Can’t Move Files on Your PC: 5 Methods That Will Help You

Discover verified solutions to get rid of the problem

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Windows is one of themost used operating systemsin the world and is deemed straight and user-friendly. But as is the case with any operating system or device, it’s bound to throw minor issues every now and then. One such is when users can’t move files in Windows.

In some cases, users can copy but can’t move files orcan’t drag and drop in Windows. All these problems are linked to similar underlying issues and, in most cases, can be easily fixed. Let’s find out!

Why can’t I move files in a folder?

Here are the reasons you can’t move files on desktop or in Windows Explorer:

What do I do if I can’t move files in Windows 10?

Before we start with the intricate changes, here are a few quick ones you should make:

If these don’t work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Repair corrupt system files and check for disk issues

The commands we are running here will helpget rid of corrupt system files, as well as,fix issues with the disk. It may take up to an hour to complete the whole process.

2. Uninstall conflicting programs

3. Take ownership of the folder

In some cases, when the permissions are to blame for the problem, taking folder ownership might help get things running when you can’t move files in Windows 11.

4. Create a new user account

Finally, sign in with the new user account and check whether you can now move the files. If yes, transfer all the data from the previous user account to the new one and use it as the primary account from here on.

5. Perform an in-place upgrade

That’s it! If the previous solution didn’t work, an in-place upgrade would help fix things when you can’t move files in Windows. And the best part, the process won’t affect the stored data, and the files and apps will remain as it is.

If you are interested, check our curated list of thebest file managers for Windowsand get one to keep such issues at bay.

For any queries or to share the solution that worked for you, drop a comment below.

Can’t Move Files on Your PC: 5 Methods That Will Help You#

Why can’t I move files in a folder?#

What do I do if I can’t move files in Windows 10?#

1. Repair corrupt system files and check for disk issues#

2. Uninstall conflicting programs#

3. Take ownership of the folder#

4. Create a new user account#

5. Perform an in-place upgrade#