Best Tools for Copying a Large Number of Files in Windows

Third-party apps for Windows 7 users

If you’ve been using Windows 8 as your main PC, you have probably noticed the vastly upgraded performance and user interface when copying files. Finally, Microsoft decided to revamp some of the core functions of the OS, which makes using Windows 8 so much better than Windows 7…sometimes.

Unfortunately, even with all the great new security and updates to core features, Windows 8 has been hampered by the dual desktop and Start Screen interfaces. I personally switched back to Windows 7 because I find the Start Screen and lack of the Start button frustrating. However, back on Windows 7, I no longer have the new more-reliable copying functions of Windows 8.

In addition to faster performance, Windows 8 also handles file conflicts and other errors way better than previous operating systems. The best part is that you can actually pause and resume copy operations, which is really useful.

However, until Microsoft fixes Windows 8 the right way, I’m going to stick with Windows 7 and that means having to use third-party apps for copying large number of files. In this post, I’m going to list some of the best file copying utilities currently out there that you can use for Windows. Depending on your copying needs, some programs are better than others. I can’t say there is one copying program that’s the “best”.

Instead of just listing them out in random order, which doesn’t really help anybody, I’m going to break them down into categories: fastest (local), fastest (network), handling corrupted data, and most features.

Fastest File Copiers (Local)

1. FastCopy

FastCopy has been tested by many people and the results show that it is far the fastest copying program out there for Windows. If you just need raw speed, then this program is the best.

Pros: copies extremely fast, shell integration, x64 capabilities, runs without installation, strong command line support, NSA file wiping utility for secure deleting, handles long path well, ability to see what files/folders will be affected before executing using the listing button.

Cons: Interface is very bare bones and not very intuitive, unable to pause a transfer, uninstalling is not intuitive.

2. ExtremeCopy Standard

ExtremeCopy Standard is a free and does a very good job of doing local data transfers really fast. For whatever reason, it’s pretty terrible for network transfers, so don’t bother downloading this program if you have to transfer data across your LAN. It’s faster than TeraCopy and very close to FastCopy.

Pros: copies data fast, integrates directly into Explorer so you can copy and paste like normal, x64-bit version, ability to pause copy operations.

Cons: standard version has no user interface, except for options, bad for network transfers, pro features are available for free in other copying programs, must install program to run.

3. KillCopy

KillCopy has a horrific looking interface when you copy files, but it gets the job done very fast. It’s also kind of old and isn’t updated like TeraCopy, UltraCopier and other popular copy programs.

Pros: can resume copy on crash, parallel read/write, resolution options in case of errors or file conflicts, some boost options for faster performance, great network performance when copying, ability to securely wipe data before copying.

Cons: terrible looking interface, doesn’t get updated very often, must be installed in order to run.

Fastest File Copiers (Network)

1. RichCopy 4

This tool was created internally by a Microsoft employee and wasn’t released to the public until years later. It’s a bit old and hasn’t been updated since 2009, but it’s ultra fast for network transfers. However, it’s very slow for local copying, so don’t use this for anything other than network transfers.

Pros: Very fast for network copying, parallel copying, ability to pause and resume copying, ability to continue copying even if network connection lost, clean interface.

Cons: hasn’t been updated in a long time, very slow for local copying.

2. KillCopy – KillCopy is just a tad slower than RichCopy when performing network transfers. Unfortunately, because of it’s horrible looks and lack of updates, it’s not that popular even though it’s very fast.

3. FastCopy – This is your best bet if you’re looking for one copying program to use on a regular basis. It’s not the fastest for network transfers, but it’s very close and since it’s the fastest for local transfers, it’s probably the best copying utility overall.

4. Ultracopier

UltraCopier is fast, but speed is not it’s main selling point. It’s got a nice interface and has a lot of useful features. Development has slowed down, but it still gets updates every 6 months or so.

Pros: works on Linux and Mac too, supports third-party plugins to extend functionality, start/stop copy, limit speed, search through copy list, simple and clean interface.

Cons: speed is above average, but nothing special.

Copying Corrupted Data

1. Unstoppable Copier

This is pretty much the only program that you can use to copy not only a large number of files, but also corrupt files. In terms of copying speed, it’s very slow compared to all the other programs, but that’s because it is the most reliable of all copiers. If you have any data that you believe could be corrupt like data stored on a hard drive with bad sectors or on a scratched CD or DVD, then you should use Unstoppable Copier.

Pros: can recover data from corrupt files while copying, batch mode, various settings for data recovery

Cons: very slow in terms of copying speed

File Copiers – Most Features

1. TeraCopy

If you’re looking for a more full-featured and fancier-looking copier, then TeraCopy is the best choice. It would actually be the best one overall if it’s copying speeds were on par with FastCopy, however, it’s only about average. Where it makes up is all the features and the nice interface.

Pros: very nice interface, integrates fully with Windows, works with Windows 8 x64, stop and start, ability to recover from errors, failed file list, very actively updated.

Cons: copying speed is only average.

Alternatives

Beyond just the above-mentioned file copiers, there are some other programs that can help you copy files in different ways. Here are two of my favorites.

