xcopy — Basic UsageIT technician command center
Windows CMD · Windows Command Line

xcopy — Basic Usage

Use xcopy for a standard administrative task.

Copy-ready commandxcopy — Basic Usage
xcopy C:\Source D:\Backup /E /I /H
Production warning

Review destructive switches before running commands that modify files or services.

Requirements and permissions

Requirements
Windows 10/11 or Windows Server
Permissions
Varies by command
Last reviewed
2026-07-31

Examples

Basic Usage

Use xcopy for a standard administrative task.

xcopy C:\Source D:\Backup /E /I /H

Original command

Copy files and folders including hidden files.

xcopy C:\Source D:\Backup /E /I /H

Common errors

Command not found

Confirm Windows 10/11 or Windows Server is installed and available in your current shell.