User level: Level 1 (17 points)I'm trying to clean up my mac by moving photos and files to another drive. Except I'm having to go back and delete because the command key does not move a file. Is there any way to simply move stuff to another drive without having to backtrack? And if not, why not?
macBook Pro - 2019
Tahoe
Posted on Oct 13, 2026 12:29 PM
User level: Level 4 (1,299 points)Oct 14, 2026 3:13 PM in response to Nancy Hayes Neill
When you drag a file to another volume with the Command key held down you're moving the file there.
I never "move" files as if there is an hiccup for you come up against memory issues you can lose the files. It's particularly vulnerable when copying large files or large number of files.
When you "copy" files to another volume you can confirm that the copy was successful before deleting the original files.
User level: Level 1 (17 points)Oct 14, 2026 11:26 AM in response to Yer_Man
I got the command key to work by holding it and then selecting. Small difference I guess. Thank you all for your time on this. It was driving me bats.
User level: Level 10 (208,430 points)Oct 14, 2026 10:03 AM in response to Nancy Hayes Neill
Nancy Hayes Neill wrote:
I'm trying to clean up my mac by moving photos and files to another drive. Except I'm having to go back and delete because the command key does not move a file. Is there any way to simply move stuff to another drive without having to backtrack? And if not, why not?
macBook Pro - 2019
Tahoe
is this still any issue?
Modifier keys do just that modify the behavior when used in combination with actions taken; your example move files...
you can read more if there is still confusion
https://www.macworld.com/article/561987/how-to-copy-and-move-files-make-shortcuts-macos-finder.html
User level: Level 10 (208,430 points)Oct 13, 2026 12:49 PM in response to Nancy Hayes Neill
Hold the Command key... for external drives
hold the Option key... these are the two most common modifier keys for effecting a change in behavior.
you can read more Can I move Files instead of copying in th… - Apple Community
User level: Level 1 (17 points)Oct 13, 2026 1:03 PM in response to leroydouglas
I read that whole interchange. It didn't ever address the command key not doing what it used to do in previous macos. I did do as you said and it simply copied them. Perhaps I'm not pushing the command key at the right time? Highlight what I want to move, press command and hold and drag to drive and then let go?
User level: Level 10 (208,430 points)Oct 14, 2026 11:44 AM in response to Nancy Hayes Neill
Nancy Hayes Neill wrote:
I got the command key to work by holding it and then selecting. Small difference I guess. Thank you all for your time on this. It was driving me bats.
Good computing Nancy Hayes Neill ! Appreciate the feedback.
User level: Level 10 (208,430 points)Oct 13, 2026 2:56 PM in response to Nancy Hayes Neill
Nancy Hayes Neill wrote:
what I want to move, press command and hold and drag to drive and then let go?
There are only so many combinations to try...press and hold yes.
User level: Level 10 (166,900 points)Oct 14, 2026 2:36 AM in response to Nancy Hayes Neill
...because the command key does not move a file.
The command key never moved anything in a version of the Mac OS. Can you explain what you're doing exactly?
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256375645