If you work on a computer, you must have probably used the copy, cut, and paste commands several times. These Windows 10 features are an essential part of the Windows system and help you navigate several solutions to make your work much more manageable.
But how do you cut, copy or even paste your work? You need proper knowledge of the appropriate use of these Windows features to efficiently and drastically reduce the time you spend creating documents on your computer.
This guide illustrates two major methods to help you with the cut, copy, and paste commands. If you need to recover cut files, follow the link to learn how to recover cut files with Disk Drill developed by CleverFiles.
What To Do First – Select!
Start by selecting the data you intend to handle. Whether you want to highlight a text or multiple files, it is much easier to choose the data by using the cursor.
To start your selection with the cursor:
- Click once and hold.
- Drag the cursor until all the data you need is highlighted.
- Release the cursor.
If working in Word, use the shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + Up/Down” to quickly select the text. To quickly select and move the text in the paragraph where the cursor is, tap “Alt + Shift +Up/Down.”
Once all your data is selected and highlighted as your first step in the cut or copy and paste process, move on to cut or copy and paste the selection using any of the methods discussed below.
Note that you can recover deleted files quickly regardless of how you delete them, especially by using the data recovery software.
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcuts
You probably use some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts. This is because most of us are usually too lazy to list the hands off the keyboard.
Fortunately, the shortcuts are majorly universal and can be used similarly in different Windows apps and programs.
Copy With Ctrl + C
The copy text keyboard shortcut for Windows 10 is Ctrl + C. To copy data with this command, press “Ctrl” on your keyboard, hold and simultaneously press “C” on the keyboard. You can do this with one hand or both. For instance, to copy text faster, press the “Ctrl” button with the thumb and the “C” button using the middle finger of your left hand.
Cut With Ctrl + X
The cut shortcut also uses the Ctrl key. To cut data with this command, press “Ctrl” on your keyboard, hold and simultaneously press “X” on the keyboard. Similarly, you can easily do this with one hand or both. For instance, to copy text faster, press the “Ctrl” button with the thumb and the “X” button using the middle finger of your left hand. These keys are usually on the left half of the keyboard and are much closer to your left hand. Remember, you can recover cut files on PC, and you do not need to worry about trying this with your documents.
Paste With Ctrl + V
Just as you have learned, cutting and copying data on Windows 10 is pretty simple. However, once you cut or copy data, it is the right time to paste it to your required location. To paste, use the command Ctrl + V. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Move the cursor to the right place where you want to paste the data you have copied or cut. This is very important, mainly if you are dealing with text. However, if you are working with other documents, such as photos you intend to move to a different folder, you will need to open that location before using the command.
Step 2: Tap and hold the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard, followed by the “V” button.
Note that the paste shortcut keeps the original formatting, such as font and style of text in the case of cutting, copying, and pasting text. However, if you do not want to keep the formatting, use the “Ctrl + Shift + V” command on your keyboard, and the text you paste will take the format of the text around it.
Microsoft Word, however, uses the shortcut “Ctrl + Alt + V” for paste special. To move a paragraph up or down the page, you can use “Alt + Shift +Up/Down.” The command selects and moves the text in the paragraph where the cursor is.
Method 2: Right-click
If you use your cursor to select items, you can cut and paste files in Windows 10 by placing the cursor on the text and right-clicking on the selection. You will then get a drop-down with options to cut or copy the section.
Select “cut” to cut the selection or “copy” to copy the items. Once you have chosen the correct command to use, move to where you intend to paste the items. Right-click on a space in the new location and look for the “paste” icon. Tap on the icon to paste the data.
