Tech Tips

Alt-Dragging

Question: How can I choose whether Windows copies or moves a file when I drag-and-drop it? Answer: In Windows, when you drag a file from one folder and drop it into another, the default action is to move the file from the old location to the new one. Sometimes, however, you will may want to copy a file or make a shortcut to it instead of moving it - fortunately, you can do this with drag-and-drop as well.

While dragging a file from one location to another, you can change what will happen by holding down a key on your keyboard. If you hold down the Ctrl key then a copy of the file will be made, if you hold down the Alt key then a shortcut to the file will be made. As is noted in another tech tip, you can accomplish the same thing by dragging with the right mouse button.

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