If you’ve used Windows 8 as your primary PC, you’ve probably noticed vastly improved performance and user experience when copying files. Finally, Microsoft has decided to update some basic OS features, making Windows 8 much better than Windows 7… sometimes.
Unfortunately, even with all of the great new security measures and updates to core features, Windows 8 is getting in the way of the dual desktop / Start interface. I personally switched to Windows 7 because I am annoyed with the Start screen and the lack of a Start button. However, back to Windows 7, I no longer have the new more robust copying features of Windows 8.
Apart from better performance, Windows 8 also handles file conflicts and other errors 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 in the right way, I’ll stick with Windows 7, which means you’ll have to use third-party apps to copy a lot of files. In this post, I’m going to list some of the best file copy utilities available that you can use for Windows. Depending on your copying needs, some programs are better than others. I cannot say that there is one copy program that is “the best”.
Instead of just listing them in random order, which doesn’t help anyone, I’m going to break them down into categories: fastest (local), fastest (network), corrupted data handling, and most features.
Fastest File Copy Machine (Local)
1. FastCopy
FastCopy has been tested by many people and the results show that it is the fastest copying program for Windows. If you just want pure speed, then this program is best for you.
Pros: extremely fast copying, shell integration, x64 capabilities, runs without installation, strong command line support, NSA file cleanup utility for safe deletion, handles long path well, ability to see which files / folders will be affected before executing with list buttons.
Cons: the interface is very simple and not very intuitive, it is impossible to pause the transfer, deletion is not intuitive.
Download FastCopy
2. ExtremeCopy Standard
ExtremeCopy Standard is a freeware program that makes local data transfers very fast. For some reason, this is terrible for network communication, so do not download this program if you need to transfer data over LAN. It is faster than TeraCopy and very close to FastCopy.
Pros: fast copying of data, integration directly into the explorer, so you can copy and paste as a regular 64-bit version, the ability to pause copy operations.
Cons: the standard version has no user interface, except for options, bad for network transmission, professional functions are available for free in other copy programs, you need to install the program to run.
3. KillCopy
KillCopy has an awful looking interface when copying files, but it gets the job done very quickly. Also, it is quite old and not updated like TeraCopy, UltraCopier and other popular copy programs.
Pros: Ability to resume copying on failure, parallel read / write, resolution options in case of file errors or conflicts, some performance options to improve performance, excellent network performance when copying, the ability to safely erase data before copying.
Cons: Ugly looking interface, not updated very often, needs to be installed to work.
Download KillCopy
Fastest File Copy Machine (Network)
1. RichCopy 4
This tool was created internally by a Microsoft employee and was only released to the general public years later. It’s a bit outdated and hasn’t been updated since 2009, but it’s very fast for network transfers. However, this is very slow for local copying, so don’t use it for anything other than network transmission.
Pros: very fast copying over the network, parallel copying, the ability to pause and resume copying, the ability to continue copying even if the network connection is lost, clean interface.
Cons: not updated for a long time, very slow when copying locally.
Download RichCopy 4
2. KillCopy – KillCopy is slightly slower than RichCopy when doing network transfers. Unfortunately, due to its awful looks and lack of updates, it is not as popular, albeit very fast.
3. FastCopy is the best option if you are looking for one copy program for regular use. It is not the fastest way to transfer over the network, but it is very close and since it is the fastest for local transfer, it is probably the best copy utility in general.
4. Ultracopy device
UltraCopier is fast, but this is not the main advantage. It has a nice interface and many useful features. Development has slowed down, but it still gets updated every 6 months or so.
Pros: works also on Linux and Mac, supports third-party plugins to extend functionality, start / stop copying, limit speed, search through the list of copies, simple and intuitive interface.
Cons: Above average speed, but nothing special.
Download Ultracopier
Copies of damaged data
1. An irresistible copier
It is practically the only program that can be used to copy not only a large number of files, but also damaged files. When it comes to copying speed, it is very slow compared to all other programs, but that is because it is the most reliable copier ever. If you have any data that you think might be corrupted, such as data stored on a hard drive with bad sectors or a scratched CD or DVD, you should use Unstoppable Copier.
Pros: the ability to recover data from damaged files while copying, batch mode, various data recovery settings
Cons: very slow copying speed
Download Unstoppable Copier
File Copy Machines – Most of the features
1. TeraTsupa
If you are looking for a more fully featured and beautiful copier then TeraCopy is the best choice. In fact, it would be the best overall if the copying speed was at the level of FastCopy, but it is only about average. These are all functions and a nice interface.
Pros: very nice interface, fully integrates with Windows, works with Windows 8 x64, stop and start, the ability to recover from errors, the list of unsuccessful files, very actively updated.
Cons: average copy speed.
Download TeraCopy
Alternatives
Besides the aforementioned file copiers, there are other programs that can help you copy files in various ways. Here are two of my favorites.
1. XXCOPY
XXCOPY is a command line copier with no graphical interface. However, if you know how to use the command line, there are over 230 command line switches that you can use to create very specific copy operations that you cannot do with other programs. Want to copy only files older than a certain date, larger than a certain size, and with a certain word in the filename? XXCOPY can do it.
Pros: Huge command line options, works with all versions of Windows, access to remote NAS
Cons: continuous copy only, no fixes, no pause and resume
Download XXCOPY
2. Without comparison
Another smart way to copy files is to simply compare the two folders and see what is different. This is how Beyond Compare works. Even if it crashes in the middle, or some kind of error occurs, you can always just start it again, and since it compares everything, it will copy over all the remaining items. This is the only program that doesn’t have a free version, so you’ll have to shell out $ 30 for it. However, there are many programmers and IT professionals who, in the vast majority of cases, vouch for this program.
Download Beyond Compare
There are many other programs for copying files, but there really is no point in mentioning all of them, because you would be better off using one of the list above. If you are using a copier not mentioned above, or prefer one over the other, let us know in the comments. Enjoy!
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