File transfer is nothing but a task of moving data from one location to the other. The destination or the target folder can be on the same network, PC or remote location.
For remote transfers, cloud storage platforms or FTP clients should be used. If data is very confidential, you should use a DVD burner software to write files to the disk and ship the disk safely to the other user.
Many websites allow you to upload files through a web interface but you should avoid using it. If you try to send large files with this interface, there are very high chances that data will be lost during the transfer process. Thus, you should use FileZilla or any other client.
Before installing FTP software, spend some time to find out whether your Cloud storage service provider has launched a dedicated desktop client or not. DropBox, OneDrive have their own file transfer applications for Windows. In case you’re a user of any of these 2 services, download the respective client software and use it.
Although Windows allows you to easily move files from one folder to the other, the disk transfer operation might be slow because the OS might limit the CPU and RAM usage for the process. In such cases, you can use any one of the below free file transfer software.
Best software to transfer files at great speeds
5TeraCopy
During setup, TeraCopy 3 will display an option to install a portable or normal version of the software.
If you plan to use the same copy of TeraCopy in different computers, select the portable version.
You can associate TeraCopy with checksum files like SHA, MD5, SFV, etc.
This file transfer software for Windows has simple drag and drop based UI.
You have to drop folders from your hard disk drive on the interface after which, Teracopy will display options to test, move, delete or copy files. The test operation will take some time because it will make you aware of the average file transfer speed.
On my laptop, Windows usually transfers data from one folder to other at 30 or 40 MBPS. Teracopy can send the same file at 60 MB/S i.e lighting fast speed.
The user is allowed to check file transfer history.
This software has been designed to stay always on top. You can disable this feature through the menu. It supports customization i.e custom settings.
Teracopy integrates itself with Windows OS. Whenever you try to copy a file, a popup will appear on the display and it will prompt you to select one of these 2 options: transfer file with Windows Explorer or Teracopy.
4FastCopy: the TeraCopy alternative
This software has a very ordinary interface but it is powerful. Thus, it is a good TeraCopy alternative.
FastCopy allows you to set max buffer size (RAM usage) that will be used during file transfer operation.
It has a filter to include or exclude files.
FastCopy is slower than the above application. On my laptop, this software transferred files at an ordinary speed of 2 MB/S. The speed never exceeded 7 megabytes per second.
You can use FastCopy on a PC with low-end machines with 256 TO 512 MB of RAM. This is a useful feature and it makes sure the file transfer does not affect other running applications and background processes.
FastCopy ships in a compressed zip folder. You can either extract the folder content to any partition of your choice and run the FastCopy application or execute the setup file. It can overwrite file data.
3SuperCopier
This software is much faster than FastCopy. Its UI is also better.
SuperCopier is a good alternative to TeraCopy and default windows application to move files.
When you run it, this software will display its icon in Windows quick launch bar.
To move or transfer files, click on the icon and select the appropriate option from the menu.
UltraCopier supports themes and plugins. It allows you to change settings and create log files of your file transfer operations. You also set maximum copy speed. This feature is useful for low-end computers.
Some of its features are confusing for the new user. Thus, it will take some time for the user to get used to this software.
Download this application here.
Related article: Best file manager for Android reviewed – perfect for your device
2Microsoft Robocopy
Robocopy is a very fast command line file transfer software launched by Microsoft Corporation. Because it has CLI, some users will find it difficult to use.
This Microsoft application can easily automate some very useful tasks (if you use the right commands and batch file). It has copy resume feature that ensures that data is not lost if the network has been interrupted or disconnected.
Robocopy has the ability to generate multiple threads during a copy operation. It supports logging. It can detect and move files from long paths that include several folders (usually found in servers).
Files that are to be move should not be open in the background or the desktop else Robocopy will skip them. This software is accurate and fast.
Get more details on this application here.
Conclusion: If you’re fed-up with slow file transfer in Windows, install any one of the above free software. They’re safe and you can use it on any version of Windows.
