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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 92 (from laksa098)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa092.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt","crawl_time":1776119378,"first_indexed_time":1507944486,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,wikihow!www,\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt s443","src_root_hash":"12431216878206919092","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Copy Files in Command Prompt (with Pictures) - wikiHow","meta_descriptions":["Do you need to copy and paste files or folders without using the File Explorer? While navigating the file system with Windows Command Prompt (cmd) might seem daunting, it's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. This wikiHow..."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Download Article\nDownload Article\nDo you need to copy and paste files or folders without using the File Explorer? While navigating the file system with\nWindows Command Prompt\n(cmd) might seem daunting, it's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. This wikiHow will teach you how to copy one or more files from one folder to another from the command line in Windows.\nFind out your\nfile's location\n.\nYou'll need the file's location—also known as a \"directory\"—in order to tell Command Prompt where to look for the file.\nYou can find the file's\ndirectory\nby going to the file's location in File Explorer and then clicking the URL bar near the top of the File Explorer window.\nMost files will be somewhere in the following directory: [drive letter]:\\Users\\[username] (for example, \"C:\\Users\\Kyle\"). This is the directory in which almost every user-created file on your computer is located.\nA file on your\ndesktop\nfor the above example would be in the \"C:\\Users\\Kyle\\Desktop\" directory, while a file in the Documents folder would be in the \"C:\\Users\\Kyle\\Documents\" directory.\nIf you want to\ncopy your file\n, you'll need to know its name. Keep in mind that file names are case-sensitive in Command Prompt, so you'll need to include the proper capitalization.\nAdvertisement\nOpen\nStart\n.\nClick the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.\n[1]\nDoing so will search your computer for the Command Prompt program.\n[2]\nIt's at the top of the Start window. Doing so will open the Command Prompt program.\n[3]\nKeep in mind that if you're on a\nshared\ncomputer (e.g., a school or public PC), you may not be able to access the Command Prompt.\nAdvertisement\nType in\ncd\nfollowed by a space, but don't press\n↵\nEnter\n.\n[4]\nEnter the directory in which the file that you want to copy is located.\nDoing so will reset Command Prompt to look in the entered directory.\nType in\ncopy\nfollowed by a space, but don't press\n↵\nEnter\nyet.\n[5]\nType in your file's name followed by a space, making sure to include the file's extension (e.g.,\n.txt\n) for a text file. Don't press\n↵\nEnter\nafter doing so.\n[6]\nIf there are spaces in the file's name, you need to put quotation marks around them. For example, a file named \"Pickles are Good.txt\" would be\nPickles\" \"are\" \"Good.txt\nin Command Prompt.\nType in another directory (e.g.,\nC:\\Users\\[you]\\Desktop\ninto which you want to copy the file.\nIf you don't do this, the file will be copied to your user\ndirectory\n(e.g., \"C:\\Users\\[you]\") by default.\nDoing so will copy the file into your indicated directory. You can view the copied file by going to the directory in question in your computer's File Explorer.\nAdvertisement\nType in\ncd\nfollowed by a space, then type in the folder's directory and press\n↵\nEnter\n.\n[7]\nFor example, if you want to copy all of the files inside of a\nfolder\ncalled \"Example\" that's on your desktop, you'd go to\nC:\\Users\\humpb\\Desktop\nhere.\nType in\nrobocopy\nand then a space, but don't press\n↵\nEnter\nyet.\n[8]\nEnter a\nfolder's name\n.\nType in the name of the folder that you want to copy, then add a space. Again, don't press the\n↵\nEnter\nkey just yet.\nAs with file names, you'll need to use quotes around any spaces in the folder name.\nType in a directory into which you want to copy the folder's files.\n[9]\nIf there are lots of files in the folder, this can get messy if you copy them into an unorganized folder since the folder itself won't be copied with the files.\nDoing so will copy the contents of the folder into your destination folder.\nAdvertisement\nSearch\nAdd New Question\nQuestion\nWhich command should I use to copy files?\nCommunity Answer\nCopy \"source path\" \"destination path\". For example, you might copy \"C:\\Users\\qclab\\Desktop\\Stuff.txt\" \"P:\\IT\\Confidential\". The quotation marks are optional unless you have spaces in your folder or file names. To copy everything in a folder use *.* as the name and extension. For example, copy \"C:\\Users\\qclab\\Desktop\\Stuff.txt\" \"P:\\IT\\Confidential\".\nQuestion\nIs it possible to move a PDF file from one folder to another and not have it overwrite another file with the same name by having a different date?\nCommunity Answer\nYou'll have to rename the PDF file prior to moving it, as two files with the same name can't reside in the same folder.\nQuestion\nHow can I copy all files from sub directories with a similar name to a different directory?\nCommunity Answer\nAfter you do one, press the up key and then change the name, which shouldn't take up much time.\nSee more answers\nAsk a Question\n200 characters left\nInclude your email address to get a message when this question is answered.\nSubmit\nAdvertisement\nIf you want to create a new destination folder for a set of copied files, enter the directory for the destination folder (including the destination folder itself) in conjunction with the \"robocopy\" command.\n[10]\nThanks\nYou can copy all files in a directory by typing\ncopy *[file type]\n(e.g.,\ncopy *.txt\n).\nThanks\nIf you copy the Desktop folder's contents into a new folder, that new folder will be renamed to \"Desktop\".\nThanks\nThanks for submitting a tip for review!\nAdvertisement\nCopying files and folders within Command Prompt is potentially dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Never copy or manipulate any files or folders that you don't understand.\nThanks\nAdvertisement\nReferences\nAbout This Article\nArticle Summary\nX\n1. Type \"cd\" followed by a space in command prompt, but don't press \"enter\" yet.\n2. Type the name of the directory your filed is located in.\n3. Press \"enter.\"\n4. Type \"copy\" followed by a space, but don't press \"enter.\"\n5. Type your file's name followed by a space, but don't press \"enter.\"\n6. Type in the name of the directory you want to copy the file to.\n7. Press \"enter\" to copy the file.\nDid this summary help you?\nThanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,451,071 times.\nIs this article up to date?\nwikiHow Tech Help Pro:\nLevel up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve\nLet's go!\nX\nFor over two decades, we’ve been on a mission: to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Our articles are human written and expert endorsed to ensure readers like you get reliable, current information.\nBefore you get back to learning, we would be grateful if you could take a minute to support wikiHow. Any amount helps. 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Learn why people **trust wikiHow**](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience)\n\n- [Categories](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Special:CategoryListing \"Special:CategoryListing\")\n- [Computers and Electronics](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Category:Computers-and-Electronics \"Category:Computers and Electronics\")\n- [Operating Systems](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Category:Operating-Systems \"Category:Operating Systems\")\n- [Windows](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Category:Windows \"Category:Windows\")\n- [Command Prompt](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Category:Command-Prompt \"Category:Command Prompt\")\n# [How to Copy Files in Command Prompt](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\nExplore this Article\n\nparts\n\n[1 Preparing to Copy](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#Preparing-to-Copy)\n\n[2 Copying Individual Files](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#Copying-Individual-Files)\n\n[3 Copying a Folder's Contents](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#Copying-a-Folder.27s-Contents)\n\nOther Sections\n\n[Questions & Answers](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#qa_headline)\n\n[Tips and Warnings](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#tips)\n\n[Related Articles](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#relatedwikihows)\n\n[References](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#References)\n\n[Article Summary](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#summary_wrapper)\n\n**Written by** [Jack Lloyd](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Jack-Lloyd)\n\n[Last Updated: February 19, 2026](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)  [Fact Checked](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\nX\n\nThis article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, [Jack Lloyd](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Jack-Lloyd). Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher.   \n  \n This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.   \n  \n This article has been viewed 2,451,071 times.   \n  \n [Learn more...](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience)\n\nDo you need to copy and paste files or folders without using the File Explorer? While navigating the file system with [Windows Command Prompt](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Open-the-Command-Prompt-in-Windows \"Open the Command Prompt in Windows\") (cmd) might seem daunting, it's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. This wikiHow will teach you how to copy one or more files from one folder to another from the command line in Windows.\n## Steps\nPart 1\n\nPart 1 of 3:\n\n### Preparing to Copy\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\n1. [![Step 1 Find out your...](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)\n   1\n   **Find out your [**file's location**](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Locate-Temporary-Internet-Files \"Locate Temporary Internet Files\").** You'll need the file's location—also known as a \"directory\"—in order to tell Command Prompt where to look for the file.\n   \n   - You can find the file's [directory](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Change-Directories-in-Command-Prompt \"Change Directories in Command Prompt\") by going to the file's location in File Explorer and then clicking the URL bar near the top of the File Explorer window.\n   - Most files will be somewhere in the following directory: \\[drive letter\\]:\\\\Users\\\\\\[username\\] (for example, \"C:\\\\Users\\\\Kyle\"). This is the directory in which almost every user-created file on your computer is located.\n   - A file on your [desktop](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Create-a-Desktop-Shortcut \"Create a Desktop Shortcut\") for the above example would be in the \"C:\\\\Users\\\\Kyle\\\\Desktop\" directory, while a file in the Documents folder would be in the \"C:\\\\Users\\\\Kyle\\\\Documents\" directory.\n2. [![Step 2 Know your file's name.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)\n   2\n   **Know your file's name.** If you want to [copy your file](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Linux \"Copy Files in Linux\"), you'll need to know its name. Keep in mind that file names are case-sensitive in Command Prompt, so you'll need to include the proper capitalization.\n   Advertisement\n3. [![Step 3 Open Start icon....](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg)\n   3\n   **Open [**Start**](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Use-the-Windows-10-Start-Menu \"Use the Windows 10 Start Menu\") [![Windows Start](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/0\/07\/Windowsstart.png)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Windowsstart.png).** Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-1) X Research source\n4. [![Step 4 Type in command prompt.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg)\n   4\n   **Type in `command prompt`.** Doing so will search your computer for the Command Prompt program.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-2) X Research source\n5. [![Step 5 Click icon Command Prompt.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg)\n   5\n   **Click [![Windows cmd](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/6\/66\/Windowscmd1.png)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Windowscmd1.png) Command Prompt.** It's at the top of the Start window. Doing so will open the Command Prompt program.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-3) X Research source\n   \n   - Keep in mind that if you're on a [shared](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Share-Files-Between-Linux-Computers-Using-NFS \"Share Files Between Linux Computers Using NFS\") computer (e.g., a school or public PC), you may not be able to access the Command Prompt.\n\nPart 2\n\nPart 2 of 3:\n\n### Copying Individual Files\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\n1. [![Step 1 Enter the \"change directory\" command.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg)\n   1\n   **Enter the \"change directory\" command.** Type in `cd` followed by a space, but don't press `↵ Enter`.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-4) X Research source\n2. [![Step 2 Type in your file's directory.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg)\n   2\n   **Type in your file's directory.** Enter the directory in which the file that you want to copy is located.\n3. [![Step 3 Press ↵ Enter.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg)\n   3\n   **Press **`↵ Enter`**.** Doing so will reset Command Prompt to look in the entered directory.\n4. [![Step 4 Enter the \"copy\" command.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg)\n   4\n   **Enter the \"copy\" command.** Type in `copy` followed by a space, but don't press `↵ Enter` yet.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-5) X Research source\n5. [![Step 5 Enter your file's name.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)\n   5\n   **Enter your file's name.** Type in your file's name followed by a space, making sure to include the file's extension (e.g., `.txt`) for a text file. Don't press `↵ Enter` after doing so.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-6) X Research source\n   \n   - If there are spaces in the file's name, you need to put quotation marks around them. For example, a file named \"Pickles are Good.txt\" would be `Pickles\" \"are\" \"Good.txt` in Command Prompt.\n6. [![Step 6 Enter a destination directory.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)\n   6\n   **Enter a destination directory.** Type in another directory (e.g., `C:\\Users\\[you]\\Desktop` into which you want to copy the file.\n   \n   - If you don't do this, the file will be copied to your user [directory](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Navigate-the-Windows-Directory \"Navigate the Windows Directory\") (e.g., \"C:\\\\Users\\\\\\[you\\]\") by default.\n7. [![Step 7 Press ↵ Enter.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)\n   7\n   **Press **`↵ Enter`**.** Doing so will copy the file into your indicated directory. You can view the copied file by going to the directory in question in your computer's File Explorer.\n\nPart 3\n\nPart 3 of 3:\n\n### Copying a Folder's Contents\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\n1. [![Step 1 Go to the folder's directory.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg)\n   1\n   **Go to the folder's directory.** Type in `cd` followed by a space, then type in the folder's directory and press `↵ Enter`.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-7) X Research source\n   \n   - For example, if you want to copy all of the files inside of a [folder](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-a-Folder-with-Batch-File \"Copy a Folder with Batch File\") called \"Example\" that's on your desktop, you'd go to `C:\\Users\\humpb\\Desktop` here.\n2. [![Step 2 Enter the robocopy command.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg)\n   2\n   **Enter the `robocopy` command.** Type in `robocopy` and then a space, but don't press `↵ Enter` yet.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-8) X Research source\n3. [![Step 3 Enter a folder's...](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg)\n   3\n   **Enter a [**folder's name**](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Create-a-Folder-Named-Con \"Create a Folder Named Con\").** Type in the name of the folder that you want to copy, then add a space. Again, don't press the `↵ Enter` key just yet.\n   \n   - As with file names, you'll need to use quotes around any spaces in the folder name.\n4. [![Step 4 Enter a destination.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg)\n   4\n   **Enter a destination.** Type in a directory into which you want to copy the folder's files.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-9) X Research source\n   \n   - If there are lots of files in the folder, this can get messy if you copy them into an unorganized folder since the folder itself won't be copied with the files.\n5. [![Step 5 Press ↵ Enter.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg)\n   5\n   **Press **`↵ Enter`**.** Doing so will copy the contents of the folder into your destination folder.\n\n## Community Q\\&A\nSearch\n\n[Add New Question]()\n\n- Question\n  \n  Which command should I use to copy files?