You may get tired of manually copying the same directories every single time, or transferring files via a transit device like external hard drive. These old-fashioned methods are not only time-consuming, but can also cause problems, e.g. files corruption, data loss. Therefore, it's better to transfer files with the file copy program - Robocopy.
Robocopy (also known as Robust File Copy) is a Windows command-line file replication utility. It functionally replaces Xcopy with more than 80 switches. In a nutshell, it enables you to do the following:
Before Windows Vista, Robocopy acted as an individual utility. But now it sits on a high pedestal in the system32 directory on every Windows installation. Robocopy supports multi-threaded mode, that is, you can copy multiple files at the same time with multi-threaded enabled.
Above all, while copying files correctly, it also preserves their original attributes and timestamps.
Automatically copy files & folders between local folders, external drives, network locations, cloud services, etc. Read more »
As an extremely versatile program, Rococopy is often used to transfer files over a network. So here’s a quick guide on how to perform this task. The task is a two-step process. Users should first enable file sharing on the source computer. Then use the Robocopy in the destination device to transfer files over the network. Get a stepwise Robocopy tutorial below.
Step 1. Open File Explorer to find the folder you want to share.
Step 2. Right click the folder and then choose Properties.
Step 3. Click Sharing and Share subsequently.
Step 4. Select the Everyone group from the drop-down menu. Then click Add.
Step 5. Select the type of sharing permissions you want the folder to have. Then click Share to continue.
*Read: users can view and open the sharing files.
*Read/Write: users are allowed to view, open, modify and delete the sharing files.
Step 6. Note the network path of the folder that other users will need to access the sharing files over the network. Then click Done.
Step 7. Wait for the sharing progress to be completed. Then click Close.
Tips:
Once file sharing is successfully configured on the source computer, you can copy sharing files using Robocopy in the destination device. Let’s take a closer look at the necessary steps to use Robocopy in Windows.
Step 1. Press Windows logo key + X at the same time. Then select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list.
Step 2. Type the following command and then press Enter.
robocopy \\source-device-ip\path to share folder C:\destination-device\path to store folder /S /E /Z /ZB /R:5 /W:5 /TBD /NP /V /MT:16
Here's an example:
robocopy \\10.1.2.70\Users\xbox1\Downloads\ C:\Users\xbox1\Downloads\copy\ /S /E /Z /ZB /R:5 /W:5 /TBD /NP /V /MT:16
Tips:
You may not be able to endure these long and complex instructions. Care must be taken when using Robocopy command-line, as you have no chance to step back. Besides, some users find Robocopy not copying files during the operation. To transfers files easily and efficiently, you might require a Robocopy alternative
You deserve the best free Robocopy alternative – Qiling Disk Master Standard. This freeware is designed with a user-friendly GUI, which makes it easier to operate than Robocopy.
Go download this freeware and get started! To transfer files through the network, click Backup and recovery > File Sync. Then specify source folders and destination path according to your situation.
If you want to transfer files through cloud storage, you can try the Cloud Backup feature in Qiling Disk Master. It offers you 1TB free storage for 15 days after you sign up for an Qiling account.
This article gives a detailed introduction to Robocopy in Windows 10. Although this program can be used to transfer files over a network, it involves a complicated and time-consuming process. So I recommend the best free Robocopy alternative – Qiling Disk Master Standard to you. It’s powerful and easy to use.
It is embedded with many other practical features like system backup, disk backup, partition backup, and disk clone. If you are running Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012, then Qiling Disk Master Server is suitable for you.