Robocopy vs Xcopy: What Are the Differences Between Them?

What will you do if you want to copy your files to another location?

Part 1: Introduction of Xcopy and Robocopy

What Is Xcopy?

What Is Robocopy?

RobocopyrepresentsRobust File Copywhich is a command-line directory or replication command for files in Windows.

When you want to copy some files,Ctrl + CandCtrl + Vmay meet your needs.

In this condition, Robocopy is a good choice to transfer many large files more quickly and efficiently.

When you want to transfer big files from PC to PC but dont know how.

Just read this post and it lists 8 ways to send big files for free.

Receiving an fault signal shows that the parameter is incorrect when trying to copy files to a removable drive?

For Robocopy, it supports Windows XP/7/8/10/11 and other Windows operating systems later than Windows NT 4.

In addition, it wont copy the unchanged files to secure your time.

What does mirroring harddrive mean?

How to mirror a harddrive?

What is the best disk mirroring/ghosting/duplexing freeware for Windows systems?

However, Robocopy is able to take advantage of the/MONor/MOTcommand to monitor your files and directories.

Part 3: How to Use Xcopy and Robocopy in Windows 10?

How to Copy Files & Folders Using Xcopy Command in Windows 10?

The detailed instructions are:

Step 1.

PressWin + Sat the same time to evoke thesearch bar.

Typecmdin the search bar to locateCommand Promptand right-click it to chooseRun as administratorin the drop-down menu.

/IBy default, running this option will force Xcopy to assume that the destination is a directory.

/CContinue copy if an error crops up.

/ECopy subdirectories including the empty ones.

/HCopy files with hidden and system file attributes.

How to Transfer Files with Robocopy in Windows 10?

The basic Robocopy command syntax is:Robocopy [source] [destination].

Robocopy is such a powerful file transferring tool that has more than 80 switches.

Now, let me show you how to use the Robocopy command totransfer files from one computer to another.

PressWin + Eat the same time to openFile Explorer.

Locate the folder which contains the files that you want to transfer.

Right-press it and choosePropertiesfrom the drop-down menu.

In theSharingtab, tap onShare.

What if you run into file sharing not working in Windows 10?

This tutorial may help you -Windows 10 File Sharing Not Working?

Try These 5 Ways Now.

UnderPermission Level, choose the permission level according to your preference.

By default,Readis selected and it permits you to view and open your files.

PressShareand click onDone&Closeuntil you receive a prompt that shows the sharing process is complete.

Some of you may find that when you openPropertiesof your target folder, there is noSharingtab for you.

Dont worry, just follow the next steps:

Step 1.

OpenFile Explorer>View>Options.

In theViewtab, tickUse Sharing Wizard (Recommended)and then hitApplyto make this change effective.

If you find that this option is already ticked, just untick it, tick it again and pressApply.

If you want to share files with other people, you may need the help of file sharing program.

This post shows top 8 best file sharing programs.

Now, I will transfer two files:shadowmaker.docxandpartitionwizard.docxfromD:\minitooltoE:\mtas an example.

you might replace these contents with yours.

/XOExclude older files and usually done with the parameter/maxage:n.

/XCExclude changed files.

/MIRMirror a directory tree.

/SLCopy symbolic links as links instead of as the link targets.

/SEC Copy files with security (equivalent to/COPY:DATS).

/FAT Create destination files using 8.3 FAT files names only.

/CREATE Create directory tree and zero-length files only.

If the corresponding parameters are not used properly, the Xcopy and Robocopy command may refuse to work.

Whats worse, you might run a risk of file loss.

In addition, these parameters may not be friendly to those who dont excel in computers.

MiniTool ShadowMaker is a professional sync software which allows you to transfer your files easily and safely.

Now, let me show you how to sync files with it:

Step 1.

Download & roll out the trial edition of MiniTool ShadowMaker.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 2.

Launch it and tap onKeep Trialto enjoy a 30-day free service for all backup and sync features.

Go to theSyncinterface and click onSourceto choose the files you want to sync.

Go back to theSyncinterface and hitDestinationto choose a destination path.

ClickSync Nowto start the sync task at once.

What is the free file sync service and how to sync files for free on Windows 10?

This detailed tutorial will teach you how to do that hand in hand.

Final Words

How do you like Xcopy and Robocopy?