How to Cut, Copy and Paste on Windows

If you use regularly use a Windows PC, laptop, or any other device, you probably know how essential it is to cut, copy, and paste content. These actions are some of the most basic and time-saving tools to handle text, files, and images on your computer.

In this guide, you will learn some of the quick methods to cut, copy, and paste, from keyboard shortcuts to Clipboard History and beyond. Whether you're on a desktop or laptop, these tricks will make your life much easier. Let’s walk through how to cut, copy, and paste in the easiest way possible.

How to Cut, Copy, and Paste on Windows PC and Laptop: 8 Easy Methods

Performing the cut, copy, and paste on laptop is one of the most basic task that every user performs in their day-to-day task. Below are the best 8 methods to perform this action, let's find out:

1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are one of the fastest and most efficient ways to copy, cut, and paste on Windows, working across both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Here are the common shortcuts:

• Copy: Select items and press Ctrl + C to copy to the clipboard.
• Cut: Select items and press Ctrl + X to cut (removes from the original location).
• Paste: Go to your destination and press Ctrl + V to paste.
• Paste as plain text (no formatting): Ctrl + Shift + V.

Note: For laptops, these keyboard shortcuts work just the same, so whether you’re on a laptop or desktop, the process is the same!

2. Using Mouse (Right-Click)

This method is helpful for users who prefer working with the mouse rather than keyboard shortcuts. Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 support cut, copy, and paste through the right-click context menu:

• Select the content you wish to cut or copy.
• Right-click the selected item.
• Choose Copy or Cut from the context menu.
• Paste: Right-click in the destination and select Paste from the menu.

Note: This method is especially helpful when you’re working with files and folders on your laptop or Windows desktop.

3. Using the Edit Menu (Windows 10/11 and Laptop Apps)

Most apps you use on Windows or laptop come with the traditional cut, copy, and paste options in the Edit menu. This is perfect if you’re working in apps like Microsoft Word, Excel, or Google Docs.

• Highlight the content you wish to copy or cut.
• Go to the Home tab or Edit menu at the top of the window.
• Choose Copy, Cut, or Paste from the options

Note: This method is especially useful if you don’t want to rely on shortcuts but still want an easy way to move content around.

4. Using the Clipboard History

Windows 10 and 11 offer a clipboard history feature that allows you to store and access multiple items you've copied. This can be particularly useful if you're working with multiple pieces of content.

• Go to Settings > System > Clipboard.
• Toggle on Clipboard History.
• After enabling it, press Windows + V to view your clipboard history and paste items you've previously copied, including both text and images.

Once Clipboard History is enabled, you can press Windows + V to see your clipboard history. You can then select from previous items that you've copied, making it easier to paste content multiple times without needing to recopy it.

5. Using the Drag and Drop to Move Files (For Desktop & Laptop)

Another quick method for moving files and folders is dragging and dropping. This works on both Windows desktops and laptops.

• Open File Explorer and locate the file or folder you want to move.
• Click and hold the item, then drag it to the destination folder or location.
  • Hold Ctrl while dragging to copy the item (without moving it).
  • Release the item to drop it in the desired folder.

Note: This method is especially useful when organizing documents or images on your laptop or desktop.

6. Using PowerShell (Advanced Users)

PowerShell can be a powerful alternative for users who need more control over file management, especially when automating tasks.

Note: You might need admin privileges for certain commands depending on the file's location.

To COPY a file: Use theCopy-Item cmdlet in PowerShell:

Copy-Item "C:\path\to\file.txt" -Destination "D:\path\to\destination\".

To MOVE a file: Use the Move-Item cmdlet to cut and move files:

Move-Item "C:\path\to\file.txt" -Destination "D:\path\to\destination\"

Note: These commands allow for batch processing or automation, making it a great option for file management.

7. Using Command Prompt (For Power Users)

In Command Prompt, copying and moving files works similarly, but it requires specific commands and doesn't have a direct paste functionality like the graphical interface.

Note: To paste text into CMD, simply right-click and select Paste, or use the Ctrl + Shift + V shortcut (in newer versions of CMD).

Copy Files

Use the following command to copy any dedicated file:

For example:

copy C:\path\to\file.txt D:\path\to\destination\

Cut Files

Use the move command to cut and move files:

For example:

move C:\path\to\file.txt D:\path\to\destination\.

Paste Files

CMD doesn't have a direct paste command. However, you can drag and drop a file into the CMD window to get its path and then use copy or move commands to copy or cut.

Note: While the Command Prompt is less user-friendly for copy-paste tasks, it can be helpful for advanced users managing large numbers of files or automating tasks.

8. Using Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch

If you need to copy a screenshot, Snipping Tool (or Snip & Sketch on Windows 10/11) is your go-to tool.

• Open Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch.
• Select the type of snip you want (free-form, rectangular, window, or full-screen).
• After taking the screenshot, click the Copy button or press Ctrl + C.
• Paste the screenshot into your document, email, or other application using Ctrl + V.

Note: This tool is great for copying and pasting visual content like screen captures into documents, emails, or presentations.

Conclusion

Cutting, copying, and pasting are some of the most useful tasks on your Windows PC or laptop. With 2025 updates, including Clipboard History, drag-and-drop functionality, and keyboard shortcuts, these actions are now faster and more efficient than ever. Whether you’re working with files, text, or images, these methods will help you work smarter, not harder.