Copy-Item is a command in Windows PowerShell that allows users to copy files and folders from one location to another. It is a useful tool for copying large amounts of data quickly and easily. This article will explain the syntax, parameters, inputs, outputs, examples, and tips for using the Copy-Item command in Windows PowerShell.
Syntax
The syntax for the Copy-Item command is as follows:
Copy-Item [-Path] Source [-Destination] Destination [-Filter String] [-Recurse] [-Force] [-Include String] [-Exclude String] [-Credential PSCredential] [-Container] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [-Verbose] [-ErrorAction String] [-ErrorVariable String] [-OutVariable String] [-OutBuffer Int32]
Parameters
The Copy-Item command has several parameters that can be used to customize the command:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| -Path | The path to the source file or folder. |
| -Destination | The path to the destination file or folder. |
| -Filter | A string that contains a wildcard expression used to filter the files or folders to be copied. |
| -Recurse | A switch that allows the command to copy all files and folders in the source folder, including subfolders. |
| -Force | A switch that allows the command to overwrite existing files or folders in the destination. |
| -Include | A string that contains a wildcard expression used to filter the files or folders to be included in the copy. |
| -Exclude | A string that contains a wildcard expression used to filter the files or folders to be excluded from the copy. |
| -Credential | A PSCredential object used to authenticate the user. |
| -Container | A switch that allows the command to copy the contents of the source folder, but not the folder itself. |
| -WhatIf | A switch that allows the command to display what would happen if the command were executed without actually executing it. |
| -Confirm | A switch that allows the command to prompt the user for confirmation before executing the command. |
| -Verbose | A switch that allows the command to display detailed information about the command’s execution. |
| -ErrorAction | A string that specifies the action to take if an error occurs. |
| -ErrorVariable | A string that specifies the name of a variable in which to store any errors that occur. |
| -OutVariable | A string that specifies the name of a variable in which to store the output of the command. |
| -OutBuffer | An integer that specifies the maximum number of objects to store in the output buffer. |
Inputs
The Copy-Item command requires two inputs: the source and the destination. The source is the path to the file or folder that you want to copy, and the destination is the path to the location where you want to copy the file or folder.
Outputs
The Copy-Item command does not have any outputs. It simply copies the file or folder from the source to the destination.
Examples
Here are some examples of how to use the Copy-Item command:
- To copy a file from one folder to another: Copy-Item -Path C:\Source\file.txt -Destination C:\Destination
- To copy all files from one folder to another: Copy-Item -Path C:\Source\* -Destination C:\Destination -Recurse
- To copy all files with the .txt extension from one folder to another: Copy-Item -Path C:\Source\*.txt -Destination C:\Destination -Recurse
- To copy all files from one folder to another, including subfolders: Copy-Item -Path C:\Source\* -Destination C:\Destination -Recurse -Force
- To copy all files from one folder to another, excluding certain files: Copy-Item -Path C:\Source\* -Destination C:\Destination -Recurse -Exclude *.exe
Tips
Here are some tips for using the Copy-Item command:
- Make sure that the source and destination paths are correct.
- If you are copying a large amount of data, it may be faster to use the robocopy command instead.
- If you are copying files from a remote computer, you may need to use the -Credential parameter to authenticate the user.
- If you are copying files to a remote computer, you may need to use the -Force parameter to overwrite existing files.
- If you are copying files to a remote computer, you may need to use the -Container parameter to copy the contents of the source folder, but not the folder itself.
- If you are copying files to a remote computer, you may need to use the -WhatIf and -Confirm parameters to verify that the command will do what you expect.
- If you are copying files to a remote computer, you may need to use the -Verbose parameter to display detailed information about the command’s execution.
- If you are copying files to a remote computer, you may need to use the -ErrorAction, -ErrorVariable, -OutVariable, and -OutBuffer parameters to handle errors and store the output of the command.
Using the Copy-Item command in Windows PowerShell is a quick and easy way to copy files and folders from one location to another. With the right parameters, you can customize the command to fit your needs.