If you can’t move or copy an item on Mac (2024)

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If you can’t move or copy an item on Mac (1)

If you can’t move or copy a file or folder, you might need to change its permissions settings. You might also need to change permissions settings for the disk, server, or folder where you want to move the item.

  1. On your Mac, select the item, then choose File > Get Info, or press Command-I.

  2. Click the arrow If you can’t move or copy an item on Mac (2) next to Sharing &Permissions to expand the section.

  3. Click the pop-up menu next to your user name to see the permissions settings.

    If you’re not logged in as an administrator, you may need to click the lock If you can’t move or copy an item on Mac (3) to unlock it, then enter an administrator name and password (or use Touch ID or your Apple Watch).

  4. Change the permissions to either Read&Write or “Read only.”

    If you need to, also change the permissions for the location where you want to put the item.

If you can’t change the permissions, contact an administrator of your Mac or the owner of the file or folder.

See alsoIf you don’t have permission to use files on a Mac disk

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If you can’t move or copy an item on Mac (2024)
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