How to Fix “The File Has Properties That Can’t Be Copied to New Location” Error in Windows 11

When trying to move or copy files in Windows 11, you might encounter an error saying, “The file has properties that can’t be copied to the new location.” This can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you need to transfer important files quickly.

This error usually happens because of restrictions related to file attributes or permissions. Understanding how to fix it will help you move your files smoothly without losing any data.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple and effective steps to resolve this issue. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow without trouble.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the solutions.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks

Check File Attributes: Some files might be marked as “Read-only” or “System” files, which can cause copying issues.
Destination Drive Format: Ensure the target drive supports the file properties you want to copy. For example, FAT32 doesn’t support files larger than 4GB or certain attributes.
Permissions: Verify you have the proper permissions to access and copy the files.
File Path Length: Windows has a limit on file path length. Very long file names or folder structures can cause errors.

Step 1: Remove Read-Only and Hidden Attributes

Files marked as “Read-only” or “Hidden” can sometimes cause the copying error. Removing these attributes is a simple first step.

Right-click the file or folder causing the problem.
Select Properties from the context menu.
In the General tab, look at the Attributes section near the bottom.
If Read-only or Hidden is checked, uncheck these boxes.
Click Apply and then OK.
Try copying the file again.

Why this helps: Removing these attributes can allow Windows to handle the file without restrictions during copying.

Step 2: Check and Adjust File Permissions

Sometimes, the error occurs because your user account doesn’t have full control over the file.

Right-click the file or folder and select Properties.
Go to the Security tab.
Click Edit to change permissions.
Select your user account from the list.
Make sure Full control is allowed by checking the box.
Click Apply and then OK.
Try copying the file again.

Why this helps: Without full control, Windows may block copying files that require certain permissions.

Step 3: Use the Command Prompt to Copy Files

If the normal copy method fails, you can try copying files through the Command Prompt. This sometimes bypasses attribute restrictions.

Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
xcopy "C:SourcePathfilename.ext" "D:DestinationPath" /O /X /E /H /K
Replace C:SourcePathfilename.ext with the actual file path and name.
Replace D:DestinationPath with your destination folder path.
Wait for the process to finish and check if the file copied successfully.

Explanation of switches:

/O – Copies file ownership and ACL information
/X – Copies file audit settings and system access control list (SACL)
/E – Copies all subdirectories, including empty ones
/H – Copies hidden and system files
/K – Copies attributes

Why this helps: xcopy is a powerful tool that handles file attributes and permissions better than the standard copy method.

Step 4: Convert Destination Drive Format if Needed

If you are copying files to an external drive formatted with FAT32, you might encounter limitations with files over 4GB or special attributes.

To fix this:

Check the drive format by right-clicking the drive in File Explorer, then select Properties.
Look at the File system field. If it says FAT32, consider converting it to NTFS.
To convert without losing data:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type convert D: /fs:ntfs and press Enter (replace D: with your drive letter).
Wait for the conversion to complete.
Try copying the files again.

Why this helps: NTFS supports larger files and more file properties than FAT32, reducing copying errors.

Alternative Method: Compress Files Before Copying

If none of the above works or the files have complex properties, compressing them into a ZIP file can help.

Select the files or folder you want to move.
Right-click and choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
Copy the ZIP file to the new location.
Extract the files at the destination.

This method avoids copying individual file attributes during transfer, which often resolves the error.

FAQs

Why does Windows show this error when copying files?

Windows restricts copying certain file properties, like permissions or system attributes, when the destination doesn’t support them or your account lacks permissions.

Can I ignore the error and still copy files?

Sometimes files copy partially or without attributes, which may cause issues later. It’s best to fix the root cause.

Is it safe to remove Read-only or Hidden attributes?

Yes, removing these attributes temporarily for copying is safe. You can set them back afterward if needed.

Will converting the drive to NTFS delete my files?

No, the conversion process preserves data, but always back up important files before making changes to disk formats.

Does compressing files affect their quality or data?

No, ZIP compression is lossless and only reduces file size for easier transfer.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still face issues, consider these final options:

Use Third-Party File Managers: Tools like Total Commander or FreeCommander may handle file copying better.
Check for Disk Errors: Run chkdsk /f on both source and destination drives to fix file system errors.
Update Windows: Ensure your system is up to date as Microsoft frequently fixes bugs related to file management.
Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support site for further assistance.

Conclusion

The “The file has properties that can’t be copied to the new location” error in Windows 11 is usually related to file attributes, permissions, or destination drive limitations. Starting with simple steps like removing Read-only attributes and checking permissions often resolves the issue quickly.

If needed, using Command Prompt commands or converting the drive format can help handle more complex cases. Compressing files offers a practical workaround when other methods fail.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to copy your files without hassle and avoid data loss or corruption.