How to Copy, Delete, Move, or Rename Your Files or Folders Using PowerShell on Windows PC
You can copy, delete, move, or rename your files or folders on your Windows PC with PowerShell. While simpler, quicker methods exist—such as using the GUI—using PowerShell has its benefits.
For instance, with PowerShell, you can automate many of your tasks by writing your scripts, managing other computers remotely, and having much more administrative control than you would otherwise. So, if you’re someone who likes having more control over their work, using PowerShell is the obvious choice.
So, let’s go over all the commands individually, starting with copying.
How to Copy Your Files or Folder Using PowerShell
PowerShell is a one-in-all power utilityfor Windows administrators and enthusiasts alike. Among other things, you’re able to easily copy your files or folders using PowerShell. To get started, firstlaunch the PowerShelland then use thecopy-itemcommand to copy your files around from PowerShell. Here’s how:
Replacetext1.txtwith the path of the file you want to copy, and replaceC:\DestinationFolderwith the path of the folder you’d like to paste your copied files into. Type in the command, and your files will instantly be copied from one place to another.
You can check if your file has been successfully copied by using theDIRcmdlet to list the files in the specified directory.
How to Copy Folders Using PowerShell
In the case of folders, you just have to tweak the last command a little. Here’s how:
That’s it. The PowerShell will copy the selected folder and its content.
How to Move Your Files or Folder With PowerShell
Similar to copying, you can use asimple command to move your files or folderson PowerShell. Here’s how:
After you’ve launched the PowerShell, type in the following command and hitEnter:
Again, replace filename.txt with the complete path of your file, and DestinationFolder with the path of the folder you’d like to move your files to.
You can then check if your file has been moved by the DIR command. If you don’t see your file in its old folder, then you can be assured that it has been moved to the specified destination.
To move multiple files at a single go, use the following command and hitEnter:
How to Move Your Folders Using PowerShell
Again, similar to the copy command from above, you’re able to also move folders as well. Here’s the command:
How to Delete Your Files or Folders Using PowerShell
So you can’t delete your files or folders the usual way? No problem. Follow the steps below, and you will be able to delete your files or folders using the PowerShell in no time:
To delete multiple files, tweak thecmdletby adding various file names in the path parameter (seperate by commas) and hitEnter. Here’s how:
How to Delete a Folder Using PowerShell
After you’ve launched the PowerShell, type in theRemove-Itemcmdlet, along with theRecurseparameter, and hitEnter. Here’s how:
Replace “Folder” with the path of the folder you want to delete. Generally, when you’re trying to delete a file or folder, you will get a prompt for confirmation. You can bypass this prompt and delete your files instantly by adding the-Forceparameter at the back of your command.
Renaming Your Files on PowerShell
Again, while right-clicking on the relevant file and then selectingRenameworks best in most cases, it might not always work. In cases like that, PowerShell can help.
After you’ve launched the PowerShell, type in the following command to rename your file and hitEnter:
Rename Your Folders With PowerShell
To rename a folder, use the sameRename-Itemcmdlet; type it in the PowerShell and hitEnter:
Doing Things With the PowerShell on Windows PC
Using PowerShell gives you help with automation, bulk commands, and more flexibility with its large directory of commands. It’s no wonder it can also help you copy, move or rename your files around Windows. But don’t limit yourself to just the commands we’ve listed here. PowerShell comes with many handy commands—verify you’ve tried them all.
You know about Command Prompt. But what is Windows PowerShell?
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