How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt in Windows 7 (2 Ways)
Benefit from Command Prompt Copy Files
Copying files with command line has some advantages comparing to traditional way of files copying. For example, it saves the time of manually copy and paste. Also, it supports unattended task while copying. That is to say, you can leave the computer alone and take a break after inputting some certain commands. The task will run automatically.
Unlike some sorts of data backup with CMD, it is a little bit of fiddly to copy each file manually, especially when these files are stored in different locations. If they are placed in one same partition or volume, it would be more convenient to backup entire partition.
If you need to copy files in Command Prompt, here's a step-by-step guide to help you do so:
How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt in Windows 7
There are two methods to copy files in Command Prompt, and the one you choose depends on your specific needs.
Method 1: Copy Specific File via “Copy” Command
1. Press Windows + R key combination (or click Start) to start Run.
2. Type cmd and hit OK in the box to launch Command Prompt.
3. At the prompt, type copy c:\workfile.txt d: and press Enter to copy the file named "workfile.txt" on the root of C drive to D drive root.
Tips:
- To copy some certain file extensions from one drive to another, you can run, for example, copy *.txt d: to copy all texts to D drive at a time.
- This method also applies to copying files using Command Prompt in Windows 10.
Method 2: Copy Directory and Contents Using “XCopy” Command
You can use the XCopy command to copy folders and their contents from one location to another in Windows 10. The XCopy command is a more efficient way to copy folders than the `copy` command, especially when dealing with large folders or multiple folders.
1. Open a Command Prompt as instructed.
2. Input xcopy c:\workfile d:\test and press Enter to copy a directory and contents in "workfile" to "test".
Tips:
- To copy a directory with a space in the name, you need to surround it with quotes. For example, type xcopy c:\workfile "d:\test new".
- When using the XCopy command to copy a directory and its contents, you may need to copy subdirectories within the source directory as well. By default, the basic XCopy command only copies files in the directory you specify as the source directory. To copy subdirectories within the source directory, you must use the `/E` option.
With covered two methods, it is quite easy to copy files in Windows 7 with command line. Nevertheless, those methods are convenient for some special groups of Windows users who are familiar with command-line operations. For the majority of users, that is a little complex. In addition, the XCopy command refuses to work sometimes. That's why so many people looking for XCopy alternative on the Internet.
If you're looking for a simpler way to copy files from one location to another in Windows 7, you're in luck. Qiling Disk Master Professional is a reliable file sync software that's designed for all Windows systems. Here's how you can use it:
Easier Way to Copy Files in Windows 7/8/10/11 (GUI-based)
Copying files in Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 can be a breeze with Qiling Disk Master, a professional file sync software. Here are some advantages of using this software:
✦ All-in-one sync solutions: With it, you can sync files from source to destination with File Sync, File Sync, File Sync or sync files on both sides with the Two-Way Sync feature.
✦ Automatic sync: You are able to sync files/folders in Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Event-trigger and USB plug in mode.
✦ Various sync locations: You can ync files to external hard drive, USB flash drive, NAS device and cloud drive, etc.sync files to external hard drive, USB flash drive, NAS device and cloud drive, etc.
For advanced users, the software also provides the way to backup or clone hard disk, system drive, and partition/volume in Command Prompt. You can also do system restore from Command Prompt when the need ever arises in the future.
How to Copy Files/Folders in Windows 7 Step by Step
1. Download Qiling Disk Master, install and start it. Connect the external storage to your Windows 7 if necessary.
2. Click Backup and recovery and select File Sync.
3. Edit the task name if you want to. Then, choose the files or folders you'd like to copy by clicking Folder. You can add multiple folders to synchronize them at a time.
4. Choose the destination path you'd like to copy to. You are allowed to copy files to OneDrive or other cloud storage, network drive, NAS, external disk, etc.
5. Click Proceed to copy files in Windows 7.
Tips:
- Options: comment the task and set email notification here. If you are running a file backup task, you'll be able to encrypt backup image, split image and compress image in this option.
- Schedule Sync: choose synchronization schedule type from Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Event triggers and USB plug in here. The program will run the missed task at the next system startup by default if you set up a scheduled task.
- Usually you only have a few GB of free cloud space if you don't pay for a cloud drive. Here we recommend these users create a cloud backup with Qiling Cloud, a cloud drive provided by Qiling Tech, which offers free users 1TB of cloud storage space from the date you sign up until 15 days.
Summary
There are two ways to copy files using Command Prompt in Windows 7:
If you're looking for a hassle-free way to copy files in Windows 7/8/10/11, consider using third-party file sync software. This type of software allows you to easily copy files with a few clicks, eliminating the need to navigate through command prompts and syntax.
In addition to using third-party file sync software, you can still move a hard drive to a new computer in Windows 7. This can be done by backing up the entire disk and restoring it to the original location or a new hard drive.
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