How to Copy on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 27, 2025

Copying files, text, and folders is one of the most basic yet essential tasks on any computer. If you’re new to Windows 11 or just upgraded, you may be wondering: What’s the easiest way to copy content?

The good news is that Windows 11 offers multiple methods — from keyboard shortcuts and right-click menus to drag-and-drop and advanced tools like Clipboard History.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the ways to copy on Windows 11, with step-by-step instructions, tips, and troubleshooting advice.

Key Takeaways

  • Use Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste quickly.

  • Right-click menus and drag-and-drop are great alternatives.

  • Windows 11 includes Clipboard History (Win + V) for managing multiple copied items.

  • You can copy text, files, folders, and even screenshots easily.

Why Learn Different Ways to Copy in Windows 11?

You might be thinking: Why not just stick to Ctrl + C?

Here’s why multiple methods help:

  • Accessibility – Not everyone prefers keyboard shortcuts.

  • Efficiency – Some methods are faster for large files.

  • Flexibility – Clipboard History allows pasting older items.

  • Troubleshooting – If one method fails, another can help.

How to Copy Using Keyboard Shortcuts

The fastest and most universal method is using keyboard shortcuts.

Steps:

  1. Select the text, file, or folder you want to copy.

  2. Press Ctrl + C on your keyboard.

  3. Navigate to the destination where you want to paste.

  4. Press Ctrl + V to paste.

👉 This works in almost every app, from File Explorer to web browsers.

How to Copy Using Right-Click Context Menu

If you prefer the mouse, the right-click menu is very handy.

Steps:

  1. Select the item (text, file, or folder).

  2. Right-click on it.

  3. Choose Copy from the menu.

  4. Go to the destination, right-click, and choose Paste.

How to Copy with Drag-and-Drop

Windows 11 also supports copying via drag-and-drop.

Steps:

  1. Open the folder containing the file.

  2. Hold down the Ctrl key.

  3. Click and drag the file to the destination folder.

  4. Release the mouse — the file will be copied (not moved).

👉 Without holding Ctrl, the file is usually moved instead.

How to Copy Text in Windows 11

Copying text works slightly differently depending on the app.

Steps:

  1. Highlight the text by clicking and dragging your mouse.

  2. Use Ctrl + C or right-click > Copy.

  3. Paste it where you want with Ctrl + V.

How to Copy Files and Folders

For files and folders in File Explorer:

Steps:

  1. Select the file/folder.

  2. Press Ctrl + C or right-click > Copy.

  3. Navigate to the destination folder.

  4. Paste using Ctrl + V.

👉 To copy multiple files at once, hold Ctrl while selecting them.

How to Copy Screenshots in Windows 11

You can copy screenshots directly to your clipboard.

Steps:

  1. Press PrtScn (Print Screen) – copies the whole screen.

  2. Or use Windows + Shift + S to open Snipping Tool.

  3. Select the area, and it’s copied to your clipboard.

  4. Paste with Ctrl + V into apps like Word, Paint, or chat apps.

How to Use Clipboard History for Copying

Windows 11 includes a Clipboard History feature that remembers multiple copied items.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + V.

  2. Turn on Clipboard History if it’s not enabled.

  3. Copy multiple items as usual.

  4. Press Windows + V to see your history and choose which one to paste.

👉 Great for students, coders, and multitaskers who copy lots of text.

How to Copy Using Command Prompt

For advanced users, Command Prompt offers copying via commands.

Steps (to copy a file):

  1. Open Command Prompt (Windows + S, type cmd).

  2. Type:

    copy "C:\path\source.txt" "D:\path\destination.txt"

  3. Press Enter.

How to Copy Using PowerShell

Similar to Command Prompt, but with more power.

Steps:

  1. Open PowerShell.

  2. Type:

    Copy-Item "C:\path\source.txt" -Destination "D:\path\"

  3. Press Enter.

How to Copy on Touchscreen (Tablets and 2-in-1s)

If you’re using a touchscreen device:

Steps:

  1. Tap and hold on the text or file.

  2. A context menu appears.

  3. Select Copy.

  4. Tap and hold in the destination, then select Paste.

Troubleshooting: Copy and Paste Not Working in Windows 11

If copying doesn’t work, try these fixes:

  1. Restart Windows Explorer – Open Task Manager > Processes > Windows Explorer > Restart.

  2. Enable Clipboard History – Go to Settings > System > Clipboard.

  3. Clear clipboard data – Settings > System > Clipboard > Clear.

  4. Run system scan – Use sfc /scannow in Command Prompt.

  5. Reboot your PC – Simple but often effective.

Tips for Copying More Efficiently

  • Use Ctrl + A to select all items before copying.

  • Combine Alt + Tab with copy-paste for quick app switching.

  • Use Windows + V to manage multiple copied items.

  • For large files, consider copying via external drives or cloud services.

Conclusion

Learning how to copy on Windows 11 is essential for productivity. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, mouse menus, drag-and-drop, or advanced methods like Clipboard History, Windows 11 gives you plenty of options.

Now that you know all the methods, try mixing them — you’ll soon discover which works best for your workflow.

FAQs About Copying in Windows 11

1. What is the shortcut to copy in Windows 11?
Press Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste.

2. How do I copy multiple files at once?
Hold Ctrl while selecting multiple files, then press Ctrl + C.

3. Can I copy text from one app to another?
Yes. Copy with Ctrl + C in one app and paste with Ctrl + V in another.

4. Where do copied items go in Windows 11?
They go to the Clipboard, which can be managed using Windows + V.

5. Why won’t copy-paste work on my PC?
Restart Windows Explorer, enable Clipboard History, or reboot your computer to fix it.

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