\n  \n  ![Community Answer](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/CommunityAvatar1.png\/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar1.png)\n  \n  Community Answer\n  \n  Copy \"source path\" \"destination path\". For example, you might copy \"C:\\\\Users\\\\qclab\\\\Desktop\\\\Stuff.txt\" \"P:\\\\IT\\\\Confidential\". The quotation marks are optional unless you have spaces in your folder or file names. To copy everything in a folder use \\*.\\* as the name and extension. For example, copy \"C:\\\\Users\\\\qclab\\\\Desktop\\\\Stuff.txt\" \"P:\\\\IT\\\\Confidential\".\n  \n  **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.**  \n   **Thank you for your feedback.**  \n    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \\$1 helps us in our mission.  [Support wikiHow](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Contribute)\n  \n  [Yes](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [No](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n  \n  [Not Helpful 21](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [Helpful 48](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n- Question\n  \n  Is it possible to move a PDF file from one folder to another and not have it overwrite another file with the same name by having a different date?\n  \n  ![Community Answer](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/CommunityAvatar1.png\/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar1.png)\n  \n  Community Answer\n  \n  You'll have to rename the PDF file prior to moving it, as two files with the same name can't reside in the same folder.\n  \n  **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.**  \n   **Thank you for your feedback.**  \n    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \\$1 helps us in our mission.  [Support wikiHow](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Contribute)\n  \n  [Yes](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [No](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n  \n  [Not Helpful 9](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [Helpful 18](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n- Question\n  \n  How can I copy all files from sub directories with a similar name to a different directory?\n  \n  ![Community Answer](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/CommunityAvatar4.png\/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar4.png)\n  \n  Community Answer\n  \n  After you do one, press the up key and then change the name, which shouldn't take up much time.\n  \n  **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.**  \n   **Thank you for your feedback.**  \n    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \\$1 helps us in our mission.  [Support wikiHow](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Contribute)\n  \n  [Yes](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [No](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n  \n  [Not Helpful 21](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [Helpful 26](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\n[See more answers](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Questions\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#offset=3)\n\nAsk a Question\n\n200 characters left\n\nInclude your email address to get a message when this question is answered.\n\n[Submit]()\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## Tips\n- If you want to create a new destination folder for a set of copied files, enter the directory for the destination folder (including the destination folder itself) in conjunction with the \"robocopy\" command.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-10) X Research source\n  Thanks\n  \n  [Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)   [Not Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n- You can copy all files in a directory by typing `copy *[file type]` (e.g., `copy *.txt`).\n  Thanks\n  \n  [Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)   [Not Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n- If you copy the Desktop folder's contents into a new folder, that new folder will be renamed to \"Desktop\".\n  Thanks\n  \n  [Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)   [Not Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\nSubmit a Tip\n\nAll tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published\n\nName\n\nPlease provide your name and last initial\n\n[Submit](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\nThanks for submitting a tip for review\\!\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## Warnings\n- Copying files and folders within Command Prompt is potentially dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Never copy or manipulate any files or folders that you don't understand.\n  Thanks\n  \n  [Helpful 2](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)   [Not Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## You Might Also Like\n[![Copy Files to USB Using CMD](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Copy-Files-to-USB-Using-CMD-Step-6.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Copy-Files-to-USB-Using-CMD-Step-6.jpg.webp) How to Copy Files to a USB Using Command Prompt (CMD) ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Copy-Files-to-USB-Using-CMD-Step-6.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Copy-Files-to-USB-Using-CMD-Step-6.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-to-USB-Using-CMD)\n\n[![Use MS DOS](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Use-MS-DOS-Step-12.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Use-MS-DOS-Step-12.jpg.webp) How to Use MS DOS 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![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Navigate-the-Windows-Directory-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Navigate-the-Windows-Directory-Step-17-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Navigate-the-Windows-Directory)\n\n[![Create and Delete Files and Directories from Windows Command Prompt](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Create-and-Delete-Files-and-Directories-from-Windows-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Create-and-Delete-Files-and-Directories-from-Windows-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-3.jpg.webp) How to Create and Delete Files and Directories from Windows Command Prompt ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Create-and-Delete-Files-and-Directories-from-Windows-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Create-and-Delete-Files-and-Directories-from-Windows-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-3.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Create-and-Delete-Files-and-Directories-from-Windows-Command-Prompt)\n\n[![Write a Batch File](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/4288-16-2.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-4288-16-2.jpg.webp) How to Write a Batch File ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/4288-16-2.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-4288-16-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Write-a-Batch-File)\n\n[![Create a Folder on a PC](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Create-a-Folder-on-a-PC-Step-10.jpg\/-crop-342-184-246px-Create-a-Folder-on-a-PC-Step-10.jpg.webp)3 Easy Ways to Create a New Folder on a Windows PC ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Create-a-Folder-on-a-PC-Step-10.jpg\/-crop-342-184-246px-Create-a-Folder-on-a-PC-Step-10.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Create-a-Folder-on-a-PC)\n\n[![Merge Text (.Txt) Files in Command Prompt](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Merge-Text-%28.Txt%29-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16.jpg\/-crop-342-184-246px-Merge-Text-%28.Txt%29-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16.jpg.webp) How to Merge Multiple Text Files in Command Prompt, Notepad, & More ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Merge-Text-%28.Txt%29-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16.jpg\/-crop-342-184-246px-Merge-Text-%28.Txt%29-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Merge-Text-\$.Txt\$-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## References\n1. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-1) <https:\/\/grok.lsu.edu\/article.aspx?articleid=18026&printable=y>\n2. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-2) <https:\/\/grok.lsu.edu\/article.aspx?articleid=18026&printable=y>\n3. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-3) <https:\/\/www.freecodecamp.org\/news\/how-to-open-the-command-prompt-in-windows-10\/>\n4. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-4) <https:\/\/www.computerhope.com\/issues\/ch000766.htm#command-line>\n5. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-5) <https:\/\/www.computerhope.com\/issues\/ch000766.htm#command-line>\n6. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-6) <https:\/\/www.computerhope.com\/issues\/ch000766.htm#command-line>\n7. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-7) <https:\/\/www.computerhope.com\/issues\/ch000766.htm#command-line>\n8. