Windows system mouse dragging files is changed from the default copy mode to cut/move mode

Original link: https://www.itylq.com/drag-files-to-move-mode.html

Release date: 2023-10-13 Migration time: 2026-03-21

In the Windows system, when transferring files between multiple folders, we are usually accustomed to transferring files by dragging them directly with the mouse. By default, the rules for dragging files in the Windows system are: (source/destination folder) is in the same disk partition, dragging the file implements file cutting/moving; when (source/destination folder) is not in the same disk partition, dragging the file implements file copying.

The default rules for dragging files in the Windows system improve data security to a certain extent through redundancy mechanisms, but it also brings additional troubles. How to achieve the effect of file cutting/file moving when dragging files?

1 Three operation modes for dragging files

Cut/move, copy and create shortcuts, which can be modified via the registry. Details are as follows:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects

In the above two paths, find or create two DWORD type registry keys and name them DefaultDropEffect. Double-click the table item, fill in the number "2" in the numerical data (V), and exit after confirmation.

2 DefaultDropEffect value and meaning

0 or the registry entry does not exist: Windows default drag rule (cut/move the same disk partition, copy different disk partitions);

1: Always copy;

2: Always cut/move;

4: Always create shortcuts.

3 Additional

Without modifying the registry, forced copying, forced cutting/moving and forced creation of shortcuts can also be achieved through auxiliary keys.

Hold down the Ctrl key while dragging: force copy;

Hold down the Shift key while dragging: force cut/move;

Hold down the Alt key or the Ctrl+Shift key combination while dragging: Force a shortcut to be created.

---

This article was moved from WordPress to MkDocs