Using Robocopy with File Sizes and Ages

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

Changing How User Account Control Works

The User Account Control (UAC) model allows an administrator to control when (or if) they are to be notified when a ...

Discover More

Modifying or Deleting a Program's Schedule

Windows makes it easy to define tasks and to run them on a regular schedule. If you later want to modify or delete a ...

Discover More

Copying Data with XCopy

XCopy is a file and directory copy utility built into Windows. If you have a lot of file management to do that can't ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Showing File Extensions

All file types have an extension, and Microsoft hides them by default. Learn how to turn file extensions on.

Discover More

Breaking a Network Drive Mapping Association

Windows makes it easy to break the association between a network drive and its assigned letter. This tip explains how.

Discover More

Configuring Windows to Do Backups on a Schedule

Performing regular backups of your system offers you peace of mind because you don't have to worry about data loss in the ...

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}] (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 one more than 7?

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 SITES
 

Copyright © 2022 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.