Move vs. Copy — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 14, 2024
Move relocates data from one location to another, removing it from the original spot; copy duplicates data, preserving the original.
Difference Between Move and Copy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
When you move a file or data, it is transferred from its original location to a new one, meaning it no longer exists in the original spot. Whereas copying creates a duplicate of the file or data in a new location while maintaining the original copy intact. This fundamental difference affects how space is used on a device.
Moving is often used when organizing or freeing up space because it doesn't increase the total amount of data on your devices. On the other hand, copying is useful for creating backups or working with multiple versions of a file, as it increases the storage used by creating a new, identical file.
In terms of user permissions, moving files within the same drive typically doesn't require additional permissions once you have access to both the source and destination folders. Whereas, copying can sometimes require additional permissions, especially if the target location has restricted access.
When you move data across different drives or network locations, it can be a slower process due to the need to rewrite data in a new space. Copying, however, might be faster within the same drive but can also be slow if large amounts of data are duplicated, especially over a network.
From a data management perspective, moving is irreversible in that once the data is transferred, the only way to undo the action is to move it back manually. Copying, on the other hand, provides a fail-safe by leaving the original data untouched, thus offering a simple way to revert any changes.
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Comparison Chart
Location of original
Original is deleted after transfer.
Original remains unchanged.
Disk space usage
Does not increase total disk space usage.
Increases disk space usage by duplicating files.
Permissions
Typically unchanged within the same drive.
May require additional permissions for restricted areas.
Speed
Varies, slower across different drives.
Generally fast within the same drive, slower when duplicating large files.
Reversibility
Not easily reversible without manual intervention.
Easily reversible, as original remains untouched.
Compare with Definitions
Move
To change in position from one point to another
Moved away from the window.
Copy
To make a duplicate of data in a new location while keeping the original.
He copied the files to his backup drive.
Move
To follow a specified course
Earth moves around the sun.
Copy
An operation that replicates data from one location to another.
She copied her presentation to a USB drive.
Move
To change posture or position; stir
Too scared to move.
Copy
A thing made to be similar or identical to another
The problem is telling which is the original document and which the copy
Move
To start off; depart
After waiting for an hour, we decided it was time to move.
Copy
A single specimen of a particular book, record, or other publication or issue
The record has sold more than a million copies
Move
(Games) To change position on a board in a board game.
Copy
Matter to be printed
Copy for the next issue must be submitted by the beginning of the month
Move
To go from one residence or location to another; relocate
We moved to a new apartment.
Copy
A blank booklet or notebook used for schoolwork
You need a stock of exercise copies, A4 refill pads, and maths copies
Examinees will not be allowed to take pens, copies, or water bottles inside the test centre
Move
(Linguistics) To be copied or moved by means of a movement transformation to a new position in syntactic structure.
Copy
Make a similar or identical version of; reproduce
Each form had to be copied and sent to a different department
Move
To progress in sequence; go forward
A novel that moves slowly.
Copy
Imitate the style or behaviour of
Lifestyles that were copied from Miami and Fifth Avenue
Art students copied from approved old masters
Move
To progress toward a particular state or condition
Moving up in the company.
Move on to a new subject.
Copy
Hear or understand someone speaking on a radio transmitter
This is Edwards, do you copy, over
Move
To be disposed of by sale
Woolens move slowly in the summer.
Copy
An imitation or reproduction of an original; a duplicate
A copy of a painting.
Made two copies of the letter.
Move
To be put in motion or to turn according to a prescribed motion. Used of machinery.
Copy
(Computers) A file that has the same data as another file
Stored on the server a copy of every document.
Move
To exhibit great activity or energy
Things were really moving backstage.
Copy
One example of a printed text, picture, film, or recording
An autographed copy of a novel.
Move
To initiate an action; act
It's time to make a decision and move.
Copy
Material, such as a manuscript, that is to be set in type.
Move
To be active in a particular environment
Moves in diplomatic circles.
Copy
The words to be printed or spoken in an advertisement.
Move
To stir the emotions
Words that have the power to move.
Copy
Suitable source material for journalism
Celebrities make good copy.
Move
To make a formal motion in parliamentary procedure
Move for an adjournment.
Copy
To make a reproduction or copy of
Copied the note letter for letter.
Copied the file to a disk.
Move
To evacuate. Used of the bowels.
Copy
To follow as a model or pattern; imitate.
Move
To change the place or position of
Moved the chair into the corner.
