How to use Robocopy multi-threaded feature to speed up file copy on Windows 11

Introduction

Robocopy multi-threaded, short for “Robust File Copy,” is a powerful command-line utility integrated into Windows operating systems. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the various aspects of Robocopy, with a specific focus on the multithread feature, which enhances the efficiency of file copying operations.

Understanding Robocopy

Basics of Robocopy multi-threaded

Robocopy is a versatile tool designed for copying files and directories. Unlike the standard Windows copy command, Robocopy offers advanced features, making it suitable for a wide range of file management tasks.

Here is a basic syntax example of using Robocopy

robocopy source destination [file(s)] [options]

Key Features

1. Robustness: Robocopy is known for its ability to handle interruptions gracefully. It can resume copying from where it left off in case of network disruptions or other issues.
2. Multithreaded Copying: The standout feature we’ll delve into is the multithread capability. Robocopy can copy multiple files concurrently, significantly improving copy speeds, especially when dealing with large volumes of data.
3. Mirror Mode: Enables synchronization between source and destination directories, copying only changed files and optionally deleting those absent in the source.
4. Preserving Attributes: Robocopy can maintain file attributes, timestamps, and NTFS permissions during the copying process.
5. Logging Options: The utility provides extensive logging capabilities, allowing users to create detailed logs of the copy operation.

Using Robocopy multi-threaded

Robocopy is a powerful Windows command-line tool for copying files and folders. To boost your file transfer speed, it offers multithreading, allowing multiple files to be copied simultaneously. This guide dives deep into using Robocopy’s multithreading capabilities, making it easy to understand and master this efficient file transfer technique.

1. Understanding the /MT Switch:

The key to Robocopy’s multithreading is the /MT switch. It specifies the number of threads to use for copying files. By default, Robocopy uses 8 threads. You can adjust this number from 1 to 128, depending on your needs and system resources.

2. Choosing the Right Number of Threads:

More threads isn’t always better. Choosing the optimal number depends on factors like:

• CPU cores: Ideally, match the number of threads to your available CPU cores for maximum utilization.
• File size: Large files benefit less from multithreading than smaller ones. For a mix of file sizes, 4-8 threads might be a good starting point.
• Network bandwidth: If copying across a network, consider your available bandwidth. Excessive threads can overwhelm it, decreasing overall speed.

3. Implementing Multithreading in Robocopy Commands:

Here’s how to include multithreading in your Robocopy commands:

robocopy source destination /S /E /Z /MT:thread_number

* source: Path to the source folder.
* destination: Path to the destination folder.
* /S: Copy subdirectories (including empty ones).
* /E: Copy subdirectories, including empty ones.
* /Z: Allow for restartable file copying.
* /MT:thread_number: Specify the number of threads (1-128).

4. Additional Considerations:

• Resource usage: More threads consume more system resources. Monitor CPU and disk usage to ensure smooth operation.
• Disk fragmentation: Copying many small files with high thread numbers can increase disk fragmentation. Consider disk defragmentation after large multithreaded operations.
• Error handling: Multithreading can make error messages more complex. Use the /V switch for verbose output to track individual file transfers.

5. Advanced Options:

Robocopy offers several options for managing multithreading:

• /XJ: Exclude junctions to prevent recursive copying of linked folders.
• /NP: No progress percentage, reducing overhead for high thread counts.
• /TBD: Show total bytes transferred for each file.
• /R:n: Retry failed copies n times.
• /W:n: Wait n seconds before retrying failed copies.

For instance:

robocopy C:\SourceFolder D:\DestinationFolder /E /ZB /COPYALL /R:5 /W:10

This command copies all files and subdirectories (including empty ones) from C:\SourceFolder to D:\DestinationFolder with the specified options.

Keep in mind that Robocopy is a command-line tool, so it’s typically used by more advanced users who are comfortable with the command prompt.

Tips and Tricks:

• Experiment with different thread numbers to find the optimal setting for your system and situation.
• For large tasks, consider using Robocopy’s logging features to track progress and troubleshoot issues.
• Combine multithreading with other Robocopy options like /Z and /ZB for efficient and reliable file transfers.

Resources:

• Microsoft Robocopy documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/robocopy
• Andy’s Tech Blog: Robocopy: Is /MT with more threads faster?: https://andys-tech.blog/2020/07/robocopy-is-mt-with-more-threads-faster/

Remember: Robocopy’s multithreading can significantly improve file transfer speed. Apply this guide’s concepts, experiment, and choose the settings that optimize your file copying experience. Don’t hesitate to explore advanced options and resources for even more control and efficiency.

By understanding and implementing Robocopy’s multithreading capabilities, you can conquer large file transfers with ease and efficiency!

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