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Short answer
Choose Copy to keep the source and create a separate destination copy. Choose Move to relocate a matching item within the same volume: the same formatted part of a drive. Folder Rules rejects a Move to another volume; choose Copy for that destination instead.
Before you start
- A supported watched folder in Folder Rules, outside cloud/sync and network locations.
- A separate destination on a fixed local NTFS drive. Move requires the same actual volume; the app checks this before proceeding.
- Expendable sample files for the first run.
Start here
Open the rule
Use Add rule for a new rule, or open the rule's actions and select Edit rule. Check its folder, Item type and matching conditions.
Choose what should happen to the source
Under Do this, select Copy if the source should remain. Select Move only when you want the matching item relocated.
Choose a compatible destination
Select Choose destination. Pick a separate folder outside the source scope. For Move, keep it on the same volume; for another supported volume, change the action to Copy.
Handle existing destination names
Under If the name already exists, select Keep both to preserve both items under distinct names, or Skip to leave a conflicting item unprocessed.
Preview and verify
Select Preview and inspect the action and destination. Select Save rule when correct, then check Activity and both locations. Saving also checks existing matching items.
Check your result
- After Copy completes, the source and destination copy are present.
- After Move completes, the item is at its destination; inspect any incomplete or waiting outcome before assuming relocation finished.
- A cross-volume Move message is resolved by changing the action to Copy, not by retrying the same Move.
Why a move can be refused
A drive letter is not the full test: Folder Rules checks the actual volume. A mounted folder can point to another volume even when its visible path starts with the same drive letter.
The app does not silently turn a refused Move into Copy followed by deletion. Decide whether a copy meets your needs and select that action yourself.
Check the outcome before restoring files
Activity shows what actually happened. Folder Rules does not currently offer an Undo action. If you need to reverse a completed move or copy, pause the relevant rule, inspect both locations and restore files deliberately from the verified result or your backup.
If Activity says data was retained or cleanup is incomplete, keep the affected files and recovery records and follow the displayed instructions.