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Folder Rules guide

Move or copy files automatically with Folder Rules

Decide whether the original should stay, choose a destination, and check the rule before it runs.

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Short answer

Choose Copy to keep the original and create a file in the destination. Choose Move to leave the file only in its new location. Folder Rules allows Move within the same volume, meaning the same section of a drive. For another supported volume, choose Copy instead.

This guide covers Folder Rules. Check requirements and download options before you begin.

Before you start

  • Folder Rules from Microsoft Store on Windows 11 24H2 or later, x64, with a watched folder on a fixed local NTFS drive outside cloud/sync, removable 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

  1. 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.

  2. Decide whether to keep the source

    Under Do this, select Copy if the original should stay. For example, copy an incoming PDF for review. Select Move only if you want the file to leave its current folder.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Preview, save and check both folders

    Select Preview and inspect the action and destination. Choose Save rule when correct; saving also checks files already in the watched folder. Open Activity and both locations to confirm what actually happened.

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.

If you need to put a file back

Folder Rules has no Undo action. Pause the relevant rule first so it will not process the file again. Read Activity, check both locations, and use the checked output or your backup to put back the version you need.

If Activity says files were retained or cleanup did not finish, keep those files and any recovery records. Follow the displayed instructions before trying the rule again.

The app used in this guide

Folder Rules

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Related guides

Sources and further reading