How to Enable Moving Files and Folders in SharePoint

Question

Hello,

I am the owner of a SharePoint site. I am able to upload, download and delete files but I'm unable to move files. I do not see an aption to move when selecting said file or folder. I've seen this option before. I do not know what's changed. Could you help?

Best,

Robert

Answer 1

Hi Robert,

Clicking on the three dots on a file or folder does your system show the move to?

Answer 2

Hi @Robert Tillung, 

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum. 

Based on your description, the “Move to” command no longer appears when you select files or folders in your SharePoint document library. We truly understand and appreciate the effort you have taken to outline the issue so clearly. 

This usually happens when the library is displayed in the classic experience or when settings and policies limit moving items. The “Move to” command is available in the modern experience of document libraries and also requires sufficient permissions. In some cases, retention labels or library configuration can hide the move option. 

Here is a simple way to get this working again: 

1/ Start by verifying that the modern interface is active and properly configured. 

• Open the library, select Settings (gear) > Library settings > Advanced settings. 
• Under List experience, choose new experience, then save. 
• If you are in classic, use the Exit classic experience link to return to modern. 

2/ Proceed by reviewing permission settings to validate compliance and functionality. 

• Go to Site permissions and confirm your account is in the Site Owners group or has at least Edit permission for the library. 

3/ Then, check the library setup to confirm it is properly configured for intended functionality. 

• Library settings > Versioning settings > set Require Check Out to No for testing. 
• Select a file and open the Details pane. Review Compliance/Retention details. If a retention label prevents moving, ask your SharePoint admin to adjust it or temporarily remove it. 

4/ Next, transfer the item to the appropriate destination to complete the process. 

• In the modern library, select the file or folder. 
• Choose Move to on the command bar, pick the destination library or folder, then select Move. 

5/ If “Move to” still does not show 

• Use Copy to copy the item to the destination, then delete the original if permitted. 
• Select Sync in the library and move items in File Explorer. Changes will sync back to SharePoint. 

As community moderators, we appreciate your understanding that our access to internal development details is limited. Our primary role is to guide users toward the appropriate resources and support channels. While we may not have visibility into deeper backend analysis, we’ll continue doing our best to support you within the scope of our responsibilities. 

I hope this information is helpful. Please follow these steps and let me know if it works for you. If you have any updates regarding the issue, please feel free to share them with me.  

Thank you for your patience and your understanding. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you.  

I look forward to continuing the conversation.

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Answer 3

Thank you both for your answers. I found the Move to option based on Bryce's response by going directly to Documents section.