Logging Robocopy Operations

by Barry Dysert
(last updated August 25, 2014)

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 and 8.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 30 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer.  He is currently a senior software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Running a Program as Administrator

Sometimes a program you're trying to run needs to run with elevated privileges. Assuming you have the authority to do this, ...

Discover More

Limiting the Number of Login Attempts

You probably don't want to allow someone to continually attempt to login to your system until they finally guess your ...

Discover More

Using Powercfg to Delete an Existing Power Scheme

You may have created a new power scheme for whatever reason, but when it has outlived its usefulness, you want to delete it. ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Pin Items to File Explorer's Quick Access View

You can improve your efficiency at navigating the file system by using the Quick Access view. This tip shows you how to pin ...

Discover More

Seeing which Files are Compressed

Compressed files can make it easier to store a lot of information on a hard drive. However, compressed files aren't that easy ...

Discover More

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
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

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}] in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. 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 three minus 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2017 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.