Skip to Content

3 ways to make a copy of a Word document

Sometimes it’s very important to have several copies of a Word document.

This way, when you mess up with one in the process of editing, you’ll have a backup you can turn to.

There are three simple ways to make a copy of a Word document as illustrated below.

OPTION 1: Using Copy and Paste

Below are steps to make a copy of a Word document using copy and paste:

  • Open the folder where the file is located.
  • Click on the File to select it.
  • Press Ctrl+C to copy the file.
  • Open the folder you want to place the copied file.
  • Now press Ctrl+V to paste the file.

NOTE: If you paste the copied file in the same location, Word will add “copy” to the name of the backup file since two files cannot bear the same name in the same folder.

OPTION 2: Using Save As

Aside from using the copy and paste commands, you can as well use the Save As command to make a copy of a Word document.

To do so, obey the following instructions:

  • Open the Microsoft Word file you wish to make a copy for.
  • Click on the File tab.
Click on the File tab
  • Click on Save As.
Click on Save As button
  • Click on the Browse button. The Save As dialog box will appear.
Go to Save As > Browse
  • Specify the file name and location.
  • Click Save.

A new copy of the file will be created to the location you specified and with the given name.

OPTION 3: Copy & Paste into an External Drive

Another simple way to make a copy of a Word document is to copy the file into an external storage drive.

To do so, obey the following instructions:

  • Connect your USB drive to your computer.
  • Click on the file you wish to make a copy for.
  • Press Ctrl+C to copy the File.
  • Open the USB drive you connect to your PC.
  • Press Ctrl+V to paste the copied file into the USB.

A new copy will be created on the USB.