In Windows 10, there is a hidden function that allows you to move a file to a specific directory (of your choosing) after you right-click on that file. Well, since the function is hidden, you have to modify your computer configuration to access and use the feature. A similar function that allows you to copy stuff directly (to a specific directory) also exists.
In this guide, we intend to show you how to make the required changes to your computer to get both functions.
We must warn you of certain things, though. The proposed operation (to add the new functions) requires you to do some work on your computer registry using the Registry Editor application. The Registry Editor is an incredibly powerful tool since the changes it makes to your PC have far- and wide-reaching effects.
If you misuse the utility or if you make mistakes while working on your registry, then your errors might render your machine unstable (or even unusable).
For these reasons, you might want to create a backup of the contents of your registry. If things go wrong, then the backup will serve as the lifeline through which you get to restore your registry to its normal state or composition.
Nevertheless, as long as you stick to our instructions (and do the right thing), you are unlikely to have problems. If you are still worried, then you might as well create a system restore point, which corresponds to a backup for everything.
How to add “Move to” to the Windows 10 context menu
These are the instructions you must follow to add the Move to function to the context menu on your computer:
- Open the Run app through the Windows button + letter R key combination.
- Once the small Run dialog or window comes up, you have to type regedit into the text box on it.
- Click on the OK button on the Run window (or you can give the Enter button on your machine’s keyboard a tap).
- Once Windows brings up the User Account Control prompt, you have to click on the Yes button there (to affirm things).
Your computer will now execute the inputted code and bring up the Registry Editor program window.
- Now, you must look at the top-left corner of the window and then double-click on Computer (to enter this directory).
- At this point, you must navigate through the folders on this path to get to the required location:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ AllFilesystemObjects \ shellex \ ContextMenuHandlers
- Now, you must right-click on ContextMenuHandlers to see the available context menu.
- Click on New (to see another list) and then select Key.
The window for a new key will come up now.
- Type Move to into the text box for Name (for the new key) and then hit the Enter button on your PC’s keyboard.
Windows will now save the new key.
- Now, you must double-click on the newly created key.
The Properties window for the key in view will come up now.
- Here, you must copy and paste the following string in the field for Value Data:
{C2FBB631-2971-11D1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}
- Hit the Enter button on your PC’s keyboard.
Windows will now save the changes you made to the key.
- Close the Registry Editor window.
- Now, you must restart your PC to allow Windows to recognize the changes you made.
If you did everything correctly, then you will now be able to access and use the Move to function in your next session in the Windows operating system environment.
An alternative method of adding the Move to function to the context menu:
If the previous procedure fails to deliver the expected results, then you can try this:
- Right-click on the Windows icon on your desktop to see the Power User applications and options.
- From the list that comes up, you must choose Command Prompt (Admin).
- If User Account Control brings up a prompt, you have to click on the Yes button there (to affirm things and move on).
Windows will bring up the admin Command Prompt window now.
- Here, you must type the following code into the field on the window (or you can copy and paste the code):
reg add “HKCR\Allfilesystemobjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\Move To” /ve /d “{C2FBB631-2971-11d1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}” /t REG_SZ
- Hit the Enter button on your device’s keyboard.
Your system will now work to execute the code. The required key will be added automatically (if everything goes well).
- Now, you must close the Command Prompt app.
- Restart your PC.
How to add “Copy to” to the Windows 10 context menu
The same policies (stated in the description of the previous procedure) apply here. Anyway, these are the instructions you must follow to add the Copy to function to the context menu on your computer:
- Open the Run app through the Windows button + letter R key combination.
- Once the small Run dialog or window comes up, you have to type regedit into the text box on it.
- Click on the OK button on the Run window (or you can give the Enter button on your machine’s keyboard a tap).
- Once Windows brings up the User Account Control prompt, you have to click on the Yes button there (to affirm things).
Your computer will now execute the inputted code and bring up the Registry Editor program window.
- Now, you must look at the top-left corner of the window and then double-click on Computer (to enter this directory).
- At this point, you must navigate through the folders on this path to get to the required location:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ AllFilesystemObjects \ shellex \ ContextMenuHandlers
- Here, you must right-click on ContextMenuHandlers to see the list of available options.
- Click on New (to see a list) and then choose Key.
The window for the creation of a new key will come up now.
- Type Copy to into the box for Name and then hit the Enter button on your PC’s keyboard.
- Here, you must double-click on the key you just created.
Windows will bring up the Properties window for the chosen key now.
- Now, you have to fill the box for Value data with the following string:
{C2FBB630-2971-11D1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}
- Hit the Enter button on your keyboard.
Windows will now save the changes you made to the key in view.
- Now, you must close the Registry Editor window.
- Restart your computer to allow Windows to take the changes that occurred in your registry into account.
If you did everything correctly, then you will now be able to access and use the Copy too function in your next session in the Windows operating system environment.
An alternative method of adding the Copy to function to the context menu:
If the previous procedure fails to deliver the expected results, then you can try this:
- Right-click on the Windows icon on your desktop to see the Power User menu applications and options.
- From the list that comes up, you must choose Command Prompt (Admin).
- If User Account Control brings up a prompt, you have to click on the Yes button there (to affirm things and move on).
Windows will bring up the admin Command Prompt window now.
- Here, you must type the following code into the field on the window (or you can copy and paste the code):
reg add “HKCR\Allfilesystemobjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\Copy To” /ve /d “{C2FBB630-2971-11d1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}” /t REG_SZ
- Hit the Enter button on your device’s keyboard.
Your system will now work to execute the code. The required key will be added automatically (if everything goes well).
- Now, you must close the Command Prompt app.
- Restart your PC.
How to use “Move to” or “Copy to” from the context menu
Assuming you have finished making the necessary changes to the Windows registry (to add the necessary functions to the context menu), you will now see Move to and/or Copy to on the regular list of options.
You can use the functions this way:
- Right-click on any object or item to see the available context menu.
- Select Move to or Copy to.
Windows will now bring up a little dialog and ask you to specify the destination folder.
- Now, you must choose your preferred directory (the place you want Windows to place the item or object in view).
- Now, you must click on the Move or Copy button (close to the bottom of the window).
Windows will now act to move or copy the selected item.
TIP:
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