What happens to file permissions when copying a file from one NTFS partition to another NTFS partition?

When a file is copied from one NTFS partition to another, the file permissions are not retained from the source file. Instead, the file inherits the permissions of the destination folder where the file is being copied. This behavior is rooted in how permissions are managed within the NTFS file system; each folder has its own security descriptor that dictates what permissions apply to the files contained within it.

When the file is placed into a new folder, it adapts to the permissions set for that folder, which is why the copied file will have its permissions adjusted accordingly. This ensures that files within a folder are treated according to the security policies established for that location, maintaining a consistent security model for files and folders.

Therefore, the implication of copying files between partitions is fundamentally about aligning the permissions of newly copied files with those of the destination folder, rather than carrying over the permissions from the original location.