Windows has two default actions when you drag and drop a file or folder into another folder: copy or move, depending on the destination folder. However, there is a hidden Registry hack that allows you to change this default behavior in Windows 10.
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Default behavior of drag and drop on Windows 10
By default, Windows will copy anything you drag and drop into another folder on one another drive and move (cut) it if you drag and drop it into another folder above current drive.
Although you can change the drag and drop behavior using keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl + C, Ctrl + X, Ctrl + V), this method is slower because you need to use the keyboard every time you want to move or copy files. . Here's how you can force Windows to change its behavior for copying or moving, regardless of whether you're dragging items to the same drive or different drives.
Change the behavior of dragging and dropping files or folders through Registry Editor
Registry Editor is a powerful tool for tweaking Windows. If used incorrectly, the Registry can make your system unstable or even inoperable. However, this is a Windows hack to change the default feature of drag and drop file behavior quite simply. As long as you follow the instructions, you should have no problems.
If you have never worked with Registry Editor before, back up the Registry and your computer before you follow the instructions below.
For extra safety, you might want to create a System Restore point before continuing. If something goes wrong, you can restore the state before tweaking the Registry.
To change the default behavior of drag and drop, you will need to edit two Registry entries. Open Registry by clicking Ctrl + R to open the RUN window and type the command regedit then press Enter.
In the Registry Editor window and click on the path bar on the left
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*
Right-click on the * folder and select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the newly created value DefaultDropEffect
Now you Double Click DefaultDropEffect and change the price in the Value box as follows:
Now, you will modify that value to always copy or always on the move files and folders when performing drag and drop operations. There are four values you can use that have different features:
- Default (0): Let Windows decide to copy or move files and folders when you drag and drop it into the destination folder.
- Always copy (1): A copy of the file or folder will always be placed in the destination folder.
- Always on the move (2): The file or folder will move to the destination.
- Always create a Shortcut (4): A link to the original file or folder when dragging to the destination folder.
Next we will edit another key in the Registry. In the left Menu, click to find the link
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects
Right click on the folder of AllFilesystemObjects and select New > DWORD (32-bit). Name the new DWORD DefaultDropEffect.
Now, Double Click on the value DefaultDropEffect new, set Value To be 1then click OK to close the window.
You can now close Registry Editor and the changes will take effect immediately, you do not need to restart your computer. Try dragging and dropping any file into the folder, you will see the default behavior is to copy or cut or create a shortcut depending on the value you changed in the Registry.
Download File Registry changes drag and drop behavior
If you feel that manipulating the Registry is quite cumbersome, and you are not confident enough to change the value and are afraid of Windows errors, use the available .reg file. AnonyViet has created a registry hack that you can use. Just download and extract the following ZIP file:
Download File Change file drag and drop behavior in Windows
You will find the file .REG to change the default drag and drop behavior to always copy or move by setting the value of DefaultDropEffect in both keys to either value 1 or 2. After extracting, open the .reg file with the corresponding name with the action for which you want to set the default drag and drop.
If you want to restore to the default state, activate the file Drag and Drop – Reset to Default Behavior.reg
This hack only adds the values ofDefaultDropEffect to the * and AllFilesystemObjects keys we talked about in the previous section and then export to a .REG file. Running the hack modifies the values in the Registry for you. And if you enjoy playing around with the Registry, you should take the time to learn How to create your own Registry hacks.
