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Folder Rules guide

Move or copy files automatically with Folder Rules

Copy keeps the original and creates a second file. Move leaves the file in its new location. Folder Rules permits Move only within the same volume; use Copy for another supported volume.

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Before you start

  • Folder Rules from Microsoft Store on Windows 11 24H2 or later, x64. Automatic actions need an active trial or full license; Preview can be used during setup.
  • 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.

Using the free trial? You can prepare rules and use Preview before its seven-day timer starts. Activating a valid, ready rule or resuming automation with one starts the shared period; Pause and closure do not stop the clock. How the free trial works.

Follow these steps

  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.

    Folder Rules selects Copy, Filed invoices as the separate destination, and Keep both for existing names.
    Choose Copy and a separate destination. Enlarge image.
    1. Choose a destination outside the watched 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.
If you need more help

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.

Need the app?

Folder Rules. Check requirements and download options.

Folder Rules on Microsoft Store

Next steps