1. XXCOPY

XXCOPY is a command line copier program with no GUI interface. However, if you know how to use the command line, it has over 230 command line switches you can use to create very specific copy operations that you can’t do with any other program. Want to copy only the files older than a certain date, larger than a certain size and with a certain word in the file name? XXCOPY can do that.

Pros: huge command line options, works with all versions of Windows, access remote network storage

Cons: only non-stop copying, can’t recover from errors, can’t pause and resume

2. Beyond Compare

Another smart way to copy files is to just compare two folders and see what’s different. That’s how Beyond Compare works. Even if it crashes in the middle or there is some sort of error, you can always just run it again and since it’s comparing everything, it’ll copy over any remaining items. This is the only program that doesn’t have a free version, though, so you’d have to cough up $30 for it. However, there are lots of programmers and IT Pros that overwhelmingly vouch for this program.

There are a bunch of other file copier programs out there, but there’s really no point in mentioning all of them because you’ll be better off using one from the list above. If you use a file copier not mentioned above or prefer one over another, let us know in the comments. Enjoy!

Founder of Online Tech Tips and managing editor. He began blogging in 2007 and quit his job in 2010 to blog full-time. He has over 15 years of industry experience in IT and holds several technical certifications. Read Aseem’s Full Bio

10 best free fast File Copy software for Windows 10 PC

One of the most common of functions on Windows systems is cut, copy, and paste. The easiest way to do so is to drag the file across folders or use keyboard shortcuts to perform the functions – Cut-CTRL+X, Copy-CTRL+C, Paste-CTRL+V. Copying speed depends largely on the media the files are being transferred through. It is advisable to use USB 3.0 ports for copying since the copy-speed is basically the lowest of whatever is permitted by the cables, devices, media, and protocols.

Fast File Copy software for Windows

The usual file copying procedure in Windows has two issues – the copy-speed and the fact that halting the process in between makes it difficult to resume it from the same stage. While we can fix slow file copy speed in Windows using some tips, if you are looking for a free fast File Copy software for Windows PC, then this list will interest you.

1] TeraCopy

TeraCopy is a feature-rich copy-paste tool. The design is smart. It copies the files through the fastest channel and skips problematic files. At the end of the process, the software prompts whether the user wishes to copy the files skipped earlier or not. TeraCopy can be incorporated into Windows Explorer’s right-click menu as well. This awesome software allows pausing the copy process anywhere in between and resuming it at your will. The copy speed is much better than Windows, and it has a smart error recovery process.

2] Fast File Copy

The Fast File Copy software opens up a window which segregates into two sections, thus making it easier to select the source and destination folder for file transfer. Simply select the files on the left side and the destination folder on the right side and initiate the transfer. The best part about FastFileCopy is the speed. The transfer rate of the software is much better than the original transfer rate of Windows. Users can also open File Explorer from the software itself.

3] File Fisher

The File Fisher software is probably the most versatile of file copy software products. It is fully customizable and can be carried in a USB to be used instantly wherever needed. You can pause, resume, or cancel the copy process any second, and re-initiate the process from the exact point where you stopped it. The best part about File Fisher is that it preserves the file structure.

4] Ultracopier

Ultracopier is another file copy software worthy of this list. The free product has an amazing file copy speed. You could set the controls such that files with similar names could be downloaded with a set policy, be it renaming the duplicate file or defying the transfer. Ultracopier would present you with an error log after the copying is done.

5] Dabel File Mover

The easiest software in this list is Dabel File Mover. It has a pretty simple, yet powerful interface. Simply browse the file or folder from the source and select the destination. Start copying after that. The same could be done for multiple sources and destination folders. The best part is that Dabel File Mover doesn’t require any installation. You could start using it from the folder directly.

6] ExtremeCopy

While ExtremeCopy has two versions, free and paid, the free one is yet better than the original Windows file-copying facility. The free version offers the option to pause, skip, and verify the copying process. It is faster than the original file transfer process in Windows. You could download the freeware from here.

7] CopyHandler

The CopyHandler software has two options, one is using it in the standard window and the second is the detailed version which displays extensive transfer data. CopyHandler comes with pause and resumes options to control the copy-paste process. It is available on the developer’s website here.

8] NiceCopier

NiceCopier is a light software which calculates the best channel for file-copying in your Windows system and uses it for the transfer process. The freeware allows you to pause and resume the transfer process at your will. It could be an excellent substitute for Windows Explorer. If you like it, check more on its website here.

9] Microsoft Richcopy

While many software products are available online, anything that is approved by Microsoft and is available on its official website has a thing of its own. The RichCopy tool allows users to make multiple profiles for using it. It has a better copy speed than the original Windows function and supports command lines. You could pause or resume the process at any stage. The software is available on Microsoft Technet.

10] SuperCopier

The SuperCopier software is integrated with Windows Explorer and is much faster than the default Windows copying utility. It allows you to pause the copy process anywhere in between and resume it from the same stage. It can be downloaded from here.

Let us know if we could add anything to this list in the comments section below.