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I think a simple explanation could be that it is slightly harder (mentally) to move than copy a file. Windows move: ctrl + x Mac: cmd + option + v In every other program, cut/paste is the same as windows. That’s confusing - at least as a former Windows user. That said, I had many duplicate files on Windows too.

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Dragging from one folder into another is also a copy operation on MacOS instead of a move like it is on Windows.

Both Macs and Windows have dragging and dropping from one folder to another on the same disk as a move, while dragging and dropping to a different disk is a copy.

Not sure why I thought it was a copy!

It defaults to a copy when dragging to external drives (holding command makes it a move)

Dragging from one folder into another is also a copy operation on MacOS instead of a move like it is on Windows.

Only if the destination is on a different volume. Like from a hard disk to a USB drive.

Hold down the Command key while dragging a file between volumes if you really want Move instead of Copy.

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