How to Revert Windows 11 Cut and Paste to Windows 10 Behavior

Windows 11 introduced some new features in its cut and paste functionality, which can be different from the traditional experience in Windows 10. If you miss the familiar style of cut, copy, and paste from Windows 10, follow the steps below to achieve a more consistent experience.

Disabling Clipboard History in Windows 11

One of the key differences in Windows 11 is the new Clipboard History feature. If you find this feature disruptive and prefer to revert to a simpler, more traditional cut and paste experience, you can disable it. Here's how to do it:

Open Settings by pressing Windows I. Go to System. Select Clipboard from the left-hand menu. Scroll down and find the option labeled Use Traditional Cut and Copy. Toggle the switch to turn this feature off.

Using Traditional Cut and Paste Methods in Windows 11

By disabling the new Clipboard History feature, you can use more traditional methods for cut and paste operations in Windows 11. Here are the steps to use the cut and paste methods like in Windows 10:

Cut and Paste

Right-click on the file or folder you want to cut, then select Cut. Go to the location where you want to paste the item and right-click, then select Paste.

Alternative Keyboard Shortcuts

For those who prefer or need a faster method, you can use keyboard shortcuts:

To cut: Select the item, then press Ctrl X. To paste: Go to the destination location, then press Ctrl V.

Adjusting the Right-Click Menu in Windows 11

If you prefer the old right-click context menu from Windows 10, you can adjust the context menu in File Explorer:

Press Windows E to open File Explorer. Click on the View menu in the top ribbon. Select Options or Choose to access the classic context menu.

Familiarizing Yourself with Keyboard Shortcuts

It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the keyboard shortcuts for Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, and Delete operations. These can help you navigate and use these functions more efficiently without relying on the context menu:

Cut

Select the file or folder, press Ctrl X.

Paste

Select the destination location, press Ctrl V.

Copy

Select the file or folder, press Ctrl C. Select the destination location, press Ctrl V.

Rename

Select the file or folder, press F2, then type the new name and press Enter.

Delete

Select the file or folder, press Delete to move it to the Recycle Bin. To permanently delete: Select the file, press Shift Delete, or use the context menu to skip the Recycle Bin.

Further Adjustments for Snapping and Multitasking

If the new Snap Layouts feature in Windows 11 is causing issues for your workflow, you can adjust these settings under Settings > System > Multitasking.

By implementing these steps, you can tailor the cut and paste experience in Windows 11 to feel more familiar and work closer to the Windows 10 experience.