Software-OK
≡... News | ... Home | ... FAQ | Impressum | Contact | Listed at | Thank you |

  
HOME ► Faq ► FAQ - Command Prompt - Windows 11, 10, etc. ► ««« »»»

robocopy or xcopy from command prompt on MS Windows OS!


Should I use robocopy or xcopy from the command prompt on MS Windows OS eg to copy and sync the directories?



Thanks to the robocopy or xcopy commands, you don't necessarily have to use external or full Windows backup software or install free or paid backup software. XCOPY is usually sufficient for quickly synchronizing directories! 


Contents:

1.) ... Is robocopy better than xcopy?
2.) ... example robocopy and xcopy for synchronization! 



3.) ... Robocopy or Xcopy essential differences and features!



1.) Is robocopy better than xcopy?

You can get the same results with both, the parameters are different, but you can easily change them with /? be retrieved!


robocopy /?

xcopy /?



Whichever command you use, simply create a batch file containing the command and schedule it to run in Task Scheduler and you have your own bespoke backup solution.

2.) Example robocopy and xcopy for synchronization! 

Just run the following, of course replacing the source and destination folders with what you want to back up and where you want it to go.

Here is a simple example of syncing from D:\3d-wal to X:\3d-wal which is an external drive. 


robocopy "D:\3d-wal\" "X:\3d-wal" /copyall /e /r:0 /dcopy:t /mir




xcopy.exe "D:\3d-wal\*.*" "X:\3d-wal" /S /E /C /H /O /R /Y /D /V


Sometimes it makes sense to start the command prompt in administrative mode 


(Image-3) Synchronize directories using XCOPY!
Synchronize directories using XCOPY!

-
▲ Back to the top ▲



3.) Robocopy or Xcopy essential differences and features!


Robocopy and xcopy are both command-line utilities in Microsoft Windows that can be used to copy files and directories. Here is some basic information about both:

Robocopy (Robust Copy):

- Robocopy is a powerful command line utility included with Windows starting with Windows Vista and later versions.

- It offers many advanced features and options compared to xcopy, including the ability to copy files incrementally, preserve attributes, copy large directory structures, define omissions and much more.

- Robocopy is particularly suitable for backing up large amounts of data, mirroring directories and synchronizing files between different locations.

– The syntax for Robocopy is slightly more complex than xcopy, but offers more flexibility and control over the copy process.

Xcopy:

- Xcopy is an older command line utility included with Windows and is available in most versions of Windows.

- It is easier to use than Robocopy and works well for basic file and directory copying tasks.

- Xcopy provides some basic options like copying subdirectories, overwriting existing files, and copying hidden or system files.

- However, compared to Robocopy, xcopy offers less advanced features and options. It may not be suitable for demanding copy or synchronization tasks.

Overall, the choice between Robocopy and xcopy depends on what type of copying tasks you want to perform and how much control and flexibility you need. For basic copying tasks, xcopy may be sufficient, while Robocopy is better suited for more demanding copying and synchronization tasks.




-
▲ Back to the top ▲






FAQ 132: Updated on: 13 April 2024 10:18 Windows
Windows-Console

Which programs access the Internet cmd.exe command!


Sometimes you just want to see what programs are accessing the internet, luckily you can do that from the classic command prompt with netstat 1. Show
Windows-Console

Adjust the password expiry date via the command prompt!


In the command prompt you can adjust the password expiration date by defining it in the NET ACCOUNTS command Its that easy to adjust the password maximum
Windows-Console

NET ACCAUNTS for password rules under MS Windows OS!


With NET ACCAUNTS you can quickly set password rules for all MS Windows 11, 10, Desktop and Microsoft Server operating systems The "Net Accounts" command
Windows-Console

Delete the connection IPs of the visiting website via command prompt!


If you have problems establishing an Internet connection, it can be helpful to delete the connection IPs of the visiting website via the command prompt
Windows-Console

Deleting File or Folder via Command Prompt!


Deleting file or folder via command prompt on MS Windows desktop and server operating systems is a popular solution to delete Every once in a while, due
Windows-Console

Quickly disable windows user account via command line?


Very popular is the easy and fast deactivation of users via command line on MS Windows 11, 10, and MS Server 2022, 2019, operating systems Everyone
Windows-Console

How to create a batch file on / for MS Windows?


Automation batch files for Windows are becoming more and more popular, it is even more important to correctly name and use the batch, which is often referred

»»

  My question is not there in the FAQ
Asked questions on this answer:
Keywords: windows, console, robocopy, xcopy, from, command, prompt, should, copy, sync, directories, thanks, commands, Questions, Answers, Software




  

  + Freeware
  + Order on the PC
  + File management
  + Automation
  + Office Tools
  + PC testing tools
  + Decoration and fun
  + Desktop-Clocks
  + Security

  + SoftwareOK Pages
  + Micro Staff
  + Freeware-1
  + Freeware-2
  + Freeware-3
  + FAQ
  + Downloads

  + Top
  + Desktop-OK
  + The Quad Explorer
  + Don't Sleep
  + Win-Scan-2-PDF
  + Quick-Text-Past
  + Print Folder Tree
  + Find Same Images
  + Experience-Index-OK
  + Font-View-OK


  + Freeware
  + ProcessKO
  + WinBin2Iso
  + ThisIsMyFile
  + TheAeroClock
  + Bitte.Wenden
  + CoronaKO
  + MatriX.CoronaKO
  + Find.Same.Images.OK
  + 3D.Benchmark.OK
  + PAD-s


Home | Thanks | Contact | Link me | FAQ | Settings | Windows 10 | gc24b | English-AV | Impressum | Translate | PayPal | PAD-s

 © 2025 by Nenad Hrg softwareok.de • softwareok.com • softwareok.com • softwareok.eu


► Can my MS-Surface with Windows 10 be damaged by the rain! ◄
► Why do I have to start a *.bat file as an administrator under Windows 11, 10, 8.1, ..? ◄
► Start with a favorite, without to register *.qdr? ◄
► Why this mouse wheel tool for Windows 11,  10, 8.1, ...? ◄


This website does not store personal data. However, third-party providers are used to display ads,
which are managed by Google and comply with the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework (IAB-TCF).
The CMP ID is 300 and can be individually customized at the bottom of the page.
more Infos & Privacy Policy

....