How to Move A Folder Instead of Copying/Cutting (Safe & Quick)

Are you looking for a safer way to move folders between drives? Here, we will offer multiple tutorials on how to move a folder instead of copying/cutting and pasting for you to move folders safely and quickly.

If you are looking for a safer way to move a folder instead of copying/cutting and pasting it, you have found the right article. With the solutions from EaseUS, you'll learn a few practical and advanced ways to move folders and the files in them to a different location. 

Regardless of your experience level, let's get started and move some folders safely and quickly.

How to Move A Folder Instead of Copying or Cutting It

Here are multiple ways to move a folder instead of copying it. Continue reading to learn more detailed information.

Way 1. A Professional File Transfer Tool

EaseUS Todo PCTrans Professional is an easy-to-use program for moving folders and files. The app provides the highest convenience by seamlessly transferring data, apps, and settings between old and new drives or Windows PCs.

Its straightforward UI and extensive features provide a hassle-free experience, allowing you to easily move a folder instead of copying it. Just download and install the app on your device and follow the steps given below:

Step 1. Create a backup file of the source hard drive

Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on your Windows computer. Navigate to the "Backup & Restore" mode and click "Start".

Hover your mouse over "Data Backup", and click "Next". Later, confirm the default settings of the file name and file path, or you can customize the settings on your own.

Now select the items you want to transfer to the other hard drive. EaseUS Todo PCTrans allows users to create backup files of multiple file types, including applications, personal data, and user accounts. To transfer files from one drive to another, deselect the "Applications" and "Accounts", hover your mouse over "Files", and click "Edit".

This is where you need to select files on the source drive. Expand the drive so you can selectively choose desired files, after then click "Finish". In the end, click "Backup". Wait for the process completes. 

Step 2. Restore the file to the destination drive

Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and follow the same way to reach the step of selecting a transfer method. This time choose "Data Restore" and click "Next".

Choose the existing backup file presenting on the interface, or navigate to the exact file path where the backup file is, click "Restore".

You're back to the "Files", click "Edit" to get in. The backup file is viewable here. You need to click the pencil icon to set the target location, which is the other hard drive, and submit the change. After the basic settings, click "Finish" and finally "Restore". Wait patiently until the transfer process is over. 

So, are you ready to streamline your folder transfer process? Download EaseUS Todo PCTrans Professional and experience an easy folder transfer process across Windows devices.

Besides moving files and folders from one drive to another, you can even use EaseUS Todo PCTrans to move applications installed on your PC between different drives or even PCs. If you have such needs, you can refer to the following page for details.

🚩Further Reading: How to Move Windows 11/10 Installed Apps to Another Hard Drive or Partition

Way 2. Move Command

When encountering program conflicts, virus attacks, system errors, or other issues during file transfer, you may find that copy/cut and paste operations are not working. Thus, you can try to move files using CMD.

Command Prompt is a text-based Windows interface that lets users communicate with the operating system by inputting commands. Look below for how to move your directories effectively using the "move" command:

Step 1. Search and open Command Prompt from the Taskbar search box.

Step 2. Type in move [source]*.* [destination] and then hit "Enter" to execute the operation. For example, after I enter move c:\folder1\*.* d:\folder2\, all the files in folder1 will be moved to the folder2 in D drive.

Way 3. Xcopy Command

Using the Xcopy (Extended Copy) command is another effective way to move a folder using the Command Prompt. It only copies your source folder and does not delete it during the process.

The following instructions will help you use the "xcopy" command to move your folders successfully:

Step 1. First, launch the Command Prompt.

Step 2. Type in Xcopy [source] [destination] /E /H /C /I and hit "Enter" to perform. For example, Xcopy c:\folder1 d:\folder2 /E /H /C /I will help you move every file and subfolder from folder1 to folder2 without deleting them.

Do you think this method is helpful to you? If so, please share these tips with other users.

Way 4. Robocopy Command

Robocopy, which stands for "Robust File Copy," provides an advanced way to move directories using the Command Prompt. It allows you to move files, mirror directories, modify attributes to the copied files, etc.

The instructions for effectively moving your directories with the "robocopy" command are as follows:

Step 1. Open the Command Prompt. 

Step 2. Type in robocopy [source] [destination] /move and press "Enter" to begin. For example, robocopy c:\folder1\ d:\folder2\ /move /E can help you move everything from folder1 to folder2.

All the above methods can move a folder between different locations. However, using command lines requires accurate operation; otherwise, there could be data loss or even system corruption. For a safer and easier transfer operation, the tool in Way 1 is highly recommended.

Conclusion

To summarize, this guide has provided numerous options for quickly shifting folders to another disk using the Command Prompt. Whether you are using the Move, Xcopy, or Robocopy commands, you can now perform folder transfers with accuracy and convenience. However, if you face difficulties or are looking for an easier option to move large files, EaseUS Todo PCTrans Professional, with its user-friendly interface and powerful functionality, provides an alternative.

Download and try EaseUS Todo PCTrans to experience the comfort of a professional file transfer solution with advanced features to simplify your folder transfer procedure.

FAQs on How to Move A Folder Instead of Copying or Cutting

If you still have questions or need further clarification on moving folders using Command Prompt, do not hesitate to check out the FAQs below:

1. How to move folder from C to D drive using CMD?

To move a folder from C to D drive using CMD, use the "move" command with the folder name and destination path. For example: move c:\folder1\*.* d:\folder2\.

2. Can I move installed programs to another drive?

Yes, you can move installed applications to another disk, but make sure the setup and registry are correct for a successful transfer.

3. Does Windows 10 have a file transfer tool?

Windows 10 does not have a built-in file transfer tool like the old Windows Easy Transfer utility. However, you can use a third-party file transfer tool like EaseUS Todo PCTrans as the alternative.