Скопировать содержимое папки в другую папку windows

Last Updated :
23 Sep, 2024

The xcopy command in Windows is a powerful tool for copying files and directories. It extends the functionality of the standard copy command by allowing the copy of entire directories along with their subdirectories and files all at once. This makes xcopy highly useful for tasks such as backing up files, migrating data, or automating file management tasks. In this article, we will cover what the xcopy command is how to use it, and provide some common use cases with examples.

What is the Xcopy Command?

The xcopy (extended copy) command is used to copy files and directories including the subdirectories and files within them. Unlike the basic copy command, xcopy can handle large-scale directory copying making it perfect for backups, migrations, and file replication.

Basic Syntax:

xcopy [source] [destination] [options]

• [source]: The path to the file or directory we want to copy.
• [destination]: The path to where we want to copy the files.
• [options]: The Various flags that control how the xcopy command behaves.

How to Use the xcopy Command?

1. Copy Files

To copy a file from one location to another using xcopy the basic syntax is:

xcopy C:\source\file.txt D:\destination\

This command copies file.txt from the C:\source directory to the D:\destination directory.

Example:

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2. Copy Entire Directory

To copy an entire directory including all its subdirectories and files we can use the /s switch:

xcopy C:\source\ D:\destination\ /s

The /s option copies all directories and subdirectories except empty ones.

Example:

3. Copy Directory Including Empty Folders

If we also want to include the empty directories in the copy use the /e switch:

xcopy C:\source\ D:\destination\ /e

The /e switch copies all subdirectories including the empty ones.

Example:

4. Copy and Overwrite Files

If files in the destination already exist and we want to overwrite them we can use the /y option:

xcopy C:\source\ D:\destination\ /y

The /y option suppresses the prompt that asks if we want to overwrite the file.

Example:

5. Copy Files Based on Date

We can use the /d option to only copy files that have changed after a specific date or if they are newer than the destination files.

xcopy C:\source\ D:\destination\ /d

This ensures that only new or modified files are copied saving time and disk space.

Example:

6. Copy Files in Quiet Mode

To suppress output and avoid unnecessary prompts use the /q option:

xcopy C:\source\ D:\destination\ /q

This copies files quietly without listing each file.

Example:

7. Copy Files with Attributes

To copy system or hidden files we can use the /h option:

xcopy C:\source\ D:\destination\ /h

Normally, hidden and system files are not copied. The /h switch forces the xcopy command to the include them.

Example:

8. Copy Files and Verify

To ensure that files are copied correctly we can use the /v option which verifies each file after copying:

xcopy C:\source\ D:\destination\ /v

Example:

9. Copy Files Without Prompting for Destination Confirmation

Sometimes, xcopy will prompt to confirm whether the destination is a directory or a file. To avoid this we can add the /i option:

xcopy C:\source\ D:\destination\ /i

The /i option assumes the destination is a directory and automatically continues.

Example:

Common xcopy Options

Here are some commonly used xcopy options:

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Conclusion

The xcopy command is a versatile and powerful tool in Windows allowing you to perform advanced file-copying tasks with ease. Whether we’re backing up directories copying only newer files or handling large sets of files across different drives, xcopy offers a range of options to suit your needs. By mastering this command we can save time streamline your file management tasks and ensure that data is efficiently copied with accuracy and precision.

Была ли эта статья полезной?

If you want to copy folders from one drive to another, you can use the Xcopy command line without copying each file manually. Follow this post from EaseUS to learn how to copy folders and subfolders using Xcopy command and a much easier alternative.

📃Also read: Robocopy Copy Folders and Subfolders on Windows

Can You Copy Folders and Subfolders Using Xcopy Command

Xcopy, abbreviated as extended copy, is a command line to copy multiple files or complete directory trees from one location to another. Xcopy is the advanced version of the copy command, as this command comes with additional switches to specify the source and destination in detail. Xcopy removes the read-only attribute while sharing, which makes it ideal for copying files from a CDROM to a hard drive.

Many operating systems, like Windows, IBM PC, DOS, MS-DOS, etc., provide this command line utility. Even with the arrival of more advanced commands like Robocopy, many Windows users prefer using the Xcopy command. But can I use Xcopy Command to copy files and subfolders?

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Yes, the Xcopy command lets you copy folders and subfolders. Since recreating the directory trees using the conventional copy-paste method is tedious, the Xcopy command helps you do it with just a command line using the source and destination.

How to Use Xcopy Command to Copy Folders and Subfolders

Key Takeaways:

The common syntax to copy folders and subfolders with CMD is xcopy [source] [destination] [options]. We can use various options of the above command depending on our demands. Below are some of the cases we often perform using the Xcopy command.

1. Case 1. Copy All Folders and Subfolders with Files
2. Case 2. Copy Folders and Subfolders Without Files
3. Case 3. Copy Folders and Subfolders with NTFS and Share Permission

Case 1. Copy All Folders and Subfolders with Files

First, you should open the Command Prompt in administrator mode. Click on «Start», type CMD, and select «Run as administrator».

