How to Exclude Files/Folders with Xcopy (Guide and Alternative)

User Case: How can I exclude folders/files using Xcopy?

“I’d like to copy files and folders in a directory to another folder excluding a list of files and folders. Run this command: xcopy c:\t1 c:\t2 /EXCLUDE: /My Music /My Pictures’ without quotes but with no luck. It keeps saying ‘can’t read files: /My Music /My Photos’. Is that even possible to make xcopy exclude folders or files while copying? If yes, what should I do to achieve?”

Xcopy, a useful Windows command, allows you to copy files and directories including subdirectories to another place. Microsoft also provides many xcopy command examples for users in different situations. However, some users find xcopy does not exclude files that were written behind EXCLUDE command, or the files cannot be read.

Then, what is the proper way of letting xcopy exclude directory when copying?

👉 How to Let Xcopy Exclude Folders and Files Correctly
👉 Exclude Folders and Files from Windows Backup with Easier Way🔥
👉 Troubleshoot: Xcopy /Exclude Can't Read File

How to Let Xcopy Exclude Folders and Files Correctly

According to Microsoft, /exclude specifies a list of files containing strings. Each string should be in a separate line in the files. When any of the strings matches any part of the absolute path of the file to be copied, that file will be excluded from being copied. For example, specifying a string like \obj\ or .obj will exclude all files underneath the directory obj or all files with the .obj extension respectively.

To be specific, you need to write all files that need to be excluded in separate line in a text file, and name it. Write the FULL PATH instead of the NAME of the text file next to the command /exclude. Here is an example based on the user in the case at the beginning.

1. Create a text file and name it with MyExclusion for example, regardless of the location.

2. Open the text and write the files’ name you’d like to exclude in a separate line like this (without bullets) to make xcopy exclude multiple folders.

• \My Music\

• \My Pictures\

• \My Videos\

3. Run the command now: xcopy c:\t1 c:\t2 /EXCLUDE: C:\mybatch\MyExclusion.txt and press Enter.

It is quite easy to copy files and exclude some certain files and folders with Xcopy. However, except for the Xcopy exclude specific folder issue are discussed, such as there are many other Xcopy problems like Xcopy invalid path, Xcopy access denied, Xcopy unable to create directory, etc. That’s why many users are looking for Xcopy alternative on the Internet.

As a matter of fact, we have easier way to let Windows backup exclude files during copying.

Exclude Folders and Files from Windows Backup with Easier Way

To exclude certain files or folders in directory while copying, AOMEI Backupper Professional comes to help. It works with all versions of Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista, and offers you the following:

What’s more, it has a lucid graphical user interface and allows for scheduled backup or sync to save your labor. Download and install the free trial to get started:

AOMEI Backupper

Easiest file sync and backup software for Windows PC.

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Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

Steps to exclude folders from Windows backup via AOMEI Backupper:

Step 1. Connect the external destination storage to your PC in advance if you want to sync files to an external drive. Then launch the software, and Click Sync -> Basic Sync (you can choose other Sync options as you need).

Step 2. Edit the task name if needed. Click Add Folder to add the folder you’d like to sync.

Step 3. After the source folder is added, click the funnel icon to open Filter settings.

Now, you come to the step to add file extentions you’d like to exclude. The wildcards are supported here, and you can separate multiple masks with semi-colons, such as,*.doc;*.xls;*.ppt.*.temp;*.tmp;*.bak;*~*. *temp;temp*.

• File Inclusion Mask: specify the file types that you need to backup. 
• File Exclusion Mask: specify the file types that you need to exclude. 
• Folder Exclusion Mask: specifies the folders that you need to exclude. 
• There are 3 more options: "Include subfolders", "Exclude hidden files and folders" and "Exclude system files and folders". Check them as you want.

Click OK after the configuration.

Step 4. Select the destination you’d like to copy files to.

Step 5. Confirm the operation and then click Start Sync.

Notes:✎...

Options: write a comment for current task and enable email notification here.

Schedule: set schedule modes from daily, weekly, monthly, event triggers, and USB plug in here.

As cloud storage is becoming more and more popular, AOMEI offers users its own cloud - AOMEI Cloud. After you sign up for an AOMEI account, you can use 1TB storage for free within 15 days. You can backup all your important stuff to AOMEI Cloud, like documents, pictures and favorite music, etc.

AOMEI Backupper Professional is not only a backup & sync tool, but also a disk cloning software. It supports clone operating system to SSD, clone hard drive to SSD, backup system to USB drive, backup external hard drive, and more. If you are computer savvy, these operations can also be done via Command Prompt.

Troubleshoot: Xcopy /Exclude Can't Read File

If you are using the xcopy command with the /exclude option and encountering the error “can't read file,” it’s likely due to a syntax issue or a problem with the exclusion list file. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and fix the issue:

Reason 1: Specify a folder path after /exclude

Make sure you add a file path instead of a folder path after the /exclude command. To have xcopy exclude folders, you should write the folder name in a text file (e.g. \My Music\) and then exclude the text file.

Reason 2: Incorrect path to the exclude file

If the path to the file containing the exclusion list is wrong or inaccessible, xcopy won't be able to read it. Ensure the path to the exclusion file is correct and properly quoted if it contains spaces.

Reason 3: Incorrect formatting of the exclusion file

• The exclusion list must contain one entry per line. Each line should represent the name of a file or folder to be excluded.
• Check that there are no extra spaces or special characters at the end of the lines, and ensure that each entry is properly formatted.

Reason 4: Permissions issue

Make sure the exclusion file is readable by the current user, and you have appropriate permissions on both the source and destination directories. Run xcopy as an administrator if permissions could be a concern.

Conclusion

You can let xcopy exclude folders or files in folder while copying from one directory to another with simple steps. Likewise, you have better choice to do exclusion during file backup or file syncing with a comprehensive tool. As a robust backup solution, AOMEI Backupper earns good reputation among millions of users and many famous websites like CNET. Go for it to add extra layer of protection for your computer.