both, though it works differently than you might expect: inside a regular folder, you can’t drag icons to any spot you like the way you can on the desktop. This guide explains how to get files in the order you want and every way to move them.
Quick Answer
To move files, select them and drag them onto another folder, or use Home > Move to, or Ctrl + X then Ctrl + V in the destination. To rearrange them, right-click empty space and use Sort by or Group by; for a custom order, add numbers to the start of file names (01, 02, 03).
Select the Files First
- One file: click it.
- Several separate files: hold Ctrl and click each one.
- A range: click the first file, hold Shift, and click the last.
- Everything: press Ctrl + A.
- Drag a box around files with the mouse (start in empty space).
To make selecting easier, turn on View > Item check boxes.
Ways to Move Files Into Another Folder
Drag and drop
- Select the files.
- Drag them onto a folder in the file list or in the left navigation pane. A tooltip says “Move to [folder].”
- Release the mouse.
Dragging to a folder on the same drive moves files. Dragging to a different drive (like a USB stick) copies them instead. Hold Shift while dragging to force a move, or Ctrl to force a copy. Drag with the right mouse button to choose from a menu when you let go.
Home > Move to
- Select the files.
- On the Home tab, click Move to.
- Pick a recent folder, or Choose location to browse (you can create a new folder there).
Cut and paste
- Select the files and press Ctrl + X (or right-click > Cut).
- Open the destination folder and press Ctrl + V (or right-click > Paste).
Put selected files in a new folder
- Click Home > New folder (or press Ctrl + Shift + N) and name it.
- Drag the selected files onto it.
Made a mistake? Press Ctrl + Z right away to undo the move.
Rearrange Files Within a Folder
File Explorer always keeps files in a sorted order inside folders. You can choose the order, but you can’t place icons freely.
Sort
- Right-click empty space in the folder and choose Sort by.
- Pick Name, Date modified, Type, or Size, and Ascending or Descending.
In Details view, click a column header to sort by it; click again to reverse.
Group
Right-click > Group by > Type (or Date, Size) to gather similar files under headings, which helps in large folders.
Create a custom order
Rename files with a number prefix, for example 01 Intro.docx, 02 Chapter.docx, then sort by Name. Use leading zeros (01, 02 … 10) so 10 doesn’t sort before 2. To rename a batch at once, select them, press F2, type a name, and press Enter; Windows adds (1), (2), (3).
Apply the same view to similar folders
Set up the view you like, then click View > Options > View tab > Apply to Folders to use it for all folders of the same type.
Free Placement: The Desktop Only
On the desktop, you can drag icons anywhere. Right-click the desktop > View and turn off Auto arrange icons (and Align icons to grid for completely free placement).
Troubleshooting
- “You need permission to perform this action”: the folder is protected (for example, Program Files) or owned by another user. Move files elsewhere, or approve the administrator prompt if it’s your PC.
- “The action can’t be completed because the file is open”: close the file in its app, then try again.
- Files snap back after dragging: that’s sorting at work. Use a custom name order instead.
- Moved files disappeared: press Ctrl + Z, or search for the file name from This PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I drag files to a specific position in a folder?
Windows 10 folders always sort their contents. Only the desktop supports free placement.
Does moving a file change its date?
Moving within the same drive keeps the Date modified. Copying creates a new file with a new Date created.
Is moving faster than copying?
On the same drive, moving is almost instant because Windows only updates the file’s location. Between drives, it copies and then deletes the original.
Summary
- Select files with Ctrl, Shift, or Ctrl + A.
- Move them by dragging, Home > Move to, or Ctrl + X / Ctrl + V.
- Rearrange with Sort by and Group by, or number prefixes for a custom order.
- Use Ctrl + Z to undo mistakes.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.