Windows 10: How to move files to USB and not copy.

I have a lot of files I want to move to a USB drive to free up space, but it just copies the files instead of moves them. Doing this causes all the files to lose their original creation dates and I don't want that to happen. Does anyone know how to just move them?

:)

 

Java.nio.file - Copying files

You can't copy a folder, thats why it generates an exception (you are trying to copy a folder using a copy file function).
You probably need to list all the files inside that folder and copy one by one

 

Java.nio.file - Copying files

Issue was the above, so thanks temp02.

 

not a copy and move any file USB to laptop

Hello Jay,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Please provide some additional information, so that we can assist you better.

1. Are you unable to copy or move files from USB drive to laptop?
   
2. What is the complete error message you see on your computer incase if you’re trying to move files?
   
3. Were there any changes made on your computer prior to this issues?
   
4. What is the make and model number of USB and computer?
   
5. Is the USB drive detected in Windows PC?
   

However, if you’re referring to transferring files from USB to laptop, follow the steps as mentioned below.

1. Insert your USB device into your computer.
   
2. Open ‘Windows Explorer’ and select 'This PC'.
   
3. You should see your USB device represented as a drive letter (e.g.: D: or E: etc.)
   
4. Locate your USB device and double click it to
   view the contents.
   
5. If your photos are organized into folders already, and/or you can see the
   folders or files you want, proceed to the next step. If your photos are not organized or the photos are visible, you will need to browse the folders until you find them.
   
6. Once you can see your
   files, photos or folders select everything by clicking on the 'Home' tab in Windows Explorer and selecting the 'Select All'
   option.
   
7. With everything you want to import selected all the files, then click the 'Home' tab in Windows Explorer and select either
   'Move to' or 'Copy’.
   
8. Select a destination folder in the list or select the
   'Choose location' option at the bottom and navigate to where you want to move or copy the images to.
   
9. Wait for the move or copy process to finish.
   

Hope it helps.

Let us know if you got the help you needed by clicking ‘Yes or No’.

Harish

Microsoft Community – Moderator