Windows robocopy /