How to Copy Only Newer or Changed Files on Windows
When backing up or syncing folders, copying every file from scratch wastes time and bandwidth. Skipping files that haven't changed since your last backup keeps things fast and efficient - especially when working with large media libraries, project folders, or network drives.
TeraCopy makes this straightforward. It detects file conflicts automatically and lets you choose exactly how to handle them, including an option to overwrite only older files and skip everything else.
Step-by-step: Copy only newer files with TeraCopy
- Start copy with drag and drop or copy and paste.
- When TeraCopy encounters a file that already exists at the destination, a conflict dialog appears.
- Select Overwrite all older files to replace only files where the source is newer than the destination copy.
- All files that are already up to date will be skipped automatically.
For unattended or recurring backups, you can set the conflict rule before starting the transfer so TeraCopy handles everything without prompting. This is especially useful for scheduled or large overnight transfers where you don't want to be interrupted by prompts
Frequently asked questions
Does TeraCopy compare file contents or just timestamps?
By default TeraCopy compares file modification timestamps and sizes. The "Overwrite all older files" rule uses the last-modified date to determine which file is newer. Files with exactly the same timestamp and size usually have the same content and can be skipped safely. If you're unsure, use the verify operation after copying to confirm files match.
How to set a default conflict rule before copying?
- Click the Options tab in TeraCopy.
- Under Prompt on filename collision, choose your preferred rule from the dropdown.
- Select Overwrite all older files to always keep the most recent version.
- Start your copy - TeraCopy will apply this rule automatically throughout the entire operation.
What happends in unattended transfer if default conflict rule is not set?
TeraCopy will automatically use the "Skip All" option after 30 seconds if there is no mouse or keyboard activity.
Can I set a default conflict rule from the command line?
Yes. You can use switches from the table below.
All TeraCopy conflict resolution options
TeraCopy gives you precise control over what happens when a file already exists at the destination.
| Option | Description | Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Overwrite all | Replaces all conflicting files in the operation. | /OverwriteAll |
| Skip all | Ignores all conflicting files during the operation. | /SkipAll |
| Keep both | Retains both files by renaming the new one. | |
| Overwrite all older files | Replaces existing files that are older than the new files. | /OverwriteOlder |
| Replace all smaller files | Replaces existing files that are smaller in size than the new files. | |
| Replace all files if size different | Replaces existing files only when their size differs from the new files. | /OverwriteDiffSize |
| Rename all copied files | Renames new files that conflict with existing ones by appending a number, e.g., filename.ext → filename (2).ext. | /RenameCopied |
| Rename all target files | Renames existing files that conflict with the incoming ones. | /RenameDestination |
| Rename all older target files | Renames older existing files that conflict with the incoming ones. | |
| Rename target files with different timestamps | Files with the same date and time will be skipped. If the source file is either newer or older, the target file will be renamed before copying. | /OverwriteDiffSize |