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

Viewing Event Logs

Event logs are automatically maintained by the operating system. By periodically viewing them, you'll have a better idea ...

Discover More

Using Batch Files, Part 4: The CALL Statement

This tip is part of a series that talks about Windows batch files. It introduces a few more commands you can use in your ...

Discover More

Switching Between Command Line and File Explorer

Sometimes you can be more effective in a command window, and other times you can be more effective using File Explorer. ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Specifying a Copy Schedule in Robocopy

There are a few ways to set up a copy schedule in Robocopy by using its options. This tip explains how.

Discover More

Getting Information about Files Searched For

Do a search for files on your computer and you may need to see more information about the results than what Windows first ...

Discover More

Determining How Much Space the Files in a Folder Require

Want to know how much space is required by all the files in a folder? There are a couple of very easy ways to get this ...

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 3 + 7?

2019-10-07 00:03:18

Sinan

How about failed file or directory to log?

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.