How to Do Windows 10 Fast File Copy [5 Methods]

User Case: Quickest Way to Copy Files

To figure out the quickest way to copy files, you should first know what affects file copy performance in Windows 10. The following are the main influencing factors:

✅ Storage device type and health

✅ Connection interface and transfer path

✅ File size and file structure

✅ CPU usage and system memory

✅ Background processes and security software

✅ File system format and disk configuration

Built-in Ways to Copy Files Faster in Windows 10

In this part, you’ll learn some built-in ways to achieve Windows 10 fast file copy.

1. Use File Explorer more efficiently

File Explorer is the default tool most users rely on, but few realize that how you use it can directly affect Windows 10 file copy performance. Here are some strategies to improve transfer speed and stability:

🎯 Optimize the way you start file transfers

Instead of dragging and dropping large folders repeatedly, use copy and paste (Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V) or cut and paste (Ctrl + X / Ctrl + V). This allows Windows to manage transfers more cleanly and reduces the chance of interrupted operations.

🎯 Avoid overloading a single copy task

Copying multiple large jobs at the same time forces File Explorer to compete for disk access, often slowing everything down. For faster results, queue transfers instead of running many in parallel—especially when working with HDDs or external drives.

🎯 Close unnecessary File Explorer windows

Each open File Explorer window consumes system resources and can trigger background folder previews or indexing. Keeping only the folders you need open helps Windows allocate more memory and disk bandwidth to the copy process.

2. Optimize hardware connections

Even the fastest drive cannot perform well if it’s connected through a slow or unstable interface. Optimize how your storage devices are connected as follows:

🎯 Use the fastest available port

USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 and USB-C ports offer significantly higher bandwidth than USB 2.0. On desktops, ports on the back panel are usually wired directly to the motherboard and provide more consistent performance than front-panel connectors.

🎯 Choose quality cables and adapters

Low-grade or damaged USB cables can silently limit transfer speeds or cause retransmissions that slow copying. Use short, certified cables and avoid stacking hubs and adapters, especially when working with large files or SSDs.

🎯 Prefer direct connections over hubs

USB hubs, docking stations, and extension cables can share bandwidth among multiple devices. When copying large amounts of data, connect the source and destination drives directly to the PC to prevent throughput drops.

3. Change system settings

Windows 10 includes several system-level features that quietly affect how data is read, cached, and written. Adjusting these settings can reduce overhead and help copy files faster in Windows 10:

1. Set power mode to best performance

• In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Power. Locate the Power mode dropdown menu and change it to Best Performance.

• In Windows 10, go to Control Panel > Power Options. Under “Choose or customize a power plan”, choose High performance.

2. Enable Write Caching

• Go to Device Manager > Disk Drives.
• Right-click on the source and destination drives and select Properties.
• Go to the Policies tab, select Better performance, check Enable write caching on the device, and click OK.

3. Disable Background Services

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup apps or Startup tab and disable non-essential programs.

Advanced Tools to Copy Faster in Windows 10

In this part, you’ll learn two reliable fast copy apps for Windows 10.

1. Robocopy

Robocopy (Robust File Copy) is a built-in Windows command-line utility designed for fast, reliable folder or drive replication. Follow the guidance below to copy files via Robocopy:

Step 1. Press Win + S, type cmd, then select Run as administrator.

Step 2. Input Robocopy commands based on your needs. The basic syntax is:

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

For example, to copy files and subfolders from E: drive to F: drive, type:

robocopy "E:\work documents" "F:\my backup" /e

✍ Note: “/e” means to copy subfolders including empty ones.

Step 3. Press Enter to run the command. Robocopy will automatically synchronize the two directories.

2. AOMEI Backupper Standard

AOMEI Backupper Standard offers a faster, more reliable alternative to Robocopy with a visual interface, enhancing Windows 10 file copy speed and accuracy for free.

Download AOMEI Backupper and follow the steps below to copy files in Windows 10:

Step 1. Open AOMEI Backupper and click Sync > Basic Sync.

✍ Note: To enjoy advanced sync modes like Mirror Sync, Two-Way Sync, and Real-Time Sync, please upgrade to AOMEI Backupper Professional or higher.

Step 2. Click Select Source and select the folder(s) you want to sync.

Step 3. Click the destination box to select a drive or a folder to hold the synced files.

Step 4. Enable Schedule Sync as necessary and click Start Sync to begin file copy.

Verdict

Achieving Windows 10 fast file copy is not about using a single trick, but about removing bottlenecks across hardware, system settings, and transfer methods. In this guide, we explored both built-in optimizations and advanced file copy tools.

AOMEI Backupper Standard is well-suited for users who frequently move large volumes of data or sync folders between drives. Besides file sync, it also enables you to create Windows local backup, build bootable rescue media, etc. Try it now to discover more!