To protect vital files, you could move files to different devices.

Copy and paste should be the most common method for people to move files.

But this method probably creates duplicate files to the destination drive.

move files with MiniTool ShadowMaker

Here are three methods for you to move files to external hard drives without copying.

The latter two backup types can effectively avoid duplicate files in your backups.

Additionally, if you often create folders, you might set the backup cycle to perform periodic backups automatically.

run File History

Now, you’re free to download and install MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial by clicking the download button below.

Step 2: you could choose the files you want to move.

Step 3: ClickBack Up Nowto copy files to the external hard drive.

The Best and Free File History Alternative on Windows 10/8/7

File History is a way to back up files to an external machine.

Here are steps to transfer files to a hard drive instead of copying.

Step 2: ChooseSystem and Security>File History.

use Backup and Restore

it’s possible for you to chooseExclude foldersto avoid saving the copy and selectAdvanced settingsto set the backup period.

File History Windows 10 is a feature of Windows to keep data safe.

This post will show you a free File History Windows 10 alternative to protect your data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Windows 10 Backup and Restore (2 Ways)

This utility can help you perform a full backup.

you could use this tool with the following steps.

Step 1: Connect an external hard drive to your setup.

How to Recover Deleted Blink Videos? Here Is a Detailed Tutorial

If you already configured the backup configs before, you might chooseChange settingsto choose the target drive.

Step 4: OptLet me chooseand clickNext.

Windows 10 backup is an effective way to keep your system safe.

This guide contains all the details on how to back up your rig.

Youd better check files after the moving process.

If needed, you might tryMiniTool Power Data Recovery Freeto scan and recover 1GB of files without any charge.

you could recover deleted Blink videos with this guide easily.

Bottom Line

You should know how to move files without copying after reading this post.

These tools simplify the process of moving files to external hard drives without copying.

Hope you might get useful information from this post.