In the realm of file transfers, the limitations of Windows Explorer are becoming increasingly apparent, especially as SSD technology advances. With speeds soaring to 15GBps, the traditional Explorer struggles to keep pace, often capping out around 3GBps. This discrepancy has led users to seek alternatives that can harness the full potential of their NVMe storage solutions.
What file transfer program should you use instead?
XCOPY
One noteworthy alternative is XCOPY, a command-line utility that many tech enthusiasts utilize extensively through batch files. While it may not appeal to the average user who prefers a graphical interface, those willing to embrace the command prompt will find XCOPY to be a powerful tool. It streamlines repetitive tasks and offers various command switches for synchronization and backup operations.
For those hesitant to dive into the command line, there are graphic interfaces available for XCOPY, although they may not be particularly user-friendly. Nevertheless, the utility remains a handy option for file operations.
@echo off
echo %Time%
xcopy x:48GB r:48GB /E /J /Q /I
echo %Time%
pause
The switches used in the example above enhance its functionality:
- /E: Copies directories and subdirectories, including empty ones.
- /J: Utilizes unbuffered I/O, ideal for large files.
- /Q: Suppresses file name display during copying.
- /I: Assumes the destination is a directory if it does not exist and multiple files are being copied.
However, there are whispers that Microsoft may phase out XCOPY in favor of Robocopy, which offers more options but has not yet matched XCOPY’s speed in testing.
FastCopy
For those who prefer a more user-friendly approach, FastCopy presents a compelling alternative. This free tool integrates seamlessly into Explorer’s context menus, allowing users to initiate transfers with just a few clicks. While it may not replicate the drag-and-drop convenience of Explorer, its efficiency is noteworthy.
FastCopy has shown remarkable performance, often exceeding the speeds of XCOPY and even Windows Explorer. Although early versions exhibited some inconsistencies, recent updates have solidified its reliability, making it a formidable choice for file transfers.
FastCopy’s extensive options allow it to function as a robust file-syncing or backup solution, although users may need to invest time in understanding its features due to less-than-ideal documentation.
Exactly how fast are XCOPY and FastCopy compared to Explorer?
Testing has revealed that XCOPY consistently outperforms Explorer by two to three times. FastCopy, after some initial variability, has stabilized at an impressive speed, often achieving 3.5 times the performance of Explorer.
These findings raise critical questions about the efficiency of Windows Explorer and why more users are not leveraging tools like XCOPY or FastCopy for their file transfer needs.
What transfer method should you use?
While Windows Explorer remains the go-to for everyday file transfers, those engaging in larger, more demanding operations would benefit from the speed and efficiency of FastCopy or the command-line prowess of XCOPY.
Related content
Jon L. Jacobi, a contributor at PCWorld, brings his extensive background as a musician and programmer to the forefront of technology reviews, covering a wide array of consumer tech products.
