If you mean Windows’ special Documents and Pictures folders, moving files inside them is not the same as changing where Windows points those folders. First decide whether you want to reorganize files, change the folders’ locations, choose where new files are saved, or move the entire OneDrive folder. Those actions have different effects.
Choose the kind of move you need
| Your goal | What to change |
|---|---|
| Put particular files in a different folder | Move those files in File Explorer. Windows’ Documents or Pictures folder remains at its existing location. |
| Have Windows’ Documents or Pictures folder point to another drive or folder | Change the known-folder location. The official Microsoft pages cited here do not confirm a complete, current step-by-step procedure for changing both folders’ location targets. |
| Choose where a new document or picture is saved | Choose OneDrive or This PC when saving, or use Save As. This is a save choice, not a relocation of the OneDrive folder. |
| Move the OneDrive folder itself | Unlink OneDrive, move its folder, then reconnect and select the new location during setup. |
Move selected files with File Explorer
This is the straightforward option when you only want to reorganize files. It does not change Windows’ association with the Documents or Pictures known folder. Microsoft describes the move as Cut, navigate to the destination, then Paste. See File Explorer in Windows.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Open File Explorer and select the files or folders you want to move.
- Choose Cut.
- Navigate to the destination folder and choose Paste.
Microsoft’s File Explorer guidance specifies the known-folder navigation behavior beginning with Windows 11 version 22H2.
Recommended Free Tools
Choose a default location for new saves
If your goal is simply to save a new file locally or to OneDrive, choose OneDrive or This PC when saving, or select a destination through Save As. This changes where that save goes; it does not move the Documents or Pictures known-folder target or the OneDrive folder itself. Microsoft explains the options in How to change the default save location in OneDrive for Windows.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Move the OneDrive folder to another location
Use this option only if you intend to relocate the OneDrive folder, rather than just change where a particular file is saved. Microsoft’s documented approach is to unlink OneDrive, move its folder, and reconnect OneDrive by choosing the new location during setup. Follow Microsoft’s current instructions in Change the location of your OneDrive folder. If you had selected only certain folders to sync, Microsoft says to select them again after syncing completes.
Check sync and file availability before changing storage
When Documents or Pictures is backed by OneDrive, file changes can sync between the computer and OneDrive online. Files On-Demand can also show items that are online-only, locally available, or set to always remain available on the device. Before moving data, check that syncing is complete and that files you need are available offline. Microsoft explains these behaviors in Sync your computer’s files and folders with OneDrive.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Back up Documents and Pictures before a major change
File History can back up libraries such as Documents and Pictures to an external drive or a network location. Microsoft’s Backup and restore with File History explains setup and recovery. Be aware that restoring a previous version over the current file or folder replaces the current version, and Microsoft says that replacement cannot be undone; restoring to a different location is also available.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →File History applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
If Windows refuses to redirect a folder
A user-reported Microsoft Q&A case describes the message: “Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location that can’t be redirected. Access is denied.” That is an individual reported issue, not an error established to affect every user. The accepted answer on that page is AI-generated, so do not treat it as authoritative guidance for registry changes. See Can’t Revert MS Folder back to its default location.
If the current Windows interface shows an error while changing a known-folder location, avoid registry edits based on that Q&A response. Consult Microsoft Support for help with the specific error and Windows version.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
