This free tool moves files much faster than Windows Explorer

For basic file operations, Windows Explorer does the job. Drag a few documents between folders, and you won’t notice anything wrong. But when you’re moving hundreds of gigabytes to another computer or copying a large backup across your network, Explorer starts to struggle. Transfers slow down unpredictably, sometimes stalling entirely, and a single problematic file can halt the entire process without telling you why.

I’ve dealt with this enough times running on Windows 11 Pro that I started looking for alternatives. FastCopy, a free utility that’s been around for years, handles bulk transfers more reliably than Explorer. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done faster.

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FastCopy handles large transfers without the bloat

It’s free and does one thing very well

FastCopy is a free file copy utility developed in Japan and actively maintained since 2004. It’s designed for one purpose, which is moving files as quickly as your hardware allows. It bypasses Windows shell operations, and that’s why it outperforms Explorer on larger jobs.

The speed difference comes down to how FastCopy handles read and write operations. Explorer processes files through multiple system layers, adding overhead with each transfer. FastCopy uses direct I/O and optimized buffer management to keep your drives working at full capacity with no unnecessary pauses between batches. The entire application is under 5MB. You can run it as a portable tool from a USB drive without installing anything, which makes it useful when you’re working on someone else’s machine or don’t want another program cluttering your system.

To put actual numbers on this, I transferred a 15.7GB folder with multiple files to an external M.2 NVMe SSD. Explorer finished in 27.2 seconds. FastCopy, with a 1024MB buffer, completed the same transfer in 20.7 seconds — roughly 24% faster. The gap widens further on slower drives or larger transfers where Explorer’s overhead adds up.

FastCopy works with internal drives, external storage, and network locations. I’ve used it to back up projects and move large files to an external SSD. It handles both scenarios without the random slowdowns Explorer tends to throw in halfway through a transfer.

The lack of bloat extends to system resources as well. FastCopy barely registers in Task Manager while running, leaving your CPU and memory free for other work. If you’ve ever had Explorer’s copy dialog freeze your system during a heavy transfer, you’ll appreciate how lightweight this tool actually is.

Setting up FastCopy on Windows 11 is simple

The interface looks old, but everything you need is right there

Head to fastcopy.jp and download the latest version. You’ll see options for both an installer and a portable ZIP file. The installer automatically adds shell integration, while the portable version lets you run the program from anywhere without touching your system. I prefer the installer for daily use since it saves a few clicks later.

The interface looks dated, but it’s functional. Once installed, you’ll see Source and DestDir fields at the top, a mode dropdown menu, and an Execute button. The Buffer(MB) field and Full Speed slider sit on the right side of the main window. That’s really all you need to start copying files.

However, the mode dropdown menu deserves attention:

• Diff (No Overwrite) only copies files that don’t exist at the destination.
• Diff (Size/Date) compares file sizes and timestamps before copying.
• Copy (Overwrite All) does exactly what it says.

For backups, I stick with Diff (Size/Date) because it skips unchanged files and saves considerable time on repeat transfers.

Adjusting the buffer size

You can set the buffer directly from the main window using the Buffer(MB) field. The default 512MB works for most situations. For more granular control, click Option in the menu bar, then select Main Settings and choose I/O Settings from the sidebar.

Here you’ll find additional options like I/O unit, OverLap I/O, and a checkbox to prioritize other applications during transfers. If you’re copying to an SD card, keep the “For SD cards, don’t use OverLap I/O” option enabled, as it prevents compatibility issues with certain cards.

Shell integration makes FastCopy feel like a native part of Windows. If you used the installer, this should already be enabled. If not:

1. Click Option in the menu bar, then select Main Settings.
2. Select Shell Extension from the sidebar on the left, then enable it.
3. Check the boxes for the operations you want available in your context menu.
4. Click OK to apply.

Now, right-clicking any file or folder in Explorer shows FastCopy options directly in the context menu.

Setting up post-transfer actions

Large transfers can take hours, and watching a progress bar isn’t productive. FastCopy can notify you or perform actions when operations complete:

1. Click Option in the menu bar.
2. Hover over Post-Process (Normal) to see available options.
3. Select your preferred action — options typically include Standby, Shutdown, or running a custom command.

This way, you can walk away from your desk and let the notification tell you when the job is done.

These advanced features ensure your data stays safe

Verification and filtering make it better

The main FastCopy window includes several checkboxes that go beyond basic copying. Verify compares the source and destination files after transfer to confirm that nothing was corrupted. Nonstop keeps the operation running even when individual files fail; errors are logged instead of halting everything. Both options sit right next to the Execute button.

ACL preserves file permissions during transfers, which matters if you’re moving files between NTFS drives where access controls need to stay intact. AltStream keeps NTFS alternate data streams attached to files. Most people don’t need these, but they can be important when migrating system files or application data.

The Include and Exclude fields at the bottom of the window let you target specific files. Check the Filter box to enable them. You can use wildcards like *.jpg to copy only images, or exclude temporary files with patterns like *.tmp. This saves time when you only need certain file types from a large folder.

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FastCopy fits into more workflows than you’d expect

FastCopy also works well for scheduled backups when paired with Task Scheduler and its command-line mode. If you manage multiple machines, keep the portable version on a USB drive alongside your other troubleshooting tools. If you manage media libraries or work with large video files, the filter options let you sync only what’s changed without scanning everything. Explorer still handles quick file moves fine — but for anything substantial, FastCopy does the job faster and with fewer surprises.