# How to copy a message or go to a reply on Windows

## Quick answer

In a conversation:

- To copy, right-click the empty space next to a message. Click **Copy** or **Copy text**.
- To go to the original, click the gray quote at the top of a reply.
- To see who is in a group, click **People** at the top.

## What you need

- TextPort for Windows, with a conversation open

## Steps

### Copy a message

1. Right-click next to the message

   Right-click the empty space in its row, not the text. A menu opens.

   Tip: You can also click next to a text message and press **Ctrl+C**.

2. Click **Copy** or **Copy text**

   **Copy** adds the date, time, and sender. **Copy text** copies only the words.

### Go to a reply's original

1. Click the gray quote

   It is at the top of the reply. It starts with **Replying to**. The original message shows with a ring.

   Tip: You can also right-click next to the reply, then click **Go to original message**.

2. Click **Back to where you were**

   It shows at the bottom for a few seconds after the jump.

### See people

1. Click **People**, then **Copy all**

   Click **People** in a group conversation. Names and numbers show. Click **Copy all** to copy them.

## Done

You copied the text, found the original message, or saw who is in the group.

## Problems

| What you see | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| You only see **Select All**. | You right-clicked the words. Right-click the empty space next to the message. |
| **Replying to a message that isn’t in this view** | The dates you picked leave out the original. Click the dates next to **Export**, then **All time**. |
| A photo or file opens when you click the quote. | This can happen on a reply with its own photo or file. Press **Esc**. The original message is already on screen. |
| There is no **People** button. | **People** shows only in group conversations. In a one-to-one conversation the number or email is under the name. |
| None of these match. | Email [support@textportapp.com](mailto:support@textportapp.com). Say which step you were on. Say what you saw. We usually reply within a day. |

## Questions

### What else is in the message menu?

**Preview**, **Open** and **Save original…** on a message with a photo or file. **Go to original message** on a reply.

### Can I copy part of a message?

Yes. Select the words with the mouse. Press **Ctrl+C**.

### What does Copy look like?

It uses the same line as a text file export: the date and time, the sender, then the words.

## Next guides

- [How to preview and save photos and files on Windows](https://textport.com/guides/preview-photos-and-files-on-windows.md): You will see a photo or file from a conversation, and have your own copy if you want.
- [How to find and read a conversation on Windows](https://textport.com/guides/find-and-read-a-conversation-on-windows.md): You will have the right conversation open on your PC, at the days you want.

TextPort guide for Windows. Updated 2026-11-05. Web page: https://textport.com/guides/use-the-message-menu-on-windows