Could not move his arm.
Copy
To include as an additional recipient of a written communication
Please copy me when you reply to her.
Move
To cause to go from one place to another
Moved the crowd away.
Copy
To make a copy or copies.
Move
(Games) To change (a piece) from one position to another in a board game
Moved a pawn.
Copy
To admit of being copied
Colored ink that does not copy well.
Move
To change the course of
Moved the discussion to other matters.
Copy
To hear clearly or understand something said by radio communication
Mayday. Do you copy?.
Move
To cause to progress or advance
Moved the research into new thinking.
Copy
The result of copying; an identical duplicate of an original.
Please bring me the copies of those reports.
Move
To dislodge from a fixed point of view, as by persuasion
"Speak to him, ladies, see if you can move him" (Shakespeare).
Copy
An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.
That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different.
Move
To prompt to action; rouse
Anger moved her to speak out.
Copy
(journalism) The text that is to be typeset.
Move
To arouse the emotions of; affect or stir.
Copy
(journalism) A gender-neutral abbreviation for copy boy.
Move
To cause to function
This lever moves the elevator.
Copy
The output of copywriters, who are employed to write material which encourages consumers to buy goods or services.
Move
To cause to progress or advance
Moved the project beyond conventional thinking.
Copy
(uncountable) The text of newspaper articles.
Submit all copy to the appropriate editor.
Move
To propose or request in formal parliamentary procedure
Moved that a vote be taken.
Copy
A school work pad.
Tim got in trouble for forgetting his maths copy.
Move
To make formal application to (a court, for example).
Copy
A printed edition of a book or magazine.
Have you seen the latest copy of "Newsweek" yet?
The library has several copies of the Bible.
Move
To dispose of by sale
Moved the new merchandise quickly.
Copy
Writing paper of a particular size, called also bastard.
Move
To cause (the bowels) to evacuate.
Copy
(obsolete) That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example.
His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Move
The act or an instance of moving.
Copy
(obsolete) An abundance or plenty of anything.
Move
A particular manner of moving
Made some intricate moves on the dance floor.
Copy
(obsolete) copyhold; tenure; lease
Move
A change of residence or location.
Copy
(genetics) The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.
Move
An act of transferring a piece from one position to another in board games.
Copy
(transitive) To produce an object identical to a given object.
Please copy these reports for me.
Move
The prescribed manner in which a piece may be played.
Copy
(transitive) To give or transmit a copy to (a person).
Make sure you copy me on that important memo.
Move
A participant's turn to make a play.
Copy
To place a copy of an object in memory for later use.
First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory.
Move
An action taken to achieve an objective; a maneuver
A move to halt the arms race.
Copy
(transitive) To imitate.
Don't copy my dance moves.
Mom, he's copying me!
Move
(intransitive) To change place or posture; to go, in any manner, from one place or position to another.
A ship moves rapidly.
I was sitting on the sofa for a long time, feeling too lazy to move.
Copy
(radio) To receive a transmission successfully.
Do you copy?
Move
(intransitive) To act; to take action; to begin to act
To move in a matter
Come on guys, let's move: there's work to do!
Copy
An abundance or plenty of anything.
She was blessed with no more copy of wit, but to serve his humor thus.
Move
(intransitive) To change residence, for example from one house, town, or state, to another; to go and live at another place. See also move out and move in.
I decided to move to the country for a more peaceful life.
They moved closer to work to cut down commuting time.
I'm moving next week but I don't have anything packed yet.
The rook moved from a8 to a6.
My opponent's counter was moving much quicker round the board than mine.
Copy
An imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work; as, a copy of a letter, an engraving, a painting, or a statue.
I have not the vanity to think my copy equal to the original.
Move
To cause to change place or posture in any manner; to set in motion; to carry, convey, draw, or push from one place to another
The waves moved the boat up and down.
The horse moves a carriage.
Copy
An individual book, or a single set of books containing the works of an author; as, a copy of the Bible; a copy of the works of Addison.
Move
To transfer (a piece) from one space or position on the board to another.
She moved the queen closer to the centre of the board.
He rolled a 5 and moved his counter to Boardwalk, the most expensive property on the Monopoly board.
Copy
That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example; as, his virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Let him first learn to write, after a copy, all the letters.
Move
(transitive) To excite to action by the presentation of motives; to rouse by representation, persuasion, or appeal; to influence.
This song moves me to dance.
