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

Resizing the Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin is a great feature that allows you to recover files that you didn't intend to delete. But you may find ...

Discover More

Adding and Deleting Fonts

Sometimes a document you're working on needs a font different from what comes with Windows. In such a case, a simple Web ...

Discover More

Removing Spyware with Windows Defender

Despite your best efforts, it's possible that your system might still get afflicted with spyware. If that happens, you ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Filtering a Folder's Content

If you have lots of files on your computer, it is helpful to filter the files to more easily find a specific one. When ...

Discover More

Ways to Combine Two (or More) Text Files

There have probably been times when you've wanted to combine two or more text files into one. Windows provides a few ...

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 six minus 4?

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.