Which Command Is Used To Copy Entire Folder Structures

What is Xcopy command?

Xcopy, stands for extended copy, is a command that can copy multiple files or entire directory trees from one location to another. As an advanced version of the copy command, it has boosted switches to specify both the source and the destination in item. It is especially useful when copying files from CDROM to a hard bulldoze because it will remove the read-only attribute automatically.

Xcopy command is available on most operating systems such as IBM PC DOS, MS-DOS, Windows and freeDOS. While beingness functionally replaced by a more powerful re-create tool Robocopy, Xcopy is yet included in Windows 10, and you can proceed using it to copy folders and subfolders.

Can I copy folders and subfolders using Xcopy command?

I have a folder with a lot of subfolders and files in them. Now, I want to copy the folder to another location, but I don't want to recreate directory structures. Can I apply Xcopy command to copy the directory structure of the binder and subfolders to another location?

Equally we know, recreating directory structures can be a ho-hum and error-prone matter, peculiarly if using the correct-click method to create multiple structures and folders. Then, you may desire to copy folders and subfolders by Xcopy control directly. If you don't know how to accomplish information technology via Xcopy, keep reading to larn the detailed steps.

*If you desire to customize your copy strategy more than specifically, or copy folders while keeping historical versions for data protection purposes, yous may consider using advanced method.

xcopy command copy folder sub folder

Copy folders and subfolders using Xcopy control in Windows 7/viii/10/xi

To motion folders and subfolders in cmd, the most used command syntax would be:

xcopy [source] [destination] [options]

And there are enough of options and switches for different demands. You can re-create folders and subfolders including or excluding files from i location to another location by following the steps in unlike situations.

Situation 1. copy folders and subfolders and contents

1. Click Start and blazon cmd in the search box. Correct-click Command Prompt from the effect listing and select Run as administrator. Or you can printing Win + R to telephone call up Run window, and type "cmd" in the textbox to directly run it.

ii. At present, when y'all're in the Command Prompt, you can blazon Xcopy control as beneath to copy folders and subfolders including contents. For example, you want to copy "test" folder and its subfolders on C bulldoze to D drive, type Xcopy command as:

Xcopy C:\test D:\examination /E /H /C /I

Xcopy Command

/E – Copy subdirectories, including whatsoever empty ones.
/H - Re-create files with hidden and system file attributes.
/C - Continue copying fifty-fifty if an mistake occurs.
/I - If in dubiety, e'er presume the destination is a folder. e.g. when the destination does not exist.

✎ Notes:

Xcopy will not copy open up files.
Xcopy doesn't display any progress or completed operations information when executed.
Think that for folders with spaces in the name or folders larger than 8 characters in length, it is a skillful idea to put quotation marks around the path as in the figure above or you may get an error.

State of affairs 2. copy folders and subfolders without files

Y'all tin can open the Control Prompt according to the steps shown in a higher place. So, type the Xcopy control every bit beneath to copy folders and subfolders without files:

Xcopy Source Destination /T /Eastward

/T - Re-create the subdirectory structure, but not the files.
/East - Copy subdirectories, including any empty ones.

State of affairs iii. re-create folders and subfolders with NTFS and Share permission

Sometimes, you lot may need to transfer the NTFS and Share permission together with your folders.

One time the Command Prompt is open, you can and then type the following Xcopy control to copy all files and folders and retain its NTFS and Share permissions.

Xcopy Source Destination /O /10 /Due east /H /K

/E - Copy folders and subfolders, including empty ones.
/H - Copy hidden and system files also.
/1000 - Copy attributes. Typically, Xcopy resets read-only attributes.
/O - Copy file buying and ACL data.
/X - Copy file audit settings (implies /O).

Actually, in that location are many parameters of Xcopy control, and you can combine different parameters for different situations. But if there is a slight error in the command, the copy performance may fail, and even lead to information loss. Therefore, you must be very careful when using Xcopy command.

For users who are not familiar with the employ of the command line, and want to copy files and folders easily, you can besides use a handy fill-in software.

Advanced fashion to copy files or folders in Windows 7/viii/x/11 flexibly

Xcopy essentially duplicates your folders to create an intact copy, and although information technology has some optional parameters, it is still difficult to do some advanced operations or requires advisedly written syntax.

For example, yous may want to auto copy changed files to target directory, keep dissimilar versions of backups for accurate recovery, compress backup files to save storage space, etc. In these cases, AOMEI Backupper Standard is a gratis and reliable choice for PCs running Windows 11/10/8.1/8/seven/Vista/XP.

Copy options: It enables you to sync folders with original format & structure for direct utilize, or backup folders into epitome files in instance of recovery needs.
Storage devices: Information technology supports internal/external bulldoze, USB flash bulldoze, deject, network share and NAS equally target or destination storage.
Schedule options: It contains scheduled options to automate backup/sync task on regular basis, and you can perform incremental or differential backup to back up only changed data.
What's more: If yous desire to car sync changed files from source to target in existent time, or machine delete older versions of backups to save infinite, you can upgrade to Professional person edition.

Stride by step guide to copy files or folders via AOMEI Backupper

1. Download AOMEI Backupper Standard, install and launch it.

2. To copy folders with original format & structure, just selectSync > Basic Sync. If yous desire to backup folders into restorable image files, however, you can considerBackup options, which are improve suited for bankroll up large data (similar partitions, disks, system backup), or keeping dissimilar backup versions.

basic sync

In avant-garde edition, yous can enjoy 3 more than practical sync modes:
Existent-Time Sync: Sync inverse files from source directory to target directory in real time.
Mirror Sync: Proceed the contents in target directory exactly the same as the source directory.
Two-Way Sync: Make any changes in source or target directory be synced to the other side mutually.

3. Click Add together Folder to specify the folder and click OK. You can add more folders by clicking the + push button.

Add Folder

✎ Notation: Later on clicking Add Folder, you can open Filter Settings to ready file inclusion/exclusion mask (available in Pro and in a higher place editions).

Filter Settings

four. Select the destination path you want to copy files to. Internal hard drive, connected external difficult drive, deject bulldoze, shared folder, and NAS are all available.

Select Destination

v. (Optional) Click ScheduleSync to enable it, and set a Daily/Weekly/Monthly job as yous similar.

Schedule Settings General

half-dozen. Confirm all your settings and clickStarting time Sync.

Verdict

You can copy folders and subfolders using Xcopy control by the steps shown above. However, many users say that copying failed due to Xcopy not working sometimes, or Xcopy does non re-create all files. And in some cases, Xcopy halts because of "Bereft Retention" fault or invalid number of parameters.

Therefore, using AOMEI Backupper to copy folders or files is a more reliable and user-friendly method. With but a few clicks, yous tin copy folders or files to your destination, and its useful features similar incremental fill-in, USB plug in, etc. bring you much convenience.

If yous want to backup files on any other computers without installation, utilise AOMEI Backupper Technician or Technician Plus to create a portable AOMEI Backupper. Just give information technology a shot!