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-8) <https:\/\/www.computerhope.com\/robocopy.htm>\n9. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-9) <https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows-server\/administration\/windows-commands\/robocopy>\n\n[More References (1)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#aiinfo)\n\n1. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-10) <https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows-server\/administration\/windows-commands\/robocopy#examples>\n\n## About This Article\n![Jack Lloyd](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Jack-Lloyd.png\/-crop-100-100-100px-Jack-Lloyd.png)\n\nWritten by:\n\n[Jack Lloyd](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Jack-Lloyd)\n\nwikiHow Technology Writer\n\nThis article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, [Jack Lloyd](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Jack-Lloyd). Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been viewed 2,451,071 times.\n\nHow helpful is this?\n\nCo-authors: 28\n\nUpdated: February 19, 2026\n\nViews: 2,451,071\n\nCategories: [Command Prompt](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Category:Command-Prompt \"Category:Command Prompt\")\n\n[Article SummaryX](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#summary_wrapper)\n\n1\\. Type \"cd\" followed by a space in command prompt, but don't press \"enter\" yet.  \n 2. Type the name of the directory your filed is located in.  \n 3. Press \"enter.\"  \n 4. Type \"copy\" followed by a space, but don't press \"enter.\"  \n 5. Type your file's name followed by a space, but don't press \"enter.\"  \n 6. Type in the name of the directory you want to copy the file to.  \n 7. 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Please contact [support@wikihow.pro](mailto:support@wikihow.pro).\n\nSomething went wrong\n\n[Dismiss]()","attrs_readable_markdown":"[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\nDo you need to copy and paste files or folders without using the File Explorer? While navigating the file system with [Windows Command Prompt](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Open-the-Command-Prompt-in-Windows \"Open the Command Prompt in Windows\") (cmd) might seem daunting, it's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. This wikiHow will teach you how to copy one or more files from one folder to another from the command line in Windows.\n\n1. [![Step 1 Find out your...](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)\n   **Find out your [**file's location**](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Locate-Temporary-Internet-Files \"Locate Temporary Internet Files\").** You'll need the file's location—also known as a \"directory\"—in order to tell Command Prompt where to look for the file.\n   \n   - You can find the file's [directory](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Change-Directories-in-Command-Prompt \"Change Directories in Command Prompt\") by going to the file's location in File Explorer and then clicking the URL bar near the top of the File Explorer window.\n   - Most files will be somewhere in the following directory: \\[drive letter\\]:\\\\Users\\\\\\[username\\] (for example, \"C:\\\\Users\\\\Kyle\"). This is the directory in which almost every user-created file on your computer is located.\n   - A file on your [desktop](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Create-a-Desktop-Shortcut \"Create a Desktop Shortcut\") for the above example would be in the \"C:\\\\Users\\\\Kyle\\\\Desktop\" directory, while a file in the Documents folder would be in the \"C:\\\\Users\\\\Kyle\\\\Documents\" directory.\n2. [![Step 2 Know your file's name.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)\n   If you want to [copy your file](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Linux \"Copy Files in Linux\"), you'll need to know its name. Keep in mind that file names are case-sensitive in Command Prompt, so you'll need to include the proper capitalization.\n   Advertisement\n3. [![Step 3 Open Start icon....](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg)\n   **Open [**Start**](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Use-the-Windows-10-Start-Menu \"Use the Windows 10 Start Menu\") [![Windows Start](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/0\/07\/Windowsstart.png)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Windowsstart.png).** Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-1)\n4. [![Step 4 Type in command prompt.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg)\n   Doing so will search your computer for the Command Prompt program.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-2)\n5. [![Step 5 Click icon Command Prompt.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg)\n   It's at the top of the Start window. Doing so will open the Command Prompt program.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-3)\n   \n   - Keep in mind that if you're on a [shared](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Share-Files-Between-Linux-Computers-Using-NFS \"Share Files Between Linux Computers Using NFS\") computer (e.g., a school or public PC), you may not be able to access the Command Prompt.\n\n1. [![Step 1 Enter the \"change directory\" command.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg)\n   Type in `cd` followed by a space, but don't press `↵ Enter`.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-4)\n2. [![Step 2 Type in your file's directory.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg)\n   Enter the directory in which the file that you want to copy is located.\n3. [![Step 3 Press ↵ Enter.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg)\n   Doing so will reset Command Prompt to look in the entered directory.\n4. [![Step 4 Enter the \"copy\" command.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg)\n   Type in `copy` followed by a space, but don't press `↵ Enter` yet.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-5)\n5. [![Step 5 Enter your file's name.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)\n   Type in your file's name followed by a space, making sure to include the file's extension (e.g., `.txt`) for a text file. Don't press `↵ Enter` after doing so.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-6)\n   \n   - If there are spaces in the file's name, you need to put quotation marks around them. For example, a file named \"Pickles are Good.txt\" would be `Pickles\" \"are\" \"Good.txt` in Command Prompt.\n6. [![Step 6 Enter a destination directory.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)\n   Type in another directory (e.g., `C:\\Users\\[you]\\Desktop` into which you want to copy the file.\n   \n   - If you don't do this, the file will be copied to your user [directory](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Navigate-the-Windows-Directory \"Navigate the Windows Directory\") (e.g., \"C:\\\\Users\\\\\\[you\\]\") by default.\n7. [![Step 7 Press ↵ Enter.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)\n   Doing so will copy the file into your indicated directory. You can view the copied file by going to the directory in question in your computer's File Explorer.\n\n1. [![Step 1 Go to the folder's directory.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg)\n   Type in `cd` followed by a space, then type in the folder's directory and press `↵ Enter`.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-7)\n   \n   - For example, if you want to copy all of the files inside of a [folder](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-a-Folder-with-Batch-File \"Copy a Folder with Batch File\") called \"Example\" that's on your desktop, you'd go to `C:\\Users\\humpb\\Desktop` here.\n2. [![Step 2 Enter the robocopy command.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg)\n   Type in `robocopy` and then a space, but don't press `↵ Enter` yet.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-8)\n3. [![Step 3 Enter a folder's...](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg)\n   **Enter a [**folder's name**](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Create-a-Folder-Named-Con \"Create a Folder Named Con\").** Type in the name of the folder that you want to copy, then add a space. Again, don't press the `↵ Enter` key just yet.\n   \n   - As with file names, you'll need to use quotes around any spaces in the folder name.\n4. [![Step 4 Enter a destination.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg)\n   Type in a directory into which you want to copy the folder's files.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-9)\n   \n   - If there are lots of files in the folder, this can get messy if you copy them into an unorganized folder since the folder itself won't be copied with the files.\n5. [![Step 5 Press ↵ Enter.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#\/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg)\n   Doing so will copy the contents of the folder into your destination folder.