How can I make Robocopy Command super fast?

Slash Your Copy Times: How Robocopy’s /MT Switch Unlocks Thrilling Speed

Is your file copy crawl holding you hostage? Are you watching a progress bar inch along, wasting precious minutes—or even hours—of your life? It’s a frustrating, outdated experience.

Stop waiting. It’s time to unleash the raw power hiding in your Windows command line. The secret is Robocopy’s game-changing /MT (Multi-Threaded) switch. This isn’t a minor tweak; it’s a monumental leap in performance that will transform your workflow.

The Magic Behind the Speed: Parallel Power

Think of a traditional file copy as a single, overworked cashier. Customers (your files) stand in one long, slow-moving line. This is how basic copy operations work—one file at a time.

Now, imagine opening seven more checkout lanes, all working at once. This is the magic of /MT.

The Multi-Threaded switch commands Robocopy to stop processing files in a single file. Instead, it creates a dynamic team of copy “threads”—essentially, multiple independent workers—that grab files and transfer them simultaneously. Your copy job is no longer a sluggish queue; it’s a synchronized, high-speed relay race.

How to Harness This Power: The Simple Command

Activating this supercharged mode is incredibly simple. Just add the /MT switch followed by the number of threads you want to unleash. The default, if you just use /MT, is a solid 8 threads. But you can push it much further for a truly thrilling boost.

Basic Speed Boost:

cmd

robocopy C:\Source F:\Backup /E /MT

This command copies all your data using 8 threads, instantly multiplying your speed.

Maximum Overdrive:

cmd

robocopy C:\Source F:\Backup /E /MT:128

Here, we’ve cranked it up to the maximum of 128 threads. This command unleashes an absolute army of copy processes, perfect for crushing a job containing thousands of small files.

When Does Multi-Threading Deliver the Biggest Thrill?

The /MT switch provides the most dramatic, jaw-dropping speed gains in two key scenarios:

1. Thousands of Small Files: Copying a vast collection of documents, spreadsheets, or source code? This is where /MT shines brightest. While one thread is transferring a tiny file, the others are already grabbing the next ones, eliminating the lag between each operation.
2. Fast Local Hardware: The speed boost is most apparent when copying between modern Solid-State Drives (SSDs) or high-performance internal hard drives. These drives can handle multiple read/write requests without breaking a sweat.

A Word of Savvy Caution

While /MT is a performance powerhouse, use it wisely on older, traditional hard drives. Pushing too many threads (e.g., 128) on a slow mechanical drive can sometimes cause the read/write head to thrash, potentially reducing performance. Start with 16 or 32 threads on older hardware to find the sweet spot.

Stop accepting slow. Embrace the power of parallel processing. Integrate the /MT switch into your next Robocopy command and experience the pure, satisfying thrill of watching a massive copy job finish in a fraction of the time. It’s not just a tool; it’s your new competitive advantage.