Transferring files in Windows is easy. Microsoft has made it simple to transfer or move files from one location to another using either the drag-and-drop method, copy and paste, or using the Transfer Wizard. The following guide explains how to move or transfer files in Windows.
Before transferring any files, it is important to check that the receiving device has enough hard drive space to save the data. Depending on the size of the file, some external devices such as USB flash drives, DVDs, or CDs may be necessary.
To move or transfer files using the Drag and Drop Method:
1. Open ‘File Explorer’ by clicking the folder icon located in the taskbar.
2. Navigate to the file you want to move or transfer.
3. Click and hold on the file or folder you want to move and drag it to a new location.
4. Release the mouse button when the mouse cursor is over the new location.
5. The file or folder should now appear in the new location.
To transfer files using the Copy and Paste Method:
1. Launch your ‘File Explorer’ by clicking the folder icon located in the taskbar.
2. Navigate to the file you want to transfer.
3. Select the file or folder you want to copy by clicking on it once.
4. Right click on the file or folder and select ‘Copy’ from the context menu.
5. Navigate to the destination folder or drive.
6. Right click inside of the folder and select ‘Paste’ from the context menu.
7. The file or folder should now appear in the new location.
To transfer files using the Windows Transfer Wizard:
1. Open the ‘Control Panel’ by clicking the Start button then typing ‘control panel’ into the search box.
2. Once inside the ‘Control Panel’ select ‘System and Security’ then ‘Backup and Restore (Windows 7)’.
3. Select ‘Set up Backup’ under the ‘Backup’ section.
4. The ‘Set up Backup’ wizard will open. Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the ‘What do you want to backup?’ page.
5. Choose ‘Let me choose’ from the list.
6. The ‘Select what to back up’ page will open. Choose ‘Files and Folders’ then click ‘Next’.
7. The ‘Choose the folders and files you want to backup’ page will open. Select the files and folders you would like to transfer and click ‘Next’.
8. On the next page select ‘Save on a network’ from the dropdown menu.
9. On the next page choose the location you would like to transfer the files to.
10. Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the ‘Backup Options’ page.
11. Select ‘Start Backup’ and the transfer will begin.
12. Once the transfer is complete, you can view the transferred files and folders in the selected destination.
Moving and transferring files using Windows is quick and easy. After understanding the basics of how to transfer files, you’ll be able to quickly move large batches of data with ease. Remember to always check that you have enough space in the destination before attempting to transfer anything.