FastCopy 4 is now available

Martin Brinkmann
Jan 25, 2022
Windows software
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26

FastCopy, a Windows tool that is designed to speed up and improve copy processes on Windows machines, has reached version 4 recently. The developer of the application released FastCopy 4, 4.01, and 4.0.2 in rapid succession this week.

The last review of FastCopy here on this site dates back to 2008 when I reviewed version 3.30 of the application. FastCopy works differently than TeraCopy, another popular file copying tool, as it is a standalone program and does not take over Windows' own copy processes.

FastCopy version 4 adds several new features to the application, but first the basics. FastCopy is compatible with Windows 7 and newer versions of Windows. It can be installed or extracted and run as a portable version.

Some of its features include multi-threaded read, write and verify operations, support for unicode and paths that exceed the 260 character limit, and that it is not a resource hog because of the way it is designed.

FastCopy 4 introduces two new command line tools: FcHash.exe is a hash computer that supports several hash algorithms, including SHA256 and SHA512. It can be used to compute hashes recursively.

The second command line tool is for FastCopy itself. It is now possible to use it, besides fastcopy.exe, to run commands from the command line.

The new version introduces several other features:

  • Support for OpenSSL.
  • Reduced processor usage when using SHA-256 (about 2/3 less than before).
  • Added option to record hash values without verifying.
  • Added option to always use Low I/O.
  • Added SHA-512 verify mode.
  • Added deleted before copying option in synchronous mode.
  • Improved the hard drive I/O speed.
  • Improved the xxHash speed.

The remaining changes fix issues in the application. Versions 4.0.1 and 4.0.2 address issues in FastCopy 4 and 4.0.1 respectively.

FastCopy is an easy to use program. It is especially useful when you are copying large amounts of data, as File Explorer is not suited for these operations. File Explorer transfers will take longer to complete and they may be more taxing to the system. With FastCopy, you get the additional benefit of verifications, which provides you with proof that the copied files are not corrupt.

The program supports advanced features, such as wiping disk space after operations, changing advanced parameters such as the buffer size, enabling Shell Extension functionality to access the program from the right-click menu or via drag & drop, and more.

A new GitHub repository was created recently that is already being issued for issues reporting and information.

Now You: do you use third-party file copy programs? (via Deskmodder)

Summary
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5 based on 7 votes
Software Name
FastCopy 4
Operating System
Windows
Software Category
File Management
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Comments

  1. Charlie said on March 29, 2022 at 7:58 pm
    Reply

    As a Windows Admin that handles TB of data for thousands of users, I do not need fancy GUI. FastCopy in the Windows Admin toolkit regarding ACLs/ADS and speed to any destination is a must. Migrating data from server to server makes it unbeatbale and no installation of the EXE is necessary. You guys can play with your GUI all you want but when it is migrations, large quantity of copies, etc – FastCopy has been dependable for years in my line of work.

  2. jessicaa said on February 6, 2022 at 2:33 pm
    Reply

    GS Richcopy360 and Teracopy are robust and more advanced

    1. IT Guy said on February 29, 2024 at 10:27 pm
      Reply

      No they are bloated and hogs resources.

  3. Anonymous said on January 27, 2022 at 2:39 pm
    Reply

    I found the portable version on https://fastcopy.jp/archive/FastCopy4.0.2_x64.zip

    1. SundarZuckerberg said on February 5, 2022 at 3:25 am
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      Newest version by just adding version number into the url.

      https://fastcopy.jp/archive/FastCopy4.0.4_x64.zip

      1. Anonymous said on March 25, 2023 at 2:47 pm
        Reply

        Thank you for this info, it’s much appreciated. Can confirm: I used the syntax of your url to get the newest version.

  4. owl said on January 27, 2022 at 10:33 am
    Reply

    In my experience, FastCopy is my absolute favorite.
    About FastCopy
    https://fastcopy.jp/help/fastcopy_eng.htm#about

    FastCopy is a product that has been developed and supported by Shirouzu Hiroaki (Japanese), but since there are many overseas users, he had moved the “Issues” to the GitHub repository in order to provide more streamlined development support.
    However, the main articles have not been migrated to the GitHub repository, and are only detailed on the FastCopy site as before.
    https://fastcopy.jp/

    FastCopy Help (FAQ)
    https://fastcopy.jp/help/fastcopy_eng.htm
    Company Information: FastCopy Lab, LLC.
    https://fastcopy.jp/company.html

    Note: If you need the Portable version, please use the “Extract” button in the installer.

    1. owl said on January 27, 2022 at 11:53 am
      Reply

      Text correction
      Wrong: but since there are many overseas users, he had moved the “Issues” to the GitHub repository in order to provide more streamlined development support.
      Correct: but since there are also many foreign users, he had moved the “Issues” to the GitHub repository to provide more streamlined development support.

  5. GoodMeasure said on January 27, 2022 at 9:17 am
    Reply

    I wish someone would create a front end for Fast Copy. Great program; less than ideal UI, especially if you don’t use it that often.

    1. owl said on January 27, 2022 at 11:09 am
      Reply

      Certainly, with regard to “UI”, people who like the modern user interface these days (at the support forum in Japan) frequently raised requests for improvement.
      In response, the developer replied, “I am creating a program that is as simple as possible in order to ensure the high-speed performance and high reliability of the program.”
      > It runs fast and does not hog resources, because MFC is not used. (Designed using Win32 API and C Runtime only)

      Nirsoft’s products are also developed with the same values, and their UI is still classical.

