Copying a file or folder is an essential skill to have when working with computers. Depending on the operating system you are using, there are different methods to copy a file or folder. The instructions outlined below provide details on how to copy a file or folder on Windows and Mac OS.
Copying a File or Folder in Windows
1. Open the File Explorer window. To do this, click the Start icon at the bottom left of the screen, then type “File Explorer” into the search bar and hit enter.
2. Navigate to the file or folder you want to copy. You can use the left pane of the File Explorer window to navigate to the file or folder you want to copy.
3. Select the file or folder you want to copy. You can do this by left-clicking the file or folder once.
4. Copy the file or folder. There are two main ways you can copy the file or folder.
Option A: Right-click the file or folder and select ‘Copy’ from the context menu that appears.
Option B: Click the ‘Home’ tab at the top of the File Explorer window and select ‘Copy’ from the Home ribbon.
5. Navigate to the destination folder. You can use the left pane of the File Explorer window to navigate to the folder you want to copy the file or folder to.
6. Paste the file or folder into the destination folder. There are two main ways you can paste the file or folder.
Option A: Right-click in the destination folder, then select ‘Paste’ from the context menu that appears.
Option B: Click the ‘Home’ tab at the top of the File Explorer window and select ‘Paste’ from the Home ribbon.
7. You’re done! Your file or folder has now been copied to the destination folder.
Copying a File or Folder in Mac OS
1. Open the Finder window. To do this, open your Dock and select the Finder icon.
2. Navigate to the file or folder you want to copy. You can use the left pane of the Finder window to navigate to the file or folder you want to copy.
3. Select the file or folder you want to copy. You can do this by left-clicking the file or folder once.
4. Copy the file or folder. There are two main ways you can copy the file or folder.
Option A: Right-click the file or folder and select ‘Copy’ from the context menu that appears.
Option B: Click the ‘Edit’ tab at the top of the Finder window and select ‘Copy’ from the Edit ribbon.
5. Navigate to the destination folder. You can use the left pane of the Finder window to navigate to the folder you want to copy the file or folder to.
6. Paste the file or folder into the destination folder. There are two main ways you can paste the file or folder.
Option A: Right-click in the destination folder, then select ‘Paste Item’ from the context menu that appears.
Option B: Click the ‘Edit’ tab at the top of the Finder window and select ‘Paste Item’ from the Edit ribbon.
7. You’re done! Your file or folder has now been copied to the destination folder.