4 Easy Ways to Copy Large Number of Files Quickly

Copying large numbers of files in Windows can be a cumbersome and time-consuming task, especially when using the standard Windows Explorer. However, there are several methods that can significantly speed up this process.

1. Robocopy (Robust File Copy)

Robocopy is a powerful command-line tool built into Windows that offers advanced features for copying files, making it ideal for large-scale file transfers. Here’s how to use it:

• Open Command Prompt: Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter. Alternatively, right-click the Start button and select "Windows PowerShell."
• Get Instructions: Type robocopy /? and press Enter to see the available parameters.
• Basic Command: A simple command to copy files from one directory to another would be:

  robocopy source destination
  

  For example:

  robocopy C:\Source\ D:\Destination\
  

• Advanced Options: Robocopy supports various options to enhance the copying process. For instance, the /MT option allows you to specify the number of threads to use, which can significantly speed up the process. For example:

  robocopy C:\Source\ D:\Destination\ /MT:16
  

  This command uses 16 threads, which is particularly useful if your system has multiple processors.

2. Upgrade Hardware Drives

The type of hardware drives you use can drastically impact the speed of file copying. Here are some tips:

• Use Solid-State Drives (SSDs): SSDs are much faster than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). If possible, use an SSD for both the source and destination drives.
• Modern External Drives: When using external drives, ensure they support faster data transfer standards like USB 3.0. This can significantly reduce the time it takes to copy files compared to older USB 2.0 drives.

3. Copying Apps

Specialized copying apps can offer better performance and additional features compared to the built-in Windows copy function.

• TeraCopy: This app dynamically adjusts buffers to reduce seek times and speed up copying operations. It also verifies files to ensure they are fully identical and alerts you to any mistakes. TeraCopy supports asynchronous copying, which accelerates file transfers between two hard drives.
• Other Options: Other apps like FastCopy, Copy Handler, and FF Copy can also be used. FastCopy, for example, is known to be about 4% faster than Robocopy in some scenarios.

4. Compress Your Files First

When dealing with a large number of small files, compressing them first can make the copying process much faster.

• Use Compression Tools: Tools like WinRAR or 7zip can compress multiple files into a single archive. This reduces the number of files to be copied, making the process quicker. Once the archive is copied, you can decompress it at the destination.

Dealing with Windows Freezing During Copying

If Windows freezes during the copying process, it's often due to the resource-intensive nature of the task. Here are some tips to mitigate this:

• Close Other Apps: Close all other open applications to free up system resources.
• Pause Antivirus: Temporarily pause your antivirus software, as it can consume resources during scans.
• Use Copying Tools: Consider using specialized copying tools, which are generally less resource-intensive than the built-in copy function in Windows.