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How to Speed Up File Transfers in Windows 11 with Robocopy

Written by

Richard

Jun 22, 2023 Updated Apr 17, 2026 3 min read

Moving large files between computers can be slow and frustrating. Most people rely on USB drives to copy files from one computer to another, but this is often inefficient for big data transfers. Using File Explorer can also make your system feel sluggish.

Robocopy (Robust File Copy) is a built-in tool that moves files much faster. By using its compression feature, you can transfer large amounts of data across a network in less time.

Why use Robocopy?

Robocopy is designed to handle large files reliably. When you enable compression, it shrinks the data during the transfer, which speeds up the process significantly.

What happens when done?

Once the command finishes, your files will be safely moved to the destination folder with all subfolders and data intact, saving you time compared to manual copying.

Before you begin, ensure you have enable file sharing on both computers and that you have share the folder for the files you are moving.

You will also need the IP address or name of the target computer. Check these guides for help:

How to enable file and printer sharing in Windows 11

How to share files and folders in Windows 11

How to find your computer name in Windows 11

Step 1: Save your login credentials

Note: This step requires Administrator privileges. Open your Command Prompt as an administrator and run this command to save your login details for the other computer:

cmdkey /add:192.168.1.50 /user:YOUR_COMPUTER_NAME\YOUR_USERNAME /pass:YOUR_PASSWORD

Step 2: Copy your files

Note: This step requires Administrator privileges. Use the command below to start the transfer. Make sure to replace the paths with your actual folder locations:

robocopy \\192.168.1.50\SharedFolder C:\Users\YourName\Documents /E /Z /ZB /R:5 /W:5 /TBD /NP /V /MT:16 /compress

Explanation of the command:

/E: Copies all subfolders, even empty ones.
/Z: Allows the copy to resume if the network drops.
/ZB: Uses backup mode if access is denied.
/R:5: Retries the copy 5 times if it fails.
/W:5: Waits 5 seconds between retries.
/TBD: Waits for the network share to be ready.
/NP: Hides the progress percentage.
/V: Shows extra details about the files being copied.
/MT:16: Copies multiple files at once for more speed.
/compress: Shrinks files to speed up the network transfer.

Summary

Robocopy is a powerful tool that makes moving large files over a network faster and more reliable. By using the compression command, you reduce the time it takes to move data. Following these steps helps you bypass the limitations of standard file copying and improves your overall productivity.

What is Robocopy and how does it work in Windows 11?

Robocopy, or Robust File Copy, is a command-line tool in Windows 11 designed for copying files and directories efficiently. It supports features like multi-threading and can transfer files over a network or locally, making it ideal for large file transfers.

How do I enable SMB compression for Robocopy in Windows 11?

SMB compression is enabled by default in Windows 11 when using Robocopy. To ensure it's utilized, simply include the '/compress' option in your Robocopy command when transferring files.

What are the key commands to use Robocopy for file transfers?

To use Robocopy, you need to run a command in the format: 'robocopy source-ip-address<br /> emote-folder C: arget-folder /E /Z /compress'. Adjust the source and target paths as needed, and include any additional options for your specific transfer requirements.

How can I troubleshoot access denied errors when using Robocopy?

If you encounter access denied errors, ensure that you have the correct permissions on the target folder. You can also use the '/ZB' option in your Robocopy command, which attempts to copy files in restartable mode and falls back to backup mode if access is denied.

What do the different Robocopy options like /E, /Z, and /MT mean?

The '/E' option copies all subdirectories, including empty ones. The '/Z' option allows for restartable mode, which is useful for large transfers. The '/MT' option specifies the number of threads to use for the copy operation, enhancing speed by allowing multiple files to be copied simultaneously.

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Tags: #Windows 11