Copy
Manuscript or printed matter to be set up in type; as, the printers are calling for more copy.
Move
(transitive) To arouse the feelings or passions of; especially, to excite to tenderness or compassion, to excite (for example, an emotion).
That book really moved me.
Copy
A writing paper of a particular size. Same as Bastard. See under Paper.
Move
To propose; to recommend; specifically, to propose formally for consideration and determination, in a deliberative assembly; to submit
I move to repeal the rule regarding obligatory school uniform.
Copy
Copyhold; tenure; lease.
Move
To mention; to raise (a question); to suggest (a course of action); to lodge (a complaint).
Copy
To make a copy or copies of; to write; print, engrave, or paint after an original; to duplicate; to reproduce; to transcribe; as, to copy a manuscript, inscription, design, painting, etc.; - often with out, sometimes with off.
I like the work well; ere it be demanded(As like enough it will), I'd have it copied.
Let this be copied out,And keep it safe for our remembrance.
Move
To incite, urge (someone to do something); to solicit (someone for or of an issue); to make a proposal to.
Copy
To imitate; to attempt to resemble, as in manners or course of life.
We copy instinctively the voices of our companions, their accents, and their modes of pronunciation.
Move
To apply to, as for aid.
Copy
To make a copy or copies; to imitate.
Move
To request an action from the court.
An attorney moved the court to issue a restraining order.
The district attorney moved for a non-suit.
Copy
To yield a duplicate or transcript; as, the letter did not copy well.
Some . . . never fail, when they copy, to follow the bad as well as the good things.
Move
To bow or salute upon meeting.
Copy
A reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
Move
To sell or market (especially physical inventory or illicit drugs).
This business will fail if it can't move the inventory quickly.
Copy
A secondary representation of an original;
She made a copy of the designer dress
Move
The act of moving; a movement.
A slight move of the tiller, and the boat will go off course.
Copy
Matter to be printed; exclusive of graphical materials
Move
An act for the attainment of an object; a step in the execution of a plan or purpose.
He made another move towards becoming a naturalized citizen.
Copy
Material suitable for a journalistic account;
Catastrophes make good copy
Move
A formalized or practiced action used in athletics, dance, physical exercise, self-defense, hand-to-hand combat, etc.
She always gets spontaneous applause for that one move.
He can win a match with that one move.
Copy
Copy down as is;
The students were made to copy the alphabet over and over
Move
The event of changing one's residence.
The move into my fiancé's house took two long days.
They were pleased about their move to the country.
Copy
Reproduce someone's behavior or looks;
The mime imitated the passers-by
Children often copy their parents or older siblings
Move
A change in strategy.
I am worried about our boss's move.
It was a smart move to bring on a tall striker to play against the smaller defenders.
Copy
Biology: reproduce or make an exact copy of;
Replicate the cell
Copy the genetic information
Move
A transfer, a change from one employer to another.
Copy
Make a replica of;
Copy that drawing
Re-create a picture by Rembrandt
Move
(board games) The act of moving a token on a gameboard from one position to another according to the rules of the game.
The best move of the game was when he sacrificed his rook in order to gain better possession.
It's your move! Roll the dice!
If you roll a six, you can make two moves.
Copy
A command in computer systems that creates an identical set of data or files.
Use the copy function to duplicate your work.
Move
A round, in which each player has a turn.
You can win in three moves if you do that.
Copy
To create a backup of existing data by duplicating it.
Always copy important documents to another medium.
Move
To cause to change place or posture in any manner; to set in motion; to carry, convey, draw, or push from one place to another; to impel; to stir; as, the wind moves a vessel; the horse moves a carriage.
Copy
A method of preserving the original data by making replicas.
Copy the entire folder for the audit.
Move
To transfer (a piece or man) from one space or position to another on a playing board, according to the rules of the game; as, to move a king.
Move
To excite to action by the presentation of motives; to rouse by representation, persuasion, or appeal; to influence.
Minds desirous of revenge were not moved with gold.
No female arts his mind could move.
Move
To arouse the feelings or passions of; especially, to excite to tenderness or compassion; to touch pathetically; to excite, as an emotion.
When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them.
[The use of images] in orations and poetry is to move pity or terror.
Move
To propose; to recommend; specifically, to propose formally for consideration and determination, in a deliberative assembly; to submit, as a resolution to be adopted; as, to move to adjourn.
Let me but move one question to your daughter.
They are to be blamed alike who move and who decline war upon particular respects.