\n\nSearch\n\n[Add New Question]()\n\n- Question\n  \n  Which command should I use to copy files?\n  \n  ![Community Answer](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/CommunityAvatar1.png\/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar1.png)\n  \n  Community Answer\n  \n  Copy \"source path\" \"destination path\". For example, you might copy \"C:\\\\Users\\\\qclab\\\\Desktop\\\\Stuff.txt\" \"P:\\\\IT\\\\Confidential\". The quotation marks are optional unless you have spaces in your folder or file names. To copy everything in a folder use \\*.\\* as the name and extension. For example, copy \"C:\\\\Users\\\\qclab\\\\Desktop\\\\Stuff.txt\" \"P:\\\\IT\\\\Confidential\".\n- Question\n  \n  Is it possible to move a PDF file from one folder to another and not have it overwrite another file with the same name by having a different date?\n  \n  ![Community Answer](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/CommunityAvatar1.png\/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar1.png)\n  \n  Community Answer\n  \n  You'll have to rename the PDF file prior to moving it, as two files with the same name can't reside in the same folder.\n- Question\n  \n  How can I copy all files from sub directories with a similar name to a different directory?\n  \n  ![Community Answer](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/CommunityAvatar4.png\/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar4.png)\n  \n  Community Answer\n  \n  After you do one, press the up key and then change the name, which shouldn't take up much time.\n\n[See more answers](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Questions\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#offset=3)\n\nAsk a Question\n\n200 characters left\n\nInclude your email address to get a message when this question is answered.\n\n[Submit]()\n\nAdvertisement\n\n- If you want to create a new destination folder for a set of copied files, enter the directory for the destination folder (including the destination folder itself) in conjunction with the \"robocopy\" command.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-10)\n  Thanks\n- You can copy all files in a directory by typing `copy *[file type]` (e.g., `copy *.txt`).\n  Thanks\n- If you copy the Desktop folder's contents into a new folder, that new folder will be renamed to \"Desktop\".\n  Thanks\n\nThanks for submitting a tip for review\\!\n\nAdvertisement\n\n- Copying files and folders within Command Prompt is potentially dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Never copy or manipulate any files or folders that you don't understand.\n  Thanks\n\nAdvertisement\n## References\nAbout This Article\n\n[Article SummaryX](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#summary_wrapper)\n\n1\\. Type \"cd\" followed by a space in command prompt, but don't press \"enter\" yet.  \n 2. Type the name of the directory your filed is located in.  \n 3. Press \"enter.\"  \n 4. Type \"copy\" followed by a space, but don't press \"enter.\"  \n 5. Type your file's name followed by a space, but don't press \"enter.\"  \n 6. Type in the name of the directory you want to copy the file to.  \n 7. Press \"enter\" to copy the file.\n\nDid this summary help you?\n\nThanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,451,071 times.\n## Is this article up to date?\n\nwikiHow Tech Help Pro:\n\nLevel up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve\n\n[Let's go\\!](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Tech-Help-Pro)\n\n[X](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt)\n\nFor over two decades, we’ve been on a mission: to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Our articles are human written and expert endorsed to ensure readers like you get reliable, current information. **Before you get back to learning, we would be grateful if you could take a minute to support wikiHow. Any amount helps. Thank you.**\n\n\\-\n\n\\-\n\n![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=8003466&cv=3.9.1&cj=1)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Download Article Download Article Do you need to copy and paste files or folders without using the File Explorer? While navigating the file system with Windows Command Prompt (cmd) might seem daunting, it's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. This wikiHow will teach you how to copy one or more files from one folder to another from the command line in Windows. Find out your file's location . You'll need the file's location—also known as a "directory"—in order to tell Command Prompt where to look for the file. You can find the file's directory by going to the file's location in File Explorer and then clicking the URL bar near the top of the File Explorer window. Most files will be somewhere in the following directory: [drive letter]:\Users\[username] (for example, "C:\Users\Kyle"). This is the directory in which almost every user-created file on your computer is located. A file on your desktop for the above example would be in the "C:\Users\Kyle\Desktop" directory, while a file in the Documents folder would be in the "C:\Users\Kyle\Documents" directory. If you want to copy your file , you'll need to know its name. Keep in mind that file names are case-sensitive in Command Prompt, so you'll need to include the proper capitalization. Advertisement Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. [1] Doing so will search your computer for the Command Prompt program. [2] It's at the top of the Start window. Doing so will open the Command Prompt program. [3] Keep in mind that if you're on a shared computer (e.g., a school or public PC), you may not be able to access the Command Prompt. Advertisement Type in cd followed by a space, but don't press ↵ Enter . [4] Enter the directory in which the file that you want to copy is located. Doing so will reset Command Prompt to look in the entered directory. Type in copy followed by a space, but don't press ↵ Enter yet. [5] Type in your file's name followed by a space, making sure to include the file's extension (e.g., .txt ) for a text file. Don't press ↵ Enter after doing so. [6] If there are spaces in the file's name, you need to put quotation marks around them. For example, a file named "Pickles are Good.txt" would be Pickles" "are" "Good.txt in Command Prompt. Type in another directory (e.g., C:\Users\[you]\Desktop into which you want to copy the file. If you don't do this, the file will be copied to your user directory (e.g., "C:\Users\[you]") by default. Doing so will copy the file into your indicated directory. You can view the copied file by going to the directory in question in your computer's File Explorer. Advertisement Type in cd followed by a space, then type in the folder's directory and press ↵ Enter . [7] For example, if you want to copy all of the files inside of a folder called "Example" that's on your desktop, you'd go to C:\Users\humpb\Desktop here. Type in robocopy and then a space, but don't press ↵ Enter yet. [8] Enter a folder's name . Type in the name of the folder that you want to copy, then add a space. Again, don't press the ↵ Enter key just yet. As with file names, you'll need to use quotes around any spaces in the folder name. Type in a directory into which you want to copy the folder's files. [9] If there are lots of files in the folder, this can get messy if you copy them into an unorganized folder since the folder itself won't be copied with the files. Doing so will copy the contents of the folder into your destination folder. Advertisement Search Add New Question Question Which command should I use to copy files? Community Answer Copy "source path" "destination path". For example, you might copy "C:\Users\qclab\Desktop\Stuff.txt" "P:\IT\Confidential". The quotation marks are optional unless you have spaces in your folder or file names. To copy everything in a folder use . as the name and extension. For example, copy "C:\Users\qclab\Desktop\Stuff.txt" "P:\IT\Confidential". Question Is it possible to move a PDF file from one folder to another and not have it overwrite another file with the same name by having a different date? Community Answer You'll have to rename the PDF file prior to moving it, as two files with the same name can't reside in the same folder. Question How can I copy all files from sub directories with a similar name to a different directory? Community Answer After you do one, press the up key and then change the name, which shouldn't take up much time. See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement If you want to create a new destination folder for a set of copied files, enter the directory for the destination folder (including the destination folder itself) in conjunction with the "robocopy" command. [10] Thanks You can copy all files in a directory by typing copy [file type] (e.g., copy .txt ). Thanks If you copy the Desktop folder's contents into a new folder, that new folder will be renamed to "Desktop". Thanks Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement Copying files and folders within Command Prompt is potentially dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Never copy or manipulate any files or folders that you don't understand. Thanks Advertisement References About This Article Article Summary X 1. Type "cd" followed by a space in command prompt, but don't press "enter" yet. 2. Type the name of the directory your filed is located in. 3. Press "enter." 4. Type "copy" followed by a space, but don't press "enter." 5. Type your file's name followed by a space, but don't press "enter." 6. Type in the name of the directory you want to copy the file to. 7. Press "enter" to copy the file. Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,451,071 times. Is this article up to date? wikiHow Tech Help Pro: Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve Let's go! X For over two decades, we’ve been on a mission: to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Our articles are human written and expert endorsed to ensure readers like you get reliable, current information. Before you get back to learning, we would be grateful if you could take a minute to support wikiHow. Any amount helps. Thank you. - -
