iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For a one-time transfer, File Explorer is usually the simplest choice. For a large folder tree, interrupted transfer, long filenames, or repeatable backups, Robocopy is often more useful because it supports restartable copies, multiple threads, and logs. Copy speed still depends heavily on the drives and connection: an SSD and USB 3.x connection can make a bigger difference than changing the copy command.
These six methods cover ordinary copy-and-paste, safer selection techniques, command-line tools, a third-party utility, and hardware improvements. The examples use C:\Source as the source and D:\Destination as the destination; replace those paths with your own.
1. Copy the files with File Explorer
File Explorer is the right option when you need to copy a folder once and want visual progress, overwrite prompts, and minimal setup.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Open File Explorer with Start > File Explorer, or press Windows logo key + E.
- Browse to the folder containing the files.
- Select the files or folders. Hold Ctrl while clicking individual items, or press Ctrl + A to select everything in the current folder.
- Right-click the selection and choose Copy.
- Open the destination folder, right-click an empty area, and choose Paste.
In Windows 11, common commands are displayed as icons at the top of the compact context menu. Hover over an icon to confirm that it is Copy or Paste. If you need an older shell command supplied by another application, right-click the item and select Show more options.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
In Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, the File Explorer landing page is called Home; the former landing page name was changed from Quick access to File Explorer Home. If a folder appears under Home or the pinned-folder area called Quick access rather than as an open folder, right-click it and choose Open before attempting cut-and-paste operations. To keep a folder easy to reach, right-click it and select Pin to Quick access.
Make hidden files and extensions visible
File Explorer does not show every file by default. To reveal hidden items, select View > Show > Hidden items. To display complete filenames such as report.pdf instead of just report, select View > Show > File name extensions.
Hidden and system files may require these settings before they can be selected. Files that exist only online in a cloud-storage provider may also need to be made locally available before they can be copied; showing hidden items does not download cloud-only files.
2. Use the Windows 11 context-menu commands for faster selection
This is still File Explorer, but using the compact command bar can make repeated selection and copy operations less cumbersome than navigating menus.
- Open the source folder in File Explorer.
- Select a group of files with Ctrl-click, select a continuous range with Shift-click, or press Ctrl + A.
- Right-click the selection.
- Choose the Copy icon at the top of the menu.
- Open the destination and use the Paste icon.
Use Show more options if the command you need is not in the compact menu. This opens the previous context-menu layer, including older shell extensions and copy commands added by third-party software.
For a very large transfer, avoid selecting files one at a time. Copy the containing folder when the entire tree is required. If only certain groups are needed, use search or sort the folder first, then select a range with Shift-click.
3. Copy a folder tree with Robocopy
Robocopy is included with current Windows 10 and Windows 11 installations. It is a good fit for recursive copying, multiple copy threads, restartable transfers, or a log. Microsoft documents Robocopy for Windows 10, Windows 11, and current Windows Server versions.
Rank #2
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Open Start, type Command Prompt, and select it. You can also run the command in Windows Terminal or PowerShell.
A practical multithreaded command
Use this command to copy a folder tree, including empty subdirectories, while retaining file data, attributes, and timestamps:
robocopy C:\Source D:\Destination /S /E /COPY:DAT /MT:16
This command does the following:
| Switch | Purpose |
|---|---|
/S |
Copies subdirectories but excludes empty ones. |
/E |
Includes empty subdirectories. When used with /S, the tree is copied including empty folders. |
/COPY:DAT |
Copies file data, attributes, and timestamps. |
/MT:16 |
Uses 16 concurrent copy threads. |
/MT:n accepts a value from 1 through 128; its default is 8. More threads are not automatically faster. A slow disk, a busy network share, or many tiny files may become the limiting factor.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Resume an interrupted transfer
For a transfer that may be interrupted, add /Z:
robocopy C:\Source D:\Destination /E /Z /MT:16
Restartable mode allows Robocopy to resume an interrupted file instead of starting that file again from the beginning. For very large individual files, unbuffered I/O can also be useful:
robocopy C:\Source D:\Destination /E /J
Microsoft describes /J as recommended for large files. Test options on your own workload rather than assuming that one command is fastest for every mixture of large and small files.
Set sensible retry limits and create a log
Robocopy’s defaults can make a failed removable-drive transfer appear to hang: /R:n defaults to 1,000,000 retries and /W:n defaults to 30 seconds between retries. Use bounded values for an unreliable drive:
Rank #3
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
robocopy C:\Source D:\Destination /E /R:2 /W:5
For a large tree, save the result to a log:
robocopy C:\Source D:\Destination /E /MT:16 /LOG:C:\Logs\copy.log
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
/LOG:file overwrites the log, while /LOG+:file appends to it. Add /TEE to display the output in the console as well as writing it to the log. Microsoft recommends redirecting output with /LOG for better performance.
Do not use /MIR casually
/MIR is not simply a faster version of copy. It is equivalent to /E plus /PURGE, so it can delete files and directories in the destination that do not exist in the source. Use it only when you deliberately want the destination to mirror the source.
Robocopy’s exit codes also need interpretation. Values from 0 through 7 can represent successful copying, skipped files, mismatches, or extra destination files. A value of 8 or higher means that at least one failure occurred.
