Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x80070011: How to Fix It

Medium 15-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0x80070011
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
hresult
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes
Error code 0x80070011, also known as ERROR_NOT_SAME_DEVICE, occurs in Windows when you try to move or rename a file or folder across different drives or volumes. This typically happens with external drives, network locations, or system partitions. The fix involves ensuring operations stay within the same device or using copy/delete instead.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x80070011

  1. Identify the Cross-Device Operation

  2. Use Copy and Delete Instead of Move

    Ensure you have enough space on the destination drive before pasting.

  3. Check File Permissions

    Be cautious when modifying permissions; incorrect changes can cause access issues.

  4. Run Disk Check on Both Drives

    Running chkdsk may take a long time on large drives. Do not interrupt the process.

  5. Use Command Line for Rename/Move

    Double-check paths to avoid accidental data loss.

  6. Check for Third-Party Conflicts

    Disabling security software temporarily may expose your system to risks. Re-enable immediately after testing.
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When to Call a Professional

If the error persists after trying all steps, there may be underlying hardware issues with the drives (bad sectors, failing disk). Consider consulting a data recovery specialist or IT professional to avoid data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error 0x80070011 mean?
It means ERROR_NOT_SAME_DEVICE: you're trying to move or rename a file across different storage volumes (e.g., from C: to D:), which Windows does not support for certain operations.
Can I move files between drives in Windows?
Yes, but you must use copy and delete instead of move. Moving files between different drives requires a copy operation because the file system cannot simply update pointers across volumes.
Does this error affect external drives?
Yes, it commonly occurs when moving files between internal and external drives, or between different partitions on the same physical disk.
How do I fix error 0x80070011 permanently?
This error is by design; you cannot permanently disable it. The solution is to always use copy/delete for cross-device operations. No registry or system tweak can bypass this limitation safely.
Will a system restore fix this error?
No, because it's not caused by a system corruption; it's a normal behavior. System restore won't help. Focus on changing your file operation method instead.

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