Logging Robocopy Operations

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated November 6, 2017)

1

By default, when a Robocopy operation is completed, a summary of what happened is displayed on the console. This summary can appear a bit cryptic as it displays in the Command Prompt window. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Robocopy's default summary output.

If you want to change the default logging behavior, there are many options to choose from. Some of the more interesting options include:

Switch Meaning
/L List only: don't copy, timestamp or delete any files.
/X Report all eXtra files, not just those selected.
/V Produce Verbose output, showing skipped files.
/ETA Show an Estimated Time of Arrival of copied files.
/LOG:file Output status to a specified log file. If the file exists, overwrite it.
/LOG+:file Output status to a specified log file. If the file exists, append to it.

These switches, which you add to the Robocopy command line, are fairly self-explanatory, but a couple are worth noting. The /L switch, for example, is handy when you want to see what would happen if you executed the command, but without any copy actually occurring.

If you want to capture to a file the output of Robocopy, then the /LOG and /LOG+ switches are what to use. As is usually the case, there are several other logging options. The complete list can be obtained by invoking Robocopy with the /? switch.

 This tip (13220) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Adjusting the Mouse for Left-Handed Users

Since Windows is so customizable, it should come as no surprise that Microsoft has made accommodations for left-handed ...

Discover More

Ripping Songs from Audio CDs

Ripping songs from audio CDs is fairly simple, but the actual process varies from application to application.

Discover More

CutePDF Writer

CutePDF Writer is an extremely versatile utility that allows you to create PDF files from virtually any application that ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Combining Drives in Storage Spaces

Need to add some addition drive space to your system? Why not consider adding what Windows calls a 'storage space?' This ...

Discover More

Undoing a System Restore

Having the ability to restore your system back to when it was working properly is great, but what if, for some reason, ...

Discover More

Understanding File Types and Extensions

File types (or extensions) are key to using Windows effectively. When you double-click a file in Windows Explorer or File ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 3?

2019-10-07 00:03:18

Sinan

How about failed file or directory to log?


Newest Tips