4. Use Xcopy when you need simple recursive filtering
Xcopy remains documented for Windows 10, Windows 11, and current Windows Server releases. It is an older command than Robocopy, but it is useful for straightforward directory-tree copies and has convenient options for previews and basic filtering.
Copy a directory tree
xcopy C:\Source D:\Destination /S /E /I
/S copies subdirectories other than empty ones, /E adds empty directories, and /I treats the destination as a directory. Without /I, Xcopy can ask whether a new destination name is a file or directory:
Does <Destination> specify a file name or directory name on the target (F = file, D = directory)?
Rank #4
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
The prompt commonly appears when the destination does not already exist and does not end with a backslash.
Preview the transfer
Use /L to list what would be copied without copying anything:
xcopy C:\Source D:\Destination /S /E /L
This is useful for checking a path before committing to a large operation. Other practical switches include:
| Switch | Purpose |
|---|---|
/C |
Continues after errors. |
/V |
Verifies each written file. |
/H |
Includes hidden and system files. |
/K |
Preserves the read-only attribute. |
/Y |
Suppresses overwrite confirmation. |
Be cautious with /Y: it removes a chance to review overwrite prompts. Also note that Xcopy can report an “insufficient memory” error when a path exceeds 255 characters. In that case, the problem is the path length, not necessarily a shortage of physical RAM.
Xcopy exit code 0 means the copy completed without errors; 1 means no files were found; 2 means Ctrl+C stopped the operation; 4 indicates an initialization, memory, disk-space, drive-name, or syntax problem; and 5 indicates a disk-write error.
Encrypted files can also cause a failure when the destination volume does not support EFS. Decrypt the files first or use a destination volume that supports EFS.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute5. Try FastCopy for a graphical third-party option
FastCopy is a third-party Windows file-copy utility with a graphical interface. PCWorld reports that it integrates with File Explorer’s context menus and is free for personal use. It can be more convenient than typing commands when you want a dedicated copy window but do not want to manage Robocopy syntax.
Best Value
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
Install it only from a source you trust, and check the documentation for the specific release before relying on an option or menu label. The available research does not establish a universal speed advantage over File Explorer, nor does it verify the exact current interface for every release. Security software can also affect its behavior; PCWorld’s September 11, 2025 update discusses working around Windows Defender for more consistent performance, but changing security settings should be done only after checking the risk and the utility’s documentation.
FastCopy is most useful when you frequently move large batches and prefer a graphical queue, rather than as a guaranteed solution for a slow drive or USB connection.
6. Improve the storage path before changing tools
A copy command cannot overcome a slow source disk, slow destination disk, or limited interface. Before tuning switches, check the physical path:
Recommended Free Tools
- Use an SSD when possible, particularly for a large collection of small files.
- Connect an external drive to a USB 3.0-or-newer port when both the drive and computer support it. A USB 2.0 connection can limit the transfer.
- Avoid copying from or to a drive that is busy with another backup, antivirus scan, indexing task, or application.
- Ensure that the destination has enough free space before starting.
- For a network destination, check the network connection as well as both storage devices.
SSDs generally transfer faster than older HDDs, and USB 3.0 storage can outperform USB 2.0 storage. Actual results vary by drive, interface, file sizes, and workload; a collection of thousands of small files behaves differently from a few large video files. A cited comparison reported its own SSD and USB results, but those are not universal benchmarks. Changing from File Explorer to Robocopy may not help if the destination itself is the bottleneck.
Which method should you choose?
| Situation | Best starting point |
|---|---|
| One-time copy with visible prompts | File Explorer |
| Copying a complete folder tree | File Explorer, Robocopy, or Xcopy |
| Transfer may be interrupted | Robocopy with /Z |
| Many files and repeatable command-line work | Robocopy with /MT and /LOG |
| Preview required before copying | Xcopy with /L |
| Graphical dedicated copy utility | FastCopy, after checking its current documentation |
| Every method is slow | Check the drives, USB port, network, and available space |
FAQ
Does Robocopy always copy faster than File Explorer?
No. Speed depends on the number and size of files, source and destination drives, interface, network conditions, and selected options. Robocopy is valuable for restartable transfers, logging, recursion, and automation, but it is not guaranteed to be faster.
What is the safest Robocopy command for a large copy?
A reasonable starting point is robocopy C:\Source D:\Destination /E /Z /MT:16 /R:2 /W:5. Review the source and destination paths carefully, and avoid /MIR unless you intentionally want destination-only files deleted.
How do I copy hidden files in Windows?
In File Explorer, select View > Show > Hidden items. If you use Xcopy, add /H to include hidden and system files. System-protected content may still require appropriate permissions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Why does Xcopy say there is not enough memory?
One documented cause is a filename path longer than 255 characters. The message does not necessarily mean that the computer has run out of physical memory.
Should I use /MIR to make a backup?
Only if you want a true mirror and understand its deletion behavior. /MIR includes /PURGE, which removes destination files and directories absent from the source. For a less destructive copy, use /E instead.
The Bottom Line
Start with File Explorer for a normal one-time copy. Use Robocopy with /E, /Z, bounded retries, and a log when the transfer is large or important. Use Xcopy for simple recursive jobs and previews, and consider FastCopy if you prefer a dedicated graphical utility. If all methods are slow, inspect the drive and USB path before tuning commands—the storage hardware is often the real limit.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