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Learn why people trust wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) - [Categories](https://www.wikihow.com/Special:CategoryListing "Special:CategoryListing") - [Computers and Electronics](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Computers-and-Electronics "Category:Computers and Electronics") - [Operating Systems](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Operating-Systems "Category:Operating Systems") - [Windows](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Windows "Category:Windows") - [Command Prompt](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Command-Prompt "Category:Command Prompt") # [How to Copy Files in Command Prompt](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) Explore this Article parts [1 Preparing to Copy](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#Preparing-to-Copy) [2 Copying Individual Files](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#Copying-Individual-Files) [3 Copying a Folder's Contents](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#Copying-a-Folder.27s-Contents) Other Sections [Questions & Answers](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#qa_headline) [Tips and Warnings](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#tips) [Related Articles](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#relatedwikihows) [References](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#References) [Article Summary](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#summary_wrapper) Written by [Jack Lloyd](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jack-Lloyd) [Last Updated: February 19, 2026](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [Fact Checked](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) X This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, [Jack Lloyd](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jack-Lloyd). Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,451,071 times. [Learn more...](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) Do you need to copy and paste files or folders without using the File Explorer? While navigating the file system with [Windows Command Prompt](https://www.wikihow.com/Open-the-Command-Prompt-in-Windows "Open the Command Prompt in Windows") (cmd) might seem daunting, it's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. This wikiHow will teach you how to copy one or more files from one folder to another from the command line in Windows. ## Steps Part 1 Part 1 of 3: ### Preparing to Copy [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) 1. [![Step 1 Find out your...](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0e/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg) 1 Find out your [file's location](https://www.wikihow.com/Locate-Temporary-Internet-Files "Locate Temporary Internet Files"). You'll need the file's location—also known as a "directory"—in order to tell Command Prompt where to look for the file. - You can find the file's [directory](https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Directories-in-Command-Prompt "Change Directories in Command Prompt") by going to the file's location in File Explorer and then clicking the URL bar near the top of the File Explorer window. - Most files will be somewhere in the following directory: \[drive letter\]:\\Users\\\[username\] (for example, "C:\\Users\\Kyle"). This is the directory in which almost every user-created file on your computer is located. - A file on your [desktop](https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Desktop-Shortcut "Create a Desktop Shortcut") for the above example would be in the "C:\\Users\\Kyle\\Desktop" directory, while a file in the Documents folder would be in the "C:\\Users\\Kyle\\Documents" directory. 2. [![Step 2 Know your file's name.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/75/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg) 2 Know your file's name. If you want to [copy your file](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Linux "Copy Files in Linux"), you'll need to know its name. Keep in mind that file names are case-sensitive in Command Prompt, so you'll need to include the proper capitalization. Advertisement 3. [![Step 3 Open Start icon....](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/dd/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg) 3 Open [Start](https://www.wikihow.com/Use-the-Windows-10-Start-Menu "Use the Windows 10 Start Menu") [![Windows Start](https://www.wikihow.com/images/0/07/Windowsstart.png)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Windowsstart.png). Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.[\[1\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-1) X Research source 4. [![Step 4 Type in command prompt.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/dd/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg) 4 Type in `command prompt`. Doing so will search your computer for the Command Prompt program.[\[2\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-2) X Research source 5. [![Step 5 Click icon Command Prompt.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/44/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg) 5 Click [![Windows cmd](https://www.wikihow.com/images/6/66/Windowscmd1.png)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Windowscmd1.png) Command Prompt. It's at the top of the Start window. Doing so will open the Command Prompt program.[\[3\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-3) X Research source - Keep in mind that if you're on a [shared](https://www.wikihow.com/Share-Files-Between-Linux-Computers-Using-NFS "Share Files Between Linux Computers Using NFS") computer (e.g., a school or public PC), you may not be able to access the Command Prompt. Part 2 Part 2 of 3: ### Copying Individual Files [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) 1. [![Step 1 Enter the "change directory" command.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/95/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg) 1 Enter the "change directory" command. Type in `cd` followed by a space, but don't press `↵ Enter`.[\[4\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-4) X Research source 2. [![Step 2 Type in your file's directory.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/09/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg) 2 Type in your file's directory. Enter the directory in which the file that you want to copy is located. 3. [![Step 3 Press ↵ Enter.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0e/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg) 3 Press `↵ Enter`. Doing so will reset Command Prompt to look in the entered directory. 4. [![Step 4 Enter the "copy" command.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ee/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg) 4 Enter the "copy" command. Type in `copy` followed by a space, but don't press `↵ Enter` yet.[\[5\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-5) X Research source 5. [![Step 5 Enter your file's name.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/eb/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg) 5 Enter your file's name. Type in your file's name followed by a space, making sure to include the file's extension (e.g., `.txt`) for a text file. Don't press `↵ Enter` after doing so.[\[6\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-6) X Research source - If there are spaces in the file's name, you need to put quotation marks around them. For example, a file named "Pickles are Good.txt" would be `Pickles" "are" "Good.txt` in Command Prompt. 6. [![Step 6 Enter a destination directory.