The file transfer speed on a modern Windows 11 PC is usually fast and smooth. However, moving large files or a lot of files at the same time can sometimes feel slow and frustrating. No one likes waiting for long file transfers, especially when more work is needed. Thankfully, there are simple ways to make this process faster.
You can upgrade your hardware, use the correct USB or SSD ports, and take advantage of tools already available in Windows. Even if your computer is older, these tips can help make file transfers quicker and less annoying. By following these methods, you can save time and avoid delays.
Use the Right USB Ports
You already know that USB 3.x flash drives transfer files faster. However, this also depends on the USB port you use on your computer. For instance, if you plug a USB 3.1 flash drive into a USB 2.0 port, the transfer speed will be much slower.
To avoid this, always use the correct ports. USB 3.x ports are usually blue or have unique markings to help you recognize them easily. You can also check the port version through Windows. Open the Device Manager, expand the “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” section, and look at the listed port versions.
USB, or Universal Serial Bus, is a worldwide standard that defines the specifications for cables and connectors on different devices.
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Close unneeded background apps
Whether you’re transferring a single large file or many smaller ones, your PC needs system resources to complete the task quickly. Background apps and services can slow down the process using your CPU, drive, and RAM. To improve file transfer speed, close any apps you don’t need. You can do this by clicking the X button on open windows.
When apps don’t close quickly or services run in the background, force quite them to use task manager. Task Manager is a helpful tool for managing your system’s performance and can make a noticeable difference during file transfers.
Learn how to monitor and manage processes effectively with task manager and explore its features. It’s a simple way to keep your PC running smoothly.
Use Robocopy to Copy Files
It’s easy to move files from one place to another using File Explorer. However, Windows also has Robocopy, a command-line tool that transfers files faster. It skips the graphical interface, which can slow things down, and focuses on completing the transfer efficiently. To use it, open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator.
Then, enter the source path, destination, and the multithread parameter to speed up the process. You can learn to handle large file transfers easily using Robocopy commands with a bit of practice.
You can also use your keyboard to perform many tasks and save time.
Compress files first
Combining multiple files into a single compressed container can significantly speed up file transfers compared to copying each file one by one. Compressing files also reduces their size, making them quicker to move. In Windows 11, you can quickly zip files and even use formats like 7zip and TAR, which are now natively supported. To compress files, open File Explorer, select the files, right-click, and choose “Compress t,o” followed by Zip, 7z, or TAR.
Remember that not all compression methods work equally well for all files. You can improve efficiency by trying different file types, codecs, or compression programs.
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Use SSDs
Switching from a mechanical HDD to an SSD can make your computer feel new. The system becomes more responsive, and file transfer speed is much faster. If you’re using an older PC, check if you can upgrade the HDD to an SSD. You can often swap the old drive for the new one using the same SATA cable.
Install an NVMe M.2 SSD directly into the motherboard if it’s compatible for even greater speed. You might need a PCIe adapter on some older systems to connect an M.2 SSD. If the upgrade is possible, avoiding wasting time staring at the “copying” screen is highly recommended.
If you have old SATA or NVMe SSDs lying around, don’t let them go to waste—you can find creative ways to put them to good use.
Make transferring files fast again.
File transfer speed are generally fast if your PC has a modern M.2 SSD. However, copying large sets of files can still take some time. If you’re using an older system or want to speed up the process further, you can use the earlier tips to save time and make file transfers more efficient.