How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide (2024)

Updated bySherly on Apr 22, 2024

Written byCedric

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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:
  • #1. Command Prompt - Experienced Windows users
  • #2. Command Prompt Alternative:PC File Transfer Software - Beginners
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

How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide (1)

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.

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How To Copy Files Using Command Prompt - Step-by-Step Guide

When compared to the usual method of file copying, copying or moving files using CMD 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 computerefficiently.

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 XcopyCommand to Copy AllFiles

Xcopyis 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".

How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide (2)

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'trequirea technical background of utilizing and inputting correct command lines for copying files.EaseUS Todo PCTrans Freeenablesyou 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.

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Now, download this PC data transfer software to transfer files from one computer to anotherin 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" - Movedata from old computer to current new computer.

"Old" - Move data from current old n computer to remote new computer.

How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide (3)

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.

How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide (4)

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.

How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide (5)

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.

How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide (6)

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.

How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide (7)

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.

How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide (8)

Step 2.Get the files you need.

Open the OneDrivesoftware 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.

How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide (9)

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.

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Support Windows 11/10/8/7

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.

How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide (2024)

FAQs

How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide? ›

Copying Files Using Command Prompt in Windows 10:

How to copy files using Command Prompt windows 10? ›

To copy files, use the copy command from the command line.
  1. copy c:\myfile. ...
  2. copy *. ...
  3. copy d:\example.xls. ...
  4. To find cmd, go to Start and type cmd into the search box. ...
  5. Now, in the command prompt, type the Xcopy command to copy folders and subfolders, including their contents, as shown below. ...
  6. Xcopy C:\test D:\test /E /H /C /I.
Apr 22, 2024

How do I copy and paste from Command Prompt in Windows 10? ›

Make sure the Enable Ctrl key shortcuts option is checked. You can also check the Use Ctrl+Shift+C/V as Copy/Paste option. Click OK to save the setting. Then you should be able to use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V to copy and paste in Command Prompt window.

How do you copy contents of CMD? ›

The Windows command line can also be copied/pasted directly using Command / Ctrl + C / V.

How to copy a folder using CMD to usb? ›

Use xcopy to copy an entire folder and all of its files and subfolders.
  1. xcopy "C:\Users\yourname\rough drafts\" F:\ /e /h /r.
  2. Notice the trailing backslash \ at the end of the first path—this tells xcopy that you're copying a folder, not an individual file. ...
  3. Adding /e tells xcopy to copy all sub-folders.
Mar 10, 2022

How to use copy command? ›

The following are examples of how to use the cp command:
  1. To make a copy of a file in the current directory, type the following: cp prog.c prog.bak. ...
  2. To copy a file in your current directory into another directory, type the following: cp jones /home/nick/clients.

What is the difference between copy and Xcopy? ›

XCOPY is a much more powerful copying command than the COPY command. It is especially useful when backing up your fixed disk. A common usage would be to use the /S option along with the /D:date option to back up only the files that have been changed since the date of your last backup.

What is the copy key in Command Prompt? ›

- [Instructor] You may be already familiar with the keyboard shortcuts for cutting, copying, and pasting. Control X to cut, Control C to copy, Control V to paste.

What is the PC command to copy and paste? ›

The shortcut you can use to copy text in any editor is CTRL + C . To paste the text, press and hold CTRL then V .

What is the key command for copy and paste? ›

As a recap, both Ctrl + X and Ctrl + C copy text to the clipboard, only the former shortcut removes the copied text from the document; the latter doesn't. The Ctrl + V keyboard shortcut is the exact opposite: It pastes text from the clipboard into your document wherever your cursor resides.

Which command is used to copy files? ›

Copying files (cp command):

Use the cp command to create a copy of the contents of the file or directory specified by the SourceFile or SourceDirectory parameters into the file or directory specified by the TargetFile or TargetDirectory parameters.

How do I copy a whole folder in CMD? ›

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.

How do I move a file in Command Prompt? ›

For Windows Command Prompt: To move a file to another folder in Windows Command Prompt, you can use the move command. Here's the syntax: move "source\filename" "destination\folder\filename"

How to copy files with Command Prompt? ›

Type in copy followed by a space, but don't press ↵ Enter yet. Enter your file's name. Type in your file's name followed by a space, making sure to include the file's extension (e.g., . txt ) for a text file.

What is the terminal command for copying folder? ›

In the Terminal app on your Mac, use the cp command to make a copy of a file. The -R flag causes cp to copy the folder and its contents. Note that the folder name does not end with a slash, which would change how cp copies the folder.

How do I copy a drive in Command Prompt? ›

Let's check how to clone a hard drive using Xcopy Command:
  1. Go to Start and type "cmd" into the search box. Then select Command Prompt (Admin) to open CMD.
  2. Type down xcopy c:\ f:\ /s /e /h /i /c /y and then press Enter to copy all files and subdirectories from drive C to drive D. ...
  3. Wait for the process to be complete.
Feb 26, 2024

What is the CP command in CMD? ›

Description. The cp command copies the source file specified by the SourceFile parameter to the destination file specified by the TargetFile parameter. If the target file exists, cp overwrites the contents, but the mode, owner, and group associated with it are not changed.

What is the shortcut for copy in CMD? ›

- [Instructor] You may be already familiar with the keyboard shortcuts for cutting, copying, and pasting. Control X to cut, Control C to copy, Control V to paste.

How to use Xcopy command in CMD? ›

Press F if you want the file or files to be copied to a file. Press D if you want the file or files to be copied to a directory. You can suppress this message by using the /i command-line option, which causes xcopy to assume that the destination is a directory if the source is more than one file or a directory.

How to move files using Command Prompt? ›

move cmd command
  1. [drive:][path]filename1 – Specifies the location and name of the file or files you want to move.
  2. destination – Specifies the new location of the file. ...
  3. [drive:][path]dirname1 – Specifies the directory you want to rename.
  4. dirname2 – Specifies the new name of the directory.
  5. /Y – ...
  6. /Y –
Oct 20, 2020

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