Canonical: https://screensie.com/knowledge-base/command-line/powershell/powershell-file-basics/

List, create, copy, and move files with explicit PowerShell paths. Use Get-ChildItem to inspect first; use New-Item, Copy-Item, and Move-Item only with.

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Command Line


# PowerShell File and Folder Basics




## How do I work with files and folders in PowerShell?




Use Get-ChildItem to inspect first; use New-Item, Copy-Item, and Move-Item only with verified paths.




List, create, copy, and move files with explicit PowerShell paths.




Updated 
September 2, 2026
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 6 min
Applies to: Windows, Windows 10, Windows 11


 


Follow the steps in order and stop if the screen or target does not match what is described. Use administrator access only when the task requires it.




**Before you begin**


Save open work. Confirm that you are working on the intended computer and that you are authorized to make the change.




## Inspect the current path




Confirm where you are before changing files.




Command

```
Get-Location
Get-ChildItem
```




## Create a folder




Use a quoted literal path.




Command

```
New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path "C:\Users\Public\ExampleFolder"
```




## Copy a file




Copy-Item leaves the source in place.




Command

```
Copy-Item -LiteralPath "C:\Users\Public\source.txt" -Destination "C:\Users\Public\ExampleFolder\source.txt"
```




## Move a file




Move-Item changes the source location. Verify both paths first.




Command

```
Move-Item -LiteralPath "C:\Users\Public\source.txt" -Destination "C:\Users\Public\ExampleFolder\source.txt"
```




## Treat deletion separately




Do not add Remove-Item to an untested script. List exact targets and maintain a backup first.




**Verify the result**


Repeat the relevant check and confirm the intended result before considering the task complete.


 


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