Move
To apply to, as for aid.
Move
To change place or posture; to stir; to go, in any manner, from one place or position to another; as, a ship moves rapidly.
The foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
On the green bank I sat and listened long, . . . Nor till her lay was ended could I move.
Move
To act; to take action; to stir; to begin to act; as, to move in a matter.
Move
To change residence; to remove, as from one house, town, or state, to another.
Move
To change the place of a piece in accordance with the rules of the game.
Move
The act of moving; a movement.
Move
The act of moving one of the pieces, from one position to another, in the progress of the game; also, the opportunity or obligation to so move a piece; one's turn; as, you can only borrow from the bank in Monopoly when it's your move.
Move
An act for the attainment of an object; a step in the execution of a plan or purpose.
Move
The act of deciding to do something;
He didn't make a move to help
His first move was to hire a lawyer
Move
The act of changing your residence or place of business;
They say that three moves equal one fire
Move
A change of position that does not entail a change of location;
The reflex motion of his eyebrows revealed his surprise
Movement is a sign of life
An impatient move of his hand
Gastrointestinal motility
Move
The act of changing location from one place to another;
Police controlled the motion of the crowd
The movement of people from the farms to the cities
His move put him directly in my path
Move
(game) a player's turn to move a piece or take some other permitted action
Move
Change location; move, travel, or proceed;
How fast does your new car go?
We travelled from Rome to Naples by bus
The policemen went from door to door looking for the suspect
The soldiers moved towards the city in an attempt to take it before night fell
Move
Cause to move, both in a concrete and in an abstract sense;
Move those boxes into the corner, please
I'm moving my money to another bank
The director moved more responsibilities onto his new assistant
Move
Move so as to change position, perform a nontranslational motion;
He moved his hand slightly to the right
Move
Change residence, affiliation, or place of employment;
We moved from Idaho to Nebraska
The basketball player moved from one team to another
Move
Follow a procedure or take a course;
We should go farther in this matter
She went through a lot of trouble
Go about the world in a certain manner
Messages must go through diplomatic channels
Move
Be in a state of action;
She is always moving
Move
Go or proceed from one point to another;
The debate moved from family values to the economy
Move
Perform an action, or work out or perform (an action);
Think before you act
We must move quickly
The governor should act on the new energy bill
The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel
Move
Have an emotional or cognitive impact upon;
This child impressed me as unusually mature
This behavior struck me as odd
Move
Give an incentive for action;
This moved me to sacrifice my career
Move
Arouse sympathy or compassion in;
Her fate moved us all
Move
Dispose of by selling;
The chairman of the company told the salesmen to move the computers
Move
Progress by being changed;
The speech has to go through several more drafts
Run through your presentation before the meeting
Move
Live one's life in a specified environment;
She moves in certain circles only
Move
Have a turn; make one's move in a game;
Can I go now?
Move
Propose formally; in a debate or parliamentary meeting
Move
To transfer a file from one location to another and remove it from the original location.
He moved the documents to the external hard drive.
Move
A command in file management systems that relocates data.
Use the move command to organize your folders.
Move
An action that changes the physical or logical location of data.
She moved her photos to a new folder.
Move
To change the position of data in a structured storage system.
The database administrator moved older records to an archive.
Move
Relocating resources or files in computing environments.
Move this file to the shared drive.
Common Curiosities
Is copying a file safer than moving it?
Yes, copying is safer because it leaves the original file intact, reducing the risk of data loss.
What should I consider when choosing between move and copy?
Consider your need for space management and data security; move to organize and save space, copy to secure data.
Can moving a file affect its integrity?
Yes, if an error occurs during the move, it could potentially corrupt the file.
What happens to the original file when it is moved?
The original file is deleted from its original location after being moved.
How does copying a file affect my storage capacity?
Copying a file increases storage use, as it creates a duplicate of the existing file.
What are the risks of moving a file to a different drive?
The main risk is data corruption if an error occurs during the transfer.
Is it possible to move or copy files between different operating systems?
Yes, but it may require specific software or protocols, especially if the file systems are incompatible.
Why might copying be preferred over moving in a business environment?
Copying is preferred for backup purposes and minimizing the risk of losing important data.
Does moving a file take the same amount of time as copying it?
No, moving within the same drive is usually faster than copying, as no duplication of data occurs.
Can I undo a move operation?
It's not directly reversible; you would need to move the file back to its original location manually.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
