File Transfer Stops/Freezes in Windows 10 | Solved

Are you confronted with the problem that file transfer freezes in Windows 10? Don’t worry! Read this article patiently to get four effective solutions and a free file transfer tool to help you.

Lily

By Lily Updated on June 7, 2024

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🌟 Key Takeaways:

Causes

Solutions

🙁Transfer blocked by antivirus software

🙂Solution 1: Disable antivirus software

🙁File system errors on the source or destination disk

🙂Solution 2: Run chkdsk on both disks

🙁File size limitation of a certain file system

🙂Solution 3: Convert FAT/FAT32 to NTFS

🙁Excessive CPU or RAM usage

🙂Solution 4: Transfer files in Safe Mode

Need help: file transferring pauses/freezes

“I'm moving a large file from an SSHDD to an SSD. It will either crawl at kbps speeds, go up to 50mbp and max out at 260 before coming to a screeching halt. I'll wait a few minutes and it will repeat the cycle. Also does this on smaller files too.
The computer runs perfectly fine and explorer doesn't even crash. Any ideas?”

– Tenforums.com

It is not an uncommon issue that file transfer speed drops to zero in Windows 10. It happens when you transfer files between two internal hard drives, between an internal and external hard drive, or over a network, etc. You may wonder, “Why did my file transfer stop?” Following are the possible reasons:

  • Transfer blocked by antivirus software
  • File system errors on the source or destination disk
  • File size limitation of a certain file system
  • Excessive CPU or RAM usage

No matter which is your case, you can find the corresponding solution from the next part.

How to fix file transfer stops in Windows 10 easily

When you encounter file transfer freezes in Windows 10, the first thing you can do is to pause and resume or cancel and restart the transfer process. If it doesn’t work, then try the solutions offered below.

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If you want a faster way to transfer a bunch of files, you can try the best free file transfer software for Windows PC.

Solution 1: Disable antivirus software

Sometimes antivirus software can prevent certain files from being transferred. In this case, you can disable antivirus software temporarily and enable it again after all files are transferred.

Solution 2: Run chkdsk on both disks

CHKDSK is a Windows utility that can check the integrity of your hard disk and fix various file system errors. You can run chkdsk on both the source and destination disk to fix Windows 10 file transfer stuck.

1. Type cmd into the search box. When Command Prompt shows up, click Run as administrator.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk G: /f /r /x and press Enter. You should change “G:” to the drive letter of your source and destination disk.

CHKDSK

Tips:
● The meaning of the parameters used: “/f” tells chkdsk to fix any errors it finds; “/r” tells it to locate the bad sectors on the drive and recover readable information; “/x” forces the drive to be dismounted before chkdsk starts a scan.
● If you are checking disk errors on C drive, you’ll be asked to run a scan at your PC’s next restart. Type y to confirm. Then, exit Command Prompt and restart your computer.

3. Close Command Prompt and start file transfer again.

Solution 3: Convert FAT/FAT32 to NTFS

If you are transferring files to a USB drive, you may encounter Windows 10 large file copy fails because of the size limitation. Please note that FAT only supports a file up to 2GB and FAT32 supports up to 4GB while NTFS supports up to 16TB. In this condition, you can convert a USB drive from FAT/FAT32 to NTFS.

1. Press Win + E keys to open File Explorer.

2. Right-click on the USB drive and choose Format.

3. In the pop-up window, choose NTFS from the drop-down list of File system and click Start.

Format to NTFS

4. You will receive a warning of data loss. Click OK to begin converting to NTFS if you have already backed up important files. Finally, try file transfer again to see if it goes smoothly now.

Solution 4: Transfer files in Safe Mode

Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. It can help you solve the “file transfer slow” problem caused by excessive CPU or RAM usage.

1. Choose Power from the Start menu. Hold down the Shift key and click Restart.

2. Click the option Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings successively.

3. Under Startup Settings, click Restart.

Restart

4. Press 4 or F4 to choose Enable Safe Mode.

Enable Safe Mode

5. Log into Windows 10 Safe Mode with a user account with administrator permissions, and perform file transfer again.

Easily transfer data with a free file transfer tool

If you are tired of trying one solution after another, you can transfer files from one location to another with the best free file sync software – AOMEI Backupper Standard.

  • It can help you transfer files between various locations, such as from PC to USB drive, from external hard drive to PC, or from laptop to desktop, etc.
  • It enables you to update files automatically using the “Schedule Sync” feature.
  • It runs well on Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP.

Click the button below to download AOMEI Backupper and install it on your PC.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
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After launching this free file transfer tool, you’ll see a concise interface. Click Sync > Basic Sync, configure the source and destination directory, and click Start Sync to begin file transfer with AOMEI Backupper.

Basic Sync

Tip: If you are in need of more advanced sync modes like Mirror Sync and Two-Way Sync, please upgrade to higher editions.

Bonus Tip:

Besides you can easily transfer data with the free file transfer tool - AOMEI Backupper. This software also provides you with AOMEI cloud service, you can easily backup your files to cloud, so it's safer, no leakage of your data nor accidental data loss due to hard drive failure and other situations. After you sign up for an AOMEI account, it gives you 1TB of free storage space for 15 days.

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Verdict

You have learned four effective solutions to fix file transfer stops in Windows 10. If you prefer an easier way of data transfer, AOMEI Backupper can give you a hand. Besides the sync feature, it enables you to replace C drive with SSD and run bootable disk wipe. Don’t hesitate to try it out!

Lily
Lily · Editor
Lily Green joined AOMEI in 2018 and has since become a professional in the areas of data protection and data transfer. She is committed to helping users protect their precious computer data and troubleshoot Windows system errors. She consistently stays vigilant about the latest trends in technology, guaranteeing that the given information aligned with the ongoing advancements in the field.