How to Copy Files Using Command Prompt Windows 10 - Guide

This article tells how to copy files using Command Prompt in Windows 10 with detailed steps and pictures. Also, a powerful PC data transfer tool to copy files in Windows 7/8/10 will be introduced.

• Run CMD as the administrator.
• Use the copy command, like 'copy' or 'xcopy.'
• Example: copy c:\myfile.txt e:

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, 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 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.

If you want to know more about the Copy command, you can refer to the guide from Microsoft:

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.

🚀Error Troubleshooting for Command Prompt:

Copying files via Command Prompt may encounter various errors due to permissions, paths, or system issues. This table lists some common problems, causes, and quick fixes.

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. Set Up the Old PC

• First, install and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and select Data Transfer on the left panel of the main interface.

• Select "Transfer Directly" and click "Next" to continue. 

Step 2. Set Up the New PC

• Download and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on the new computer; select "This is New PC" and click "Next".

• Select "Transfer directly" and click "Next" to continue. 
• Select "Network" and click Next to continue. This will automatically scan the old PC. (Make sure the two PCs are connected to the same LAN.)

• Select the target PC and click Connect. Then, it will take some time to scan and analyze the data in old PC.

Step 3. Select the Files to Transfer

• Finally, on the new PC, select the Files tab, select the files you need to transfer. Then, click "Transfer" to start.

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 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.

FAQs on How to Copy Files Using CMD

1. What is the best way to copy large files reliably over a network?

The best way to copy large files over a network is to use a dedicated transfer method. CMD users can rely on Xcopy with proper parameters, but non‑technical users should choose a tool like EaseUS Todo PCTrans for stable, unattended transfers.

2. What are the main limitations of the Xcopy Command?

The Xcopy command has several limitations. It mainly targets file and folder content and does not focus on user‑friendliness. It requires correct parameters, offers a text‑only interface, and has a higher learning curve with more room for typing errors than graphical tools or specialized transfer software.

3. How long does it take to copy files using CMD?

Copying files with CMD is usually fast for small or moderate data sizes. Large data sets, slow disks, or network congestion can extend the time well beyond this rough estimate. The time depends on your storage speed, file size, network speed, and background processes.

Share these methods to copy files: