If you copy files frequently and a heavy mouse user, you can add the ‘Copy to’ option to the right-click context menu. Here’s how to do it.
Almost every day, we copy files and folders from one place to another for a variety of reasons. For example, I download a variety of content like media, programs, etc., almost every day. After downloading, If I want to keep the files for an extended period, I copy them to other locations so that I don’t accidentally delete them from the Downloads folder and lose them.
Generally, I use the keyboard shortcuts to copy the files from one place to the other. However, if you are a mouse user then you can add the ‘Copy to’ option to the right-click menu. That way, you don’t have to force yourself to use the keyboard shortcuts. Instead, you can simply use your mouse to click the options and copy the files/folders to the drive or folder of your choice.
So, without any delay, let me show you the steps to add ‘Copy to’ option to the right-click context menu in Windows.
Note: I’m showing the steps in Windows 10 but you can follow the same procedure in Windows 7 and 8 too.
Add to Copy to Option to Right-click Menu
Unfortunately, there is no easy point and click method using the Settings app or the Control Panel. However, with a simple registry edit, we can add the option we want. Just back up the registry and follow the steps as is and you will have the ‘Copy to’ option in the right-click menu in no time.
1. First, open the Registry Editor. To do that, open the start menu, search for “Registry Editor” and click on the search result. Alternatively, you can also use the “regedit” Run (Win + R) command.
2. After opening the Registry Editor, copy and paste the below path in the address bar and press Enter. This action will take you to the target folder.
If you are using Windows 7 or 8, expand the folders on the left panel until you reach the ContextMenuHandlers folder.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
3. Here, we need to create a new folder. To do that, right-click on the “ContextMenuHandlers” folder and select “New → Key“. Name the new folder as “Copy to“.
4. After creating the new folder, select it. On the right panel, double-click on the “Default” value.
5. The above action will open the Edit Value window. Here, enter the below value in the Value Data field and click on the “Ok” button.
{C2FBB630-2971-11D1-A18C-00C04FD75D13}
6. Finally, close the Registry Editor and reboot Windows.
That is it. From now on, whenever you right-click on a folder or file, you will see a new option called “Copy to Folder” in the context menu. Clicking on the option will open a browse window where you can select a folder or drive to copy the target content.
I hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible. If you like this article, do check out how to add a folder to the ‘send to’ menu.
