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

Accessing a Network Drive

Being on a network is great because it allows you to share resources among the networked systems. Being able to access a ...

Discover More

Changing How Event Log Overruns are Handled

By default, the event logs are implemented in a circular buffer, i.e., when its maximum size is reached, the oldest ...

Discover More

Sorting a Folder

When you have a lot of files in a folder, it is helpful to be able to know how to sort through all the files. Windows 10 ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Getting Rid of Hidden Thumbs.db Files

A hidden file that the system uses to speed performance of your viewing folders containing pictures is called Thumbs.db. ...

Discover More

Deleting a Saved Search

Windows Explorer has a good search utility built into it. As you use it, you may wish to delete a previously saved search ...

Discover More

Adding File Types to the Search Index

You can fine-tune Indexed Searches by adding file types to the search index. This tip tells you how.

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 7 + 1?

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.