How To Cut, Copy & Paste Files In Windows 11

Windows 11 ships with a revamped File Explorer. The new File Explorer uses a simple toolbar instead of the old ribbon interface found in Windows 10 and earlier.


cut copy paste in Windows 11 pic01

In addition to the new toolbar, File Explorer also includes an entirely new file context menu (context menu) that doesn’t get cluttered easily as you install new programs. The downside is that most PC users will need some time to get used to this new context menu, as it doesn’t show all the options by default.

Many users who have upgraded to Windows 11 ask us where the cut, copy and paste options are in Windows 11. As a result, in this guide, we will tell you how to access the cut, copy and paste options in Windows 11.

There are several ways to perform cut, copy and paste operations in Windows 11.

Method 1 of 4

Perform cut, copy and paste operations in Windows 11 using the context menu

Step 1: Make a the right button of the mouse on the file you want to cut or copy, and then click the Copy icon (see the picture below) to copy the selected file.


cut copy paste in Windows 11 pic1

To cut a file, the right button of the mouse in the file and then click the scissor icon (cut icon).


cut copy paste in Windows 11 pic2

Step 2: To paste the copied file, go to the folder where you want to paste the file, the right button of the mouse and then click the paste icon (see image below). Simple as that!


cut copy paste in Windows 11 pic3

Method 2 of 4

Perform cut, copy and paste in Windows 11 via File Explorer toolbar

Step 1: In File Explorer, select a file that you want to cut or copy.

Step 2: Once you select a file, you will see cut and copy icons on the toolbar. Simply click the cut icon (represented by the scissor icon) or copy the icon to cut or copy the selected file.


cut copy paste in Windows 11 pic4

Step 3: To paste a file, navigate to the location where you want to paste the file, and then click the paste icon (see image below) on the toolbar.


cut copy paste in Windows 11 pic5

Method 3 of 4

Perform cut, copy and paste using the classic context menu in Windows 11

Step 1: The right button of the mouse on the file you want to cut or copy, click Show more options to open the classic context menu and then click the court or Copy option.


cut copy paste in Windows 11 pic6


cut copy paste in Windows 11 pic7

Step 2: To paste a file, the right button of the mouse in an empty place, click Show more options and then click the Paste option.


cut copy paste in Windows 11 pic8

Method 4 of 4

Use keyboard shortcut to cut, copy, or paste in Windows 11

Use the control + C hotkey to copy, use control + X to cut and use control + V paste.