After the Command Prompt is open, type the Xcopy command as shown to copy all folders and subfolders with files.

Consider an example folder, and you want to copy the «example» folder and its subfolders from the C drive to the D drive.

Xcopy C:\example D:\example /E /H /C /I

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The respective commands mean:

/E — Copies all subdirectories, including the empty ones.

/H — Copies files with hidden and system file attributes.

/C — Continues to copy files even in case of errors.

/I — If in doubt, the command always assumes the destination is a folder. e.g. if the destination is not specified.

Point to remember:

• The Xcopy command won’t copy open files.
• The command does not display any progress bar or completed notification when executed. You have to manually check if the files are copied correctly.
• If your folder name has spaces or is larger than eight characters, make sure you add quotation marks around the path while executing the command.

Case 2. Copy Folders and Subfolders Without Files

Follow the command below to copy folders and subfolders without files.

Xcopy Source Destination /T /E

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/T — Copies the subdirectory structure but not the files.

/E — Copies all subdirectories, including the empty ones.

Case 3. Copy Folders and Subfolders with NTFS and Share Permission

If you want to transfer the folders and subfolders with NTFS and share permission, type the below command and execute.

Xcopy Source Destination /O /X /E /H /K

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/E — Copies all the folders and subfolders, including empty ones.

/H — Only copies the hidden and system files.

/K — Copies attributes. When used with Xcopy, it restes the read-only attributes.

/O — Copies the file ownership and ACL info.

/X — Copies file audio settings (implies /O).

Along with all these commands, there are many parameters you can use with Xcopy for various kinds of needs. However, a simple error will result in execution failure and may sometimes even lead to data loss. So, be cautious while using the command and parameters.

Easier Way: Automatically Backup Files or Folders on Windows

In many cases, you want to copy folders and subfolders for backup, but Xcopy can only make a folder duplication. If you want to copy files, folders, or hard drives for backup, you need reliable backup software. With a powerful and professional tool, you can even create a system backup to prevent system crash risks.

EaseUS Todo Backup is your complete backup and restore solution to replicate folders, disks, and systems for backup. It can help you automatically back up files on your Windows computers. With the help of advanced programs, you can clone, upgrade, and transfer files for backup. You can make clones for partitions, files, and systems to back up at any time.

In addition, the tool lets you mount the images for fast recovery. The ability to create a bootable backup helps you install your OS anywhere and anytime.

Here are the steps to help you back up files easily.

Step 1. Click the «Select backup contents» button to start backup.

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Step 2. There are four data backup categories, File, Disk, OS, and Mail, click File.

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Step 3. Both local and network files will be listed on the left. You can expand the directory to select the files to be backed up.

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Step 4. Follow the on-screen guide, select the destination where you want to save the backup.

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Click «Options» to encrypt the backup with password in «Backup Options«, set the backup schedule and choose to start back up at certain event in «Backup Scheme«. There are also many other options you can explore, customize the backup task according to your need.

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Step 5. You can store the backup to local drive, EaseUS’s cloud service, and NAS.

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Step 6. EaseUS Todo Backup enables users to back up data to both third-party cloud drive and its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, add and login your account.

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You can also choose EaseUS’s own cloud drive. Click EaseUS Cloud, sign up with your EaseUS Account and log in.

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Step 7. Click «Backup Now» to start backup. After the backup task is completed, it will be displayed in the form of a card on the left side of the panel. Right-click the backup task to further manage it.

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To Wrap Things Up

Xcopy is a useful option to simply move/copy files between two locations on your computer. The above post helps you learn how to copy folders and subfolders using Xcopy command in various situations. However, many users complain of the Xcopy command failing or not working frequently.

A reliable option like EaseUS Todo Backup helps you automatically copy files from one folder to another. It has the ability to copy folders, subfolders, hard drives, and systems. With advanced backup and cloning options, it acts as a complete solution for backup and recovery needs.

FAQs on Copy Folders and Subfolders Using Xcopy Command

Here are some of the most frequent FAQs asked on how to copy folders and subfolders using the Xcopy command. I hope you find these queries helpful. 

1. How to copy shared folders without losing share permissions?

• Open File Explorer, go to the shared folder and right-click on it.
• Navigate to Properties > Security Tab > Advanced > Change Permissions. Here, uncheck the «Include inheritable permissions from this object’s parent» and click «Add». Now, click OK thrice to save it.
• Change the parent directory of the shared folder.
• Run the Xcopy command with /E/H/K/O/X to copy shared folders without losing share permissions.

2. What command can copy all files directories and subdirectories to another disk all at once?

The Xcopy command can copy all file directories and subdirectories to another disk all at once. The command comes with a set of attributes for specific functions to complete the required task.

3. Should I use Xcopy or Robocopy?

That’s a debatable question. One can consider Robocopy as a more advanced version of Xcopy. The major difference between Xcopy and Robocopy is that Robocopy has a retry option, whereas Xcopy does not.