How to copy files

Overview

copy duplicates files to another filename or folder. The source stays in place.

Confirm the source and destination before copying. When destination names collide, CMD may prompt or replace data depending on options and context.

• A trailing backslash helps show that the destination is a folder.
• Create the destination folder first with mkdir.
• Use robocopy for reliable folder trees and repeatable backups.

Commands to try

Type each command at the prompt, then press Enter. Replace sample names and paths with ones that exist on your computer.

Commands are generally not case-sensitive, but preserving the spelling shown here makes scripts easier to read.

copy notes.txt notes-backup.txt
copy *.txt Backup\
copy /-y report.txt "D:\Archive\report.txt"
copy /b part1.bin+part2.bin combined.bin

Useful options and details

Options change how a command behaves. Add spaces exactly as shown, and use the command's built-in help when an option is unfamiliar.

A path containing spaces must be enclosed in double quotes, such as "C:\My Files".

• /-y prompts before replacing an existing file; /y suppresses prompts.
• /v verifies that new files can be read.
• /b uses binary mode and is appropriate when combining binary parts.

Tips and common mistakes

Check the current folder and read the command output before assuming an operation succeeded.

Practice with disposable files first. Commands that delete, overwrite, or stop a process may not offer an Undo button.

• Do not assume copying a folder name copies all of its contents; use robocopy for folders.
• Wildcards can match more files than expected, so preview them with dir.
• A successful copy is not a backup until you verify the destination.

Safe practice

Create a temporary practice folder under your user profile so the examples cannot affect Windows system files.

After each command, inspect the result with dir or another read-only command before continuing.

• Copy one practice text file under a new name.
• Create a Backup folder and copy all practice text files.
• Compare both locations with dir.