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e4/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg) 6 Enter a destination directory. Type in another directory (e.g., `C:\Users\[you]\Desktop` into which you want to copy the file. - If you don't do this, the file will be copied to your user [directory](https://www.wikihow.com/Navigate-the-Windows-Directory "Navigate the Windows Directory") (e.g., "C:\\Users\\\[you\]") by default. 7. [![Step 7 Press ↵ Enter.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/97/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg) 7 Press `↵ Enter`. Doing so will copy the file into your indicated directory. You can view the copied file by going to the directory in question in your computer's File Explorer. Part 3 Part 3 of 3: ### Copying a Folder's Contents [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) 1. [![Step 1 Go to the folder's directory.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg) 1 Go to the folder's directory. Type in `cd` followed by a space, then type in the folder's directory and press `↵ Enter`.[\[7\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-7) X Research source - For example, if you want to copy all of the files inside of a [folder](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-a-Folder-with-Batch-File "Copy a Folder with Batch File") called "Example" that's on your desktop, you'd go to `C:\Users\humpb\Desktop` here. 2. [![Step 2 Enter the robocopy command.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/46/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg) 2 Enter the `robocopy` command. Type in `robocopy` and then a space, but don't press `↵ Enter` yet.[\[8\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-8) X Research source 3. [![Step 3 Enter a folder's...](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fe/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg) 3 Enter a [folder's name](https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Folder-Named-Con "Create a Folder Named Con"). Type in the name of the folder that you want to copy, then add a space. Again, don't press the `↵ Enter` key just yet. - As with file names, you'll need to use quotes around any spaces in the folder name. 4. [![Step 4 Enter a destination.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/81/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg) 4 Enter a destination. Type in a directory into which you want to copy the folder's files.[\[9\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-9) X Research source - If there are lots of files in the folder, this can get messy if you copy them into an unorganized folder since the folder itself won't be copied with the files. 5. [![Step 5 Press ↵ Enter.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f2/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg) 5 Press `↵ Enter`. Doing so will copy the contents of the folder into your destination folder. ## Community Q\&A Search [Add New Question]() - Question Which command should I use to copy files? ![Community Answer](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0a/CommunityAvatar1.png/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar1.png) Community Answer Copy "source path" "destination path". For example, you might copy "C:\\Users\\qclab\\Desktop\\Stuff.txt" "P:\\IT\\Confidential". The quotation marks are optional unless you have spaces in your folder or file names. To copy everything in a folder use \.\ as the name and extension. For example, copy "C:\\Users\\qclab\\Desktop\\Stuff.txt" "P:\\IT\\Confidential". Thanks! 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[Submit]() Advertisement ## Tips - If you want to create a new destination folder for a set of copied files, enter the directory for the destination folder (including the destination folder itself) in conjunction with the "robocopy" command.[\[10\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-10) X Research source Thanks [Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) - You can copy all files in a directory by typing `copy [file type]` (e.g., `copy .txt`). Thanks [Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) - If you copy the Desktop folder's contents into a new folder, that new folder will be renamed to "Desktop". 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[↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-1) <https://grok.lsu.edu/article.aspx?articleid=18026&printable=y> 2. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-2) <https://grok.lsu.edu/article.aspx?articleid=18026&printable=y> 3. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-3) <https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-to-open-the-command-prompt-in-windows-10/> 4. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-4) <https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000766.htm#command-line> 5. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-5) <https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000766.htm#command-line> 6. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-6) <https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000766.htm#command-line> 7. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-7) <https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000766.htm#command-line> 8. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-8) <https://www.computerhope.com/robocopy.htm> 9. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-9) <https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/robocopy> [More References (1)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#aiinfo) 1. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_ref-10) <https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/robocopy#examples> ## About This Article ![Jack Lloyd](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f9/Jack-Lloyd.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Jack-Lloyd.png) Written by: [Jack Lloyd](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jack-Lloyd) wikiHow Technology Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, [Jack Lloyd](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Jack-Lloyd). Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been viewed 2,451,071 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 28 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 2,451,071 Categories: [Command Prompt](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Command-Prompt "Category:Command Prompt") [Article SummaryX](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#summary_wrapper) 1\. Type "cd" followed by a space in command prompt, but don't press "enter" yet. 2. Type the name of the directory your filed is located in. 3. Press "enter." 4. Type "copy" followed by a space, but don't press "enter." 5. Type your file's name followed by a space, but don't press "enter." 6. Type in the name of the directory you want to copy the file to. 7. Press "enter" to copy the file. Did this summary help you? 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Readable Markdown	[![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) Do you need to copy and paste files or folders without using the File Explorer? While navigating the file system with [Windows Command Prompt](https://www.wikihow.com/Open-the-Command-Prompt-in-Windows "Open the Command Prompt in Windows") (cmd) might seem daunting, it's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. This wikiHow will teach you how to copy one or more files from one folder to another from the command line in Windows. 1. [![Step 1 Find out your...](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0e/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-1-Version-3.jpg) Find out your [file's location](https://www.wikihow.com/Locate-Temporary-Internet-Files "Locate Temporary Internet Files"). You'll need the file's location—also known as a "directory"—in order to tell Command Prompt where to look for the file. - You can find the file's [directory](https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Directories-in-Command-Prompt "Change Directories in Command Prompt") by going to the file's location in File Explorer and then clicking the URL bar near the top of the File Explorer window. - Most files will be somewhere in the following directory: \[drive letter\]:\\Users\\\[username\] (for example, "C:\\Users\\Kyle"). This is the directory in which almost every user-created file on your computer is located. - A file on your [desktop](https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Desktop-Shortcut "Create a Desktop Shortcut") for the above example would be in the "C:\\Users\\Kyle\\Desktop" directory, while a file in the Documents folder would be in the "C:\\Users\\Kyle\\Documents" directory. 2. [![Step 2 Know your file's name.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/75/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-2-Version-3.jpg) If you want to [copy your file](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Linux "Copy Files in Linux"), you'll need to know its name. Keep in mind that file names are case-sensitive in Command Prompt, so you'll need to include the proper capitalization. Advertisement 3. [![Step 3 Open Start icon....](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/dd/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-3-Version-2.jpg) Open [Start](https://www.wikihow.com/Use-the-Windows-10-Start-Menu "Use the Windows 10 Start Menu") [![Windows Start](https://www.wikihow.com/images/0/07/Windowsstart.png)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Windowsstart.png). Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.[\[1\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-1) 4. [![Step 4 Type in command prompt.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/dd/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-4-Version-2.jpg) Doing so will search your computer for the Command Prompt program.[\[2\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-2) 5. [![Step 5 Click icon Command Prompt.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/44/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-5-Version-2.jpg) It's at the top of the Start window. Doing so will open the Command Prompt program.[\[3\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-3) - Keep in mind that if you're on a [shared](https://www.wikihow.com/Share-Files-Between-Linux-Computers-Using-NFS "Share Files Between Linux Computers Using NFS") computer (e.g., a school or public PC), you may not be able to access the Command Prompt. 1. [![Step 1 Enter the "change directory" command.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/95/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-6-Version-2.jpg) Type in `cd` followed by a space, but don't press `↵ Enter`.[\[4\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-4) 2. [![Step 2 Type in your file's directory.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/09/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-7-Version-2.jpg) Enter the directory in which the file that you want to copy is located. 3. [![Step 3 Press ↵ Enter.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0e/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-8-Version-2.jpg) Doing so will reset Command Prompt to look in the entered directory. 4. [![Step 4 Enter the "copy" command.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ee/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-9-Version-2.jpg) Type in `copy` followed by a space, but don't press `↵ Enter` yet.[\[5\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-5) 5. [![Step 5 Enter your file's name.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/eb/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-10-Version-2.jpg) Type in your file's name followed by a space, making sure to include the file's extension (e.g., `.txt`) for a text file. Don't press `↵ Enter` after doing so.[\[6\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-6) - If there are spaces in the file's name, you need to put quotation marks around them. For example, a file named "Pickles are Good.txt" would be `Pickles" "are" "Good.txt` in Command Prompt. 6. [![Step 6 Enter a destination directory.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e4/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-11-Version-2.jpg) Type in another directory (e.g., `C:\Users\[you]\Desktop` into which you want to copy the file. - If you don't do this, the file will be copied to your user [directory](https://www.wikihow.com/Navigate-the-Windows-Directory "Navigate the Windows Directory") (e.g., "C:\\Users\\\[you\]") by default. 7. [![Step 7 Press ↵ Enter.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/97/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-12-Version-2.jpg) Doing so will copy the file into your indicated directory. You can view the copied file by going to the directory in question in your computer's File Explorer. 1. [![Step 1 Go to the folder's directory.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-13-Version-2.jpg) Type in `cd` followed by a space, then type in the folder's directory and press `↵ Enter`.[\[7\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-7) - For example, if you want to copy all of the files inside of a [folder](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-a-Folder-with-Batch-File "Copy a Folder with Batch File") called "Example" that's on your desktop, you'd go to `C:\Users\humpb\Desktop` here. 2. [![Step 2 Enter the robocopy command.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/46/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-14-Version-2.jpg) Type in `robocopy` and then a space, but don't press `↵ Enter` yet.[\[8\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-8) 3. [![Step 3 Enter a folder's...](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fe/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-15-Version-2.jpg) Enter a [folder's name](https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Folder-Named-Con "Create a Folder Named Con"). Type in the name of the folder that you want to copy, then add a space. Again, don't press the `↵ Enter` key just yet. - As with file names, you'll need to use quotes around any spaces in the folder name. 4. [![Step 4 Enter a destination.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/81/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-16-Version-2.jpg) Type in a directory into which you want to copy the folder's files.[\[9\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-9) - If there are lots of files in the folder, this can get messy if you copy them into an unorganized folder since the folder itself won't be copied with the files. 5. [![Step 5 Press ↵ Enter.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f2/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#/Image:Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt-Step-17-Version-2.jpg) Doing so will copy the contents of the folder into your destination folder. Search [Add New Question]() - Question Which command should I use to copy files? ![Community Answer](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0a/CommunityAvatar1.png/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar1.png) Community Answer Copy "source path" "destination path". For example, you might copy "C:\\Users\\qclab\\Desktop\\Stuff.txt" "P:\\IT\\Confidential". The quotation marks are optional unless you have spaces in your folder or file names. To copy everything in a folder use \.\ as the name and extension. For example, copy "C:\\Users\\qclab\\Desktop\\Stuff.txt" "P:\\IT\\Confidential". - Question Is it possible to move a PDF file from one folder to another and not have it overwrite another file with the same name by having a different date? ![Community Answer](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0a/CommunityAvatar1.png/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar1.png) Community Answer You'll have to rename the PDF file prior to moving it, as two files with the same name can't reside in the same folder. - Question How can I copy all files from sub directories with a similar name to a different directory? ![Community Answer](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f5/CommunityAvatar4.png/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar4.png) Community Answer After you do one, press the up key and then change the name, which shouldn't take up much time. [See more answers](https://www.wikihow.com/Questions/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#offset=3) Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. [Submit]() Advertisement - If you want to create a new destination folder for a set of copied files, enter the directory for the destination folder (including the destination folder itself) in conjunction with the "robocopy" command.[\[10\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#_note-10) Thanks - You can copy all files in a directory by typing `copy [file type]` (e.g., `copy .txt`). Thanks - If you copy the Desktop folder's contents into a new folder, that new folder will be renamed to "Desktop". Thanks Thanks for submitting a tip for review\! Advertisement - Copying files and folders within Command Prompt is potentially dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Never copy or manipulate any files or folders that you don't understand. Thanks Advertisement ## References About This Article [Article SummaryX](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt#summary_wrapper) 1\. Type "cd" followed by a space in command prompt, but don't press "enter" yet. 2. Type the name of the directory your filed is located in. 3. Press "enter." 4. Type "copy" followed by a space, but don't press "enter." 5. Type your file's name followed by a space, but don't press "enter." 6. Type in the name of the directory you want to copy the file to. 7. Press "enter" to copy the file. Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,451,071 times. ## Is this article up to date? wikiHow Tech Help Pro: Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve [Let's go\!](https://www.wikihow.com/Tech-Help-Pro) [X](https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt) For over two decades, we’ve been on a mission: to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. 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