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If you are looking for how to copy files using command prompt, then keep reading further. This article also mentions other ways of copying files.
🎯Goal: | Copy files using the command prompt (CMD) |
🧰Tools: |
|
Duration: | 3-5 minutes |
If you are experiencing a similar case as the Reddit post shown here, stay chill and follow the specific guide here to grab an efficient tutorial to copy files using command prompt:
How do I copy a folder to another folder using cmd? I'm sorry, but I just can't find a direct response to this. I have a .bat file that compiles some stuff, and in the end, I want to copy a folder to another folder... I want to copy "myFolder" with its contents as well as the folder itself to "finalFolder". from Reddit
Note that if you are a non-technical user, unable to achieve the ability to utilize CMD command lines, turn to reliable PC file transfer software as recommended in method 2 for help.
How To Copy Files Using Command Prompt - Step-by-Step Guide
When compared to the usual method of file copying, using the command prompt has some advantages. It saves time by eliminating the need to copy and paste manually. It also allows you to copy when unattended. That is to say, after entering specific commands, you can leave the computer alone and take a rest. The task will run on its own.
You can use the Copy and Xcopy command lines to copy files on your computer efficiently.
1. Use the Copy Command to Transfer Specific Files
Right-click the Start button and choose "Command Prompt (Admin)" to open CMD.
To copy files, use the copy command from the command line.
copy c:\myfile.txt e:
The command above will copy "myfile.txt" from the C: drive to the E: drive.
copy *.txt e:
The above command copies all text files in the current directory to the E: drive using a wildcard.
copy d:\example.xls
The command above copies the "example.xls" file from the D: drive to the current directory. We didn't indicate a destination; by default, the current directory is utilized if the goal isn't supplied.
2. Using the Xcopy Command to Copy All Files
Xcopy is a command that copies files or groups of files between directories. It's convenient for copying data to and from a fixed drive.
Step 1. To find cmd, go to Start and type cmd into the search box. From the list, right-click Command Prompt and choose "Run as administrator".
Step 2. Now, in the command prompt, type the Xcopy command to copy folders and subfolders, including their contents, as shown below.
If you want to copy the "test" folder and its subfolders from the C drive to the D disc, use the Xcopy command as follows:
Xcopy C:\test D:\test /E /H /C /I
- /E — Copies all subdirectories, including any that are empty.
- /H – Copies files that are hidden or have system file attributes.
- /C – Even if an error occurs, keep copying.
- /I – Always presume the destination is a folder if in question.
A command-line interface differs from a graphical user interface, considering that it is text-only. A high learning curve, more space for error, a vast number of instructions, and the inability to figure anything out by research are all downsides of the command line interface.
Using Command Prompt Alternative to Copy Files
Unlike Command Prompt, turning to a reliable PC file transfer software won't require a technical background of utilizing and inputting correct command lines for copying files. EaseUS Todo PCTrans Free enables you to transfer an unlimited number of files, programs, and settings between two PCs in a user-friendly manner.
It does not necessitate extensive computer skills or the acquisition of any additional equipment. With a lifetime license, you can get free upgrades for the rest of your life.
Now, download this PC data transfer software to transfer files from one computer to another in simple clicks.
Step 1. Open EaseUS Todo PCTrans on both of your computers. Choose "PC to PC" to go to the next step.
Step 2. Make sure you have chosen the right transfer direction.
"New" - Move data from old computer to current new computer.
"Old" - Move data from current old n computer to remote new computer.
![Transfer files from PC to PC - step 1](/images/en/screenshot/todo-pctrans/pc-to-pc-transfer-1.png)
Step 3. Connect two PCs via the network by entering the password or verification code of the target PC. Besides, make sure you have chosen the right transfer direction and click "Connect" to continue.
The verification code is on the right top of the "PC to PC" main screen on the target computer.
![Transfer files from PC to PC - step 2](/images/en/screenshot/todo-pctrans/pc-to-pc-2.png)
Step 4. Then, choose "Files" to select files to transfer. Select the specific files as you want. What's more, you can click the Edit icon to customize the storage path for transferred data.
![Transfer files from PC to PC - step 1](/images/en/screenshot/todo-pctrans/pc-to-pc-file.png)
Step 5. Now, click "Transfer" to begin to transfer files from PC to PC. The size of the file determines the transfer time. Wait patiently.
![Transfer files from PC to PC - step 5](/images/en/screenshot/todo-pctrans/pc-to-pc-finish.png)
Feel free to share this amazing tool to help more of your friends efficiently transfer files between computers like an expert:
Other Easier GUI (Graphical User Interface) Methods to Copy Files
Here are three easier ways to transfer and copy files from one drive or one computer to another. Check the detailed content.
1. Use a USB Flash Drive
Depending on the drive's capacity, USB flash memory devices, also known as memory keys and memory sticks, can replicate a few files or a large quantity of data.
Step 1. Place the flash drive in one of your computer's USB ports.
Step 2. Open the File Explorer window and look for the flash drive's entry in the left pane.
Step 3. Drag and drop the files you want to copy into the drive's folder.
Step 4. Remove the flash drive and place it in a USB slot on the other PC after you finish.
Step 5. By picking and dragging the files into another folder in a File Explorer window, you can copy them to the new PC.
Share this article and let more users know how to copy files using a USB drive.
2. Use OneDrive
The cloud drive is another option for transferring files across your Windows devices. It can be accomplished by sharing the file with any Windows app that supports cloud storage services such as OneDrive. The storage space, upload time, and potential expense of this technology are its drawbacks. The method could be a terrific choice for you if you need to move smaller files more frequently.
Step 1. Drag and drop files into OneDrive.
Go to OneDrive and sign in. Add the file to your OneDrive cloud account and simply click "Add" when the app opens. Your OneDrive account will receive the file.
Step 2. Get the files you need.
Open the OneDrive software on the other laptop, right-click the file, and select "Download". The Files It will complete the file transfer from your laptop or computer to the other computer on your network.
Conclusion
There are many ways of copying files from one drive/computer to another. However, all the methods mentioned have their advantages, but they also come with many disadvantages. That's why it is recommended that you should use EaseUS Todo PCTrans to copy files. This software poses no security threats and is easy to use.
It's also a data and application backup software that can keep your files safe as long as you perform regular backups. It's more than just PC migration software that can transfer files between local disks/drives or between two computers for free. For example, you can transfer programs from C drive to D drive securely.
About the Author
![](https://www.easeus.com/images/en/icon/author11.png)
Sherly joined EaseUS in 2022 and she has always loved writing articles and enjoys the fun they bring. She receives professional training here, focusing on product performance and other relative knowledge. She has written over 200 articles to help people overcome computing issues.
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Cedric Grantham is a senior editor and data recovery specialist of EaseUS. He mainly writes articles and how-to tips about data recovery on PC and Mac. He has handled 10,000+ data recovery cases and is good at data recovery of NTFS, FAT (FAT32 and ExFAT) file systems, and RAID structure reorganization.
Reviews and Awards
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EaseUS Todo PCTrans Free is a useful and and reliable software solution created to serve in computer migration operations, be it from one machine to another or from an earlier version of your OS to a newer one.
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EaseUS Todo PCTrans is by the folks at EaseUS who make incredible tools that let you manage your backups and recover your dead hard disks. While it is not an official tool, EaseUS has a reputation for being very good with their software and code.
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It offers the ability to move your entire user account from your old computer, meaning everything is quickly migrated. You still get to keep your Windows installation (and the relevant drivers for your new PC), but you also get all your apps, settings, preferences, images, documents and other important data.
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