Developer(s) Code Sector Platform IA-32, x86-64 | Development status Stable | |
Initial release 16 May 2007; 9 years ago (2007-05-16) Stable release 3.0 / 23 February 2017; 31 days ago (2017-02-23) Operating system | ||
TeraCopy is a freeware Windows file transfer utility designed as an alternative and an optional replacement for the built-in Windows Explorer file transfer features. As such, its focus is data integrity, file transfer reliability and the ability to pause or resume file transfers.
Contents
Design
TeraCopy uses dynamically adjusted buffers to reduce seek times. Asynchronous copy speeds up file transfer between two physical hard drives. The processes can be paused or resumed.
In case of transfer errors, TeraCopy will try several times; after that, it skips the faulty file and proceeds with the rest of the operation. TeraCopy also shows failed file transfers and allows the user to fix the problem and recopy the problematic files. TeraCopy offers no explanation for skipped files; it simply reports them as "Skipped". It may skip copying for numerous reasons that the user could correct if they were known, such as a too-long file name.
TeraCopy can replace Explorer copy and move functions. The author asserts that it has full Unicode support.
This software integrates into the Windows operating system and (optionally) may replace the native move/copy command handler of Windows Explorer.
Licensing
TeraCopy is freeware but may only be used in a non-commercial environment. TeraCopy Pro, a shareware version of the application, adds additional features such as having a list of favorite folders to be used as a copy destination and the ability to modify the copy queue.
Reception
In 2007, Ionut Ilascu from Softpedia.com commended the application on its ability for its error recovery functionality but concluded "TeraCopy is a lot faster than Windows Explorer on XP is, but only with proper defragmentation. On Vista, it moves a tad slower even if defragmentation of the disk has been performed."
In 2009 Jason Fitzpatrick from Lifehacker.com praised the usability by stating "It doesn't overwhelm you with a plethora of settings or options" but also called it "just advanced enough" and added that it provides enough advanced functionality. Subsequently, Lifehacker.com visitors voted TeraCopy by a large margin as the best Windows file copier out of four other contestants.
In a 2010 review CNET called it a "nifty piece of freeware" and recommended it for all Windows users.