Can't Move a Folder on Windows 11/10 (Fixed)

If you're a Windows 11/10 user struggling to move a folder, you're not alone. Several factors might be causing this issue, including a corrupted file system, malware infection, or a malfunctioning application. In this article, we'll guide you through fixing this problem so you can move folders on your Windows 11/10 system seamlessly. We'll offer straightforward solutions to help you complete your tasks without any hiccups.

Quick Navigation

1. Close the App Holding Your Folder
2. Reset to the Default Path
3. Adjust Your OneDrive Settings
4. Execute a DISM Scan
5. Modify the Windows Registry
6. Reconnect Your OneDrive Account
7. Perform a System File Checker Scan

Reasons Why You Can't Move a Folder on Windows

Before we jump into the solutions, let's explore the potential causes of this issue.

• Folder Open in an Application - Attempting to move a folder might trigger an error stating, "The action can’t be completed because the folder is open in another program." This suggests that the folder is in use by another program or process, which needs to be closed before you can move it.
• OneDrive Syncing Problems - Syncing issues with OneDrive can result in errors when trying to move a folder. These can stem from poor internet connections, OneDrive server issues, or network settings problems on your computer.
• Corrupted System Files - Windows depends on system files to operate correctly. If these files are corrupted or damaged, it can affect functions like moving folders, possibly due to malware, power issues, or hardware problems.
• Incorrect File Mapping - If file mapping settings are misconfigured, it can cause issues when moving folders. This might result from unintended changes or conflicts with other software.
• Insufficient Access Permissions - Lacking the right permissions to move a folder can lead to error messages. This could be due to altered user account settings or the folder being set to read-only.
• Large File Sizes - Moving large files or folders requires substantial system resources and time, which might result in errors if the files are too big.
• Software Conflicts - Problems can arise from conflicts with other installed software, including third-party applications, antivirus programs, or the operating system itself.

These are potential reasons for not being able to move a folder on Windows 11/10, but there could be other underlying causes.

Solutions to Fix Can't Move Folder on Windows 11/10

Understanding the causes, let's now explore the solutions to resolve this issue:

1. Close the App Holding Your Folder

Sometimes, an application might be using the folder you're trying to move, causing issues. Closing the app can release the folder, allowing you to move it. You'll receive an error message if this is the case, indicating that the folder is open in another program.

If you can't identify which application is using the folder, try restarting your computer. This will terminate all running programs and free the folder for moving. Once your system restarts, check if you can move the folder.

2. Reset to the Default Path

If file mapping is the culprit, resetting to the default path can resolve the issue. This involves changing the folder's location back to its default.

1. Right-click on the problematic folder and select "Properties." This opens a window with options for the folder.
   
2. In the Properties window, click on the "Location" tab to view the current location of the folder.
3. Click on the "Restore Default" button to revert the folder's location to its default setting. This ensures the folder is correctly placed, facilitating future moves.
   
4. Click “Apply” and then "OK" to save the changes.

Ensure all files from the old location are copied to the new one to avoid data loss. You can do this by selecting and copying all files from the old location and pasting them into the new one.

Following these steps should enable you to move the folder to its default location without issues.

3. Adjust Your OneDrive Settings

If OneDrive syncing issues are the problem, modifying its settings can help. This might involve disabling certain options or adjusting the sync frequency.

1. Locate the OneDrive icon in the system tray at the bottom right of your screen.
2. Click the OneDrive icon to open the app, then click the gear icon in the top right corner to access OneDrive settings.
3. Navigate to the "Account" tab in the settings menu, and click "Choose folders" to select which folders you want to sync.
   
4. Untick the option "Files not in a folder".
   
5. Click "OK" to save the changes.

4. Execute a DISM Scan

DISM, or Deployment Image Servicing and Management, is a Windows tool that can repair corrupted system files. Running a DISM scan can fix the problem of being unable to move a folder.

1. Open the search bar on your taskbar, type “cmd”, right-click on Command Prompt in the results, and select “Run as Administrator.”
2. Enter the command "DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth" to scan and repair system corruption.
   
3. Wait for the scan to complete, then try moving the folder again.

5. Modify the Windows Registry

Editing the Windows Registry can sometimes solve the folder moving issue, but this should only be done by experienced users due to the risk of causing system problems.

1. Press Windows R, type "regedit" in the Run dialog, and press OK to open the Registry Editor.
   
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
3. Find the registry key for the problematic folder and update its "Value data" to the listed path:
   • Desktop – %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
   • Favorites – %USERPROFILE%\Favorites
   • Music – %USERPROFILE%\Music
   • Pictures – %USERPROFILE%\Pictures
   • Videos – %USERPROFILE%\Videos
   • Documents – %USERPROFILE%\Documents
   • Downloads – %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
4. After modifying, close the Registry Editor and restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager (Ctrl Shift Esc), right-click “Windows Explorer”, and select “Restart”.
   

6. Reconnect Your OneDrive Account

If syncing issues with OneDrive are causing the problem, relinking your account might help. This involves signing out and then back into OneDrive.

1. Find the OneDrive icon on your Taskbar.
2. Click the gear icon in the OneDrive window, then select “Settings”.
3. Go to the “Account” tab and click "Unlink this PC".
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

After unlinking, close OneDrive, restart your device, and sign back into OneDrive with your account information.

7. Perform a System File Checker Scan

Running a System File Checker (SFC) scan can identify and repair system file issues, potentially resolving the folder moving problem.

1. Open the search bar, type “cmd”, right-click Command Prompt, and select “Run as Administrator”.
2. Enter the command sfc /scannow and press Enter to start the scan.
   
3. Wait for the scan to finish; it will automatically fix any detected issues.

Conclusion

It's frustrating when you can't move a folder on Windows, but hopefully, this article has provided solutions to help you. If these don't work, consider reaching out to customer support. Always back up your data before making system changes.

We hope this guide has been useful in solving your issue.

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