      1. GoodMeasure said on January 31, 2022 at 6:08 am
        Reply

        Thanks owl! I understand the idea that the simplicity equals speed. And I use and love Nirsoft’s software (and I like the simple old school, predictable UI on it). Perhaps the intent with the UI in Fast Copy is somewhat “lost in translation” to English.

        I see that Fast Copy had another update today. It is really good, and what I use when I have big copy/move jobs. I just have to spend a while reading through it if its been a while since I used it.

      2. owl said on January 31, 2022 at 7:41 am
        Reply

        @GoodMeasure,

        Thanks for your sincere reply.
        I share your perception.
        For a foreigner, it’s hard to have documents (FAQ, etc.) that are mainly in Japanese. I really appreciate your hard work.

        Since the Fast Copy program is the work of a Japanese individual, the support (documentation, etc.) in other languages is poor.
        Since the user base is not limited to Japan, and the number of foreign users is increasing, I feel that at least English support should be enhanced. The author seems to feel the same way, and has moved only “Issues” to the GitHub repository.
        Since he is the only one doing development support, he can’t seem to get around to providing multi-language support.

        I can’t help with the translation (Japanese > English) of the Fast Copy program (I can’t promise I will) because I’m practicing the “slow living” of digital detox,
        https://www.ghacks.net/2022/01/30/what-happens-to-all-the-windows-10-devices-that-are-incompatible-with-windows-11-in-2025/#comment-4514402
        However, you might want to submit a request to “Issue”.

      3. GoodMeasure said on February 12, 2022 at 5:45 pm
        Reply

        Hi owl! Sorry, I just came back here to see your response. I have long appreciated and respected your opinions in the comments here in ghacks. I looked at your “slow living” link. Wow! I will admit I am touched. We must all remember to be thankful for what we have. Thank you.

  6. ULBoom said on January 27, 2022 at 3:46 am
    Reply

    The Command Prompt is considerably faster than drag and drop, cut and paste, etc. Not sure why.

  7. Oggy said on January 27, 2022 at 2:46 am
    Reply
    1. Anonymous said on February 3, 2022 at 9:49 am
      Reply

      Besides the PortableApps version, you can also use the self-extract button from the Fastcopy Installer to obtain a portable copy of Fastcopy:

      https://fastcopy.jp/help/fastcopy_eng.htm#install

      http://www.portablefreeware.com/index.php?id=1437

      However, PortableApps is more convenient as it is pre-packaged with both the x64 and x86 versions of Fastcopy and can run in either Windows x86 or x64 architecture systems. This is useful when carrying a portable copy of Fastcopy in a USB stick around. It can also auto-update to the latest version via the in-built PortableApps.com Platform Updater once a new version is released by PortableApps.com.

      Fastcopy is already at 4.0.4 (2022/02/02) while the PortableApps version is currently at 4.0.3 at the moment.

      https://fastcopy.jp/

      https://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/fastcopy-portable

      HTH.

      Cheers.

      Anonymous.

  8. Anonymous said on January 26, 2022 at 2:21 pm
    Reply

    Unlike the previous version there is no portable version

  9. netscape 4tw said on January 26, 2022 at 3:04 am
    Reply

    Isn’t TeraCopy Pro where it’s at?

    1. Daffy Jones said on January 26, 2022 at 11:47 am
      Reply

      Imagine spending $25 on a file copier when there are free and open source alternatives available

    2. ilev said on January 26, 2022 at 11:37 am
      Reply

      I use TeraCopy Pro version 3.9.0.
      For me it is better than FastCopy as I usually select multiple source folders /files to multiple destination folders and TeraCopy creates a queue…

      1. Nonsensese said on January 26, 2022 at 10:46 pm
        Reply

        FWIW, FastCopy will wait for other transfers using the same drive to finish before continuing the copy/etc. operation, which is essentially a queue system.

        FastCopy is truly the epitome of janky programmer’s UI, but once you get used to it, it’s pretty nice to use.

        One thing most people seem to overlook is FastCopy’s default “sync copy” behavior (also with an additional “delete if file doesn’t exist on destination” feature), which is really nice for, well, synchronizing things. It’s like a poor man’s Bvckup 2, without the in-file delta copy feature.

        Oh, yeah, and it’s very speedy.

  10. VioletMoon said on January 25, 2022 at 8:51 pm
    Reply

    I find it odd that only one file copy program would be mentioned when there are so many other options. I gave up on TeraCopy a number of years ago because of errors and went to UltraCopier.

    For anyone interested in the long ago results, Raymond CC still has a link to his testing [which demonstrates the way “it used to be” with tech bloggers–thorough and skillful results].

    https://www.raymond.cc/blog/12-file-copy-software-tested-for-fastest-transfer-speed/view-all/

    Maybe the writer’s experience with FastCopy is such that no other file copy program needs reviewing or mention. It is a great program.

  11. Belga said on January 25, 2022 at 2:09 pm
    Reply

    For my limited use, I always use “ExtremeCopy” (designated at the time as the best, but not updated since november 2020).
    https://github.com/kevinwu1024/ExtremeCopy
    http://www.easersoft.com/

    1. Paul(us) said on January 25, 2022 at 10:13 pm
      Reply

      ExtremeCopy pro 2.3.4 (feb. 2019) is still the superiour File transfer program.

      1. Alex said on January 26, 2022 at 5:35 am
        Reply

        Superior how? Have there been benchmarks?

      2. Alex said on January 26, 2022 at 5:53 am
        Reply

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