How to Use the Xcopy Command to Copy Folders and Subfolders | 3 Ways

If you want to copy a folder from one drive to another, you can use the Xcopy command line instead of manually copying each file. Follow this post from Tools on how to use the XCOPY command to copy folders and subfolders, as well as an easier method.

Read More: How to Use Robocopy to Copy Folders and Subfolders in Windows

Yes, the Xcopy command can be used to copy folders and their subfolders.

Xcopy (Extended Copy) is a command-line utility used to copy multiple files or an entire directory tree from one location to another. Xcopy is an enhanced version of the copy command, as it offers additional switches that allow for more specific specification of sources and destinations. During the copying process, Xcopy removes the read-only attribute, making it particularly suitable for copying files from a CD-ROM to a hard drive.

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

Yes, the Xcopy command allows you to copy folders and their subfolders. Since recreating a directory tree using regular copy and paste methods can be tedious, the Xcopy command enables you to accomplish this with a command-line interface, specifying only the source and destination.

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How to Use the Xcopy Command to Copy Folders and Subfolders The Xcopy command is a powerful tool in Windows that enables you to copy files and folders, along with their contents, from one location to another. It's an extended version of the standard Copy command, providing more options to control the copying process. Here's a step-by-step guide on utilizing the Xcopy command for copying folders and subfolders: 1. **Open the Command Prompt:** - Press `Win + R` on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. - Type `cmd` and press Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt. 2. **Basic Syntax:** The basic syntax for using Xcopy is: ``` xcopy source destination [options] ``` - **Source:** The path of the folder or file you wish to copy. - **Destination:** The path where you want to copy the files or folder. - **Options:** Various flags to control the copy operation (explained below). 3. **Options:** - `/S`: Includes subdirectories, except empty ones. Essential for copying folders with subfolders. - `/E`: Includes empty subdirectories. Use this if you want to copy all directories, even if they're empty. - `/I`: Assumes the destination is a directory if it doesn't exist. Handy if you forget to specify a directory. - `/C`: Continues copying even if errors occur. - `/R`: Overwrites read-only files. - `/Y`: Suppresses the prompt to confirm overwriting existing files. If you exclude this, you'll be prompted for confirmation each time. 4. **Example:** Suppose you want to copy a folder named "MyFolder" and its contents, including subfolders, from `C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents` to `D:\Backup`. The command would be: ``` xcopy "C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\MyFolder" "D:\Backup" /S /E /C /R /Y ``` 5. **Execute the Command:** Input the command with the correct paths and options, then press Enter. The copying process will commence. Remember, always exercise caution when using commands that modify your system files or folders. Ensure you have a backup before running such commands, especially when dealing with crucial data.

The main takeaways:

In the CMD, the common syntax to copy a folder and its subfolders is xcopy [source] [destination] [options]. We can use various options from this command based on our needs. Here are some scenarios where we frequently use the Xcopy command:

• Scenario 1: Copy All Folders and Subfolders Containing Files
• Scenario 2: Copy Only Folders and Subfolders Without Files
• Scenario 3: Copy Folders and Subfolders with NTFS and Share Permissions

Scenario 1: Copy all folders and subfolders that contain files

First, you need to open Command Prompt in admin mode. Click “Start,” type CMD, and then choose “Run as administrator.”

After opening the Command Prompt, type the Xcopy command shown here to copy all folders and subfolders containing files.

For example, you want to copy the "example" folder and its subfolders from the C drive to the D drive.

This command means: Copy all files and subdirectories (including empty ones) from the C:\example directory to the D:\example directory. The parameters mean: - `/E`: Includes empty subdirectories in the copying process. - `/H`: Copies hidden and system files. - `/C`: Continues copying other files if an error occurs during the copy process. - `/I`: Assumes the destination is a new directory and creates it if it does not exist.

These commands mean, respectively,

/E – Copies all subdirectories, including empty ones.

/H Copies files with hidden and system attributes.

/C Continue copying even if errors occur.

If in doubt, the command assumes that the target is a folder. For example, if no target is specified, it is assumed to be a folder.

The key point to remember is that

• The Xcopy command cannot copy open files.
• No progress bar or completion notification is displayed when running the command. You must manually check if the files were copied correctly.
• If your folder names contain spaces or are more than eight characters long, make sure to add quotes around the paths when executing the command.

Scenario 2: Copy Folders and Subfolders (But Not the Files Inside)

Please copy the folder and its subfolders, but not the files within them, following the instructions below.

