Windows xcopy /d equivalent in Linux
Copies files only when the source is newer than the target.
xcopy /d
rsync -au source/ destination/
rsync -au source/ destination/
rsync -au source/ destination/
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "xcopy /d" is used to copy only newer files. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "rsync -au source/ destination/". Copies files only when the source is newer than the target. This reference is grouped under File Management → Copy/Move.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows xcopy /d maps to rsync -au source/ destination/ for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux filesystem for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Copy only newer files
Copies files only when the source is newer than the target.
rsync -au source/ destination/
Copy only newer files
rsync --help
Show command help when supported
man rsync
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
rsync -au source/ destination/
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: xcopy /d
rsync -au source/ destination/Reference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
rsync -au source/ destination/ | Copy only newer files |
rsync --help | Show command help when supported |
man rsync | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "rsync -au source/ destination/" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | rsync -au source/ destination/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | rsync -au source/ destination/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | rsync -au source/ destination/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
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