Windows Commands / IT Support Guides
Preview a file copy with robocopy before running it
A large support copy needs predictable source and destination handling. A list-only run helps catch a reversed path or an unexpectedly broad selection.
Environment and inputs: Windows 11 · Command Prompt unless PowerShell is specified
Try the diagnostic command
Use the stated shell and platform. Replace sample domains, addresses, services and paths with values from the system you are authorized to support.
robocopy "C:\Source" "D:\SupportCopy" /E /L /R:1 /W:1How to read the result
The /L switch lists the proposed operations without copying. /E includes subdirectories, including empty ones. Robocopy uses several successful or informational exit codes; codes of 8 or higher indicate at least one failure.
What to do next
Check the complete path pair and destination capacity, then remove /L only for an approved copy. Compare file counts and validate representative copied files afterward.
Before you make a change
Replace both example paths. Avoid /MIR unless deletion at the destination is explicitly intended; a copy is not automatically a versioned backup.