Example usage for copy.
copy /-y report.txt D:\backup\copy command
Copy one or more files to another file or directory.
Documented syntax
copy [/d] [/v] [/n] [/y | /-y] [/z] [/a | /b] <source> [/a | /b] [+<source> [/a | /b] [+ ...]] [<destination> [/a | /b]]The linked Microsoft Learn article is the upstream authority. Availability may depend on Windows release, role, optional feature or interactive tool context.
Examples
Parameters, options and clauses
| Option / clause | Description |
|---|---|
source / destination | Specify source file(s) and a file or directory destination. |
/y | Suppress overwrite confirmation prompts. |
/-y | Prompt before overwriting an existing file. |
/d | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/v | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/n | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/z | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/a | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/b | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
<source> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<destination> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
Review a command and its target before running it. Commands that alter files, services, accounts, disks, permissions or databases may be difficult to reverse. Test in a safe environment and keep backups.