Using Robocopy with File Sizes and Ages

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated December 11, 2017)

In another tip (Checking the Archive Attribute with Robocopy) we saw that we can have Robocopy perform operations based on file attributes. You can also affect its operation based on file sizes and ages.

For file sizes, you'd use the switches /MAX:n and /MIN:n, where "n" specifies the sizes of the files, in bytes, that are to be excluded from the copy. As an example, specifying /MAX:10000 tells Robocopy to exclude from copying any file that is larger than 10,000 bytes.

You can also alter what is copied based on the files' ages. The following command-line switches are used for this:

  • /MAXAGE:n - Excludes files older than n days (n can also be a date)
  • /MINAGE:n - Excludes files newer than n days (n can also be a date)
  • /MAXLAD:n - Excludes files unused since n date (LAD is an acronym for Last Accessed Date)
  • /MINLAD:n - Excludes files used since n date (LAD is an acronym for Last Accessed Date)

The only trick to using these options is in understanding what the "n" means. Depending upon its value, "n" can either represent days or a date. If "n" is less than 1900 then "n" is assumed to be a number of days, otherwise "n" is a date of this form: YYYYMMDD.

 This tip (13224) 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

Using Folder Templates

Windows is highly customizable. One way you can customize it is by changing what the File Explorer looks like. This can ...

Discover More

Using Batch Files, Part 1

This tip is part of a series that shows you how to create and use Windows batch files. It introduces a few commands and ...

Discover More

Changing an Account's Picture

You may want to customize your account so that it uses a picture of your own choosing. This tip tells you how to change ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Logging Robocopy Operations

If you schedule Robocopy operations, you may want to maintain log files of what happened. In this case, getting familiar ...

Discover More

Creating and Using Compressed Folders

If you're low on disk space but still want to keep your files online, you might consider moving them to compressed ...

Discover More

Searching From within File Explorer

Searching from within File Explorer is a quick and easy way to find files and even content within files. This tip shows ...

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 4 - 2?

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

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.