XCOPY source destination /T /E

/T: Copies the directory structure, but not files.

/E – Copies all subdirectories, including empty ones.

Scenario 3: Copying Folders and Subfolders with NTFS and Share Permissions

To move folders and subfolders that contain NTFS permissions, type the following command, and then press Enter:

XCOPY Source_directory Destination_directory /O /X /E /H /K

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

/H Copies hidden and system files only.

/K Copies file attributes. When used with the Xcopy command, the read-only attribute is reset.

/O - Copies ownership and ACL information.

/X - Copy audio file settings (implies /O).

Along with all these commands, you can use many parameters as per your requirement with Xcopy. However, a simple mistake can lead to the failure of the execution and sometimes even to data loss. Hence, be cautious while using the command and its parameters.

An easier way: Automatically back up files or folders in Windows

There may be times when you want to copy folders and subfolders for backup purposes, but Xcopy only allows you to copy folders. If you need to back up files, folders, or entire hard drives, you need a reliable backup software. With powerful and professional tools, you can even create a system backup to protect yourself from the risk of system crashes.

is your all-in-one backup and recovery solution that can copy files, disks, and systems for backup purposes. It helps you automatically back up files on Windows PC. With advanced features, you can clone, upgrade, and transfer backup files. You can create clones for partitions, files, and systems for backup anytime.

Additionally, the tool lets you mount images for a quick recovery. The ability to create a bootable backup enables you to install the OS anytime, anywhere.

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

Step 1: Tap the Select Backup Content button to begin the backup process.

Step 2. There are four backup types to choose from: Files, Disk, System, and Mail. Click on Files.

Step 3: Your local and network files should appear on the left. Expand the folders and select the files you want to back up.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions and choose where you want to save your backup.

Click on "Options" to set a password for encrypted backups under "Backup Options", and schedule your backups with the "Backup Plan" by selecting specific events to initiate the process. There are many other options to explore, allowing you to customize the backup task as per your requirements.

Step 5. You can store the backup on a local drive, the tool's cloud service, or a NAS.

Step 6. Todo Backup lets you back up your data to third-party cloud storage services as well as its own.

If you want to back up to a third-party cloud service, choose “Local Disk,” then scroll down and add and sign in to your account.

You can also choose to use AOMEI Backupper's own cloud drive. Click “Cloud Backup”, sign up and log in with your AOMEI account.

Step 7. Click "Backup Now" to start the backup process. When it's done, the backup task will be displayed on the left panel as a card. Right-click on the backup task for further management.

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In short

Xcopy is a handy option to move/copy files between two locations on your computer. The above post helps you learn how to use the Xcopy command to copy folders and subfolders in various situations. However, many users complain that the Xcopy command fails or doesn't work often.

A reliable tool like Todo Backup can assist you in automatically copying files from one folder to another. It enables copying of folders, subfolders, hard drives, and systems. With its advanced backup and cloning options, it provides an all-in-one solution for backup and recovery needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using the Xcopy Command to Copy Folders and Subfolders

Here are some common questions about using the Xcopy command to copy folders and subfolders. Hopefully, these will be helpful to you.

How do I copy a shared folder without losing sharing permissions?

1. Open File Explorer, navigate to the shared folder, and right-click on it. 2. Go to "Properties" > "Security" tab > "Advanced" > "Change Permissions." Here, uncheck "Include inheritable permissions from this object's parent" and click "Add." Then, click "OK" three times to save the changes. 3. Alter the parent directory of the shared folder. 4. Run the Xcopy command with the parameters /E /H /K /O /X to copy the shared folder without losing its share permissions.

2. Which command can be used to copy all files, directories, and their subdirectories to another disk in one go? The command you're looking for is `rsync`. Here's an example usage: ```bash rsync -avz /source/directory/ /destination/directory/ ``` In this command: - `-a` stands for archive mode, which preserves permissions, timestamps, and other attributes. - `-v` is for verbose, which gives you detailed output about the process. - `-z` enables compression to speed up the transfer. Make sure to replace `/source/directory/` with the path of the directory you want to copy and `/destination/directory/` with the path where you want to copy the files.

The Xcopy command allows you to copy all files and subdirectories in one go to another disk. It comes with a set of attributes designed to perform specific tasks for the job at hand.

3) Should I use Xcopy or Robocopy?

This is a matter of debate. Some people consider Robocopy to be an advanced version of Xcopy. The main difference between Xcopy and Robocopy lies in the fact that Robocopy has retry options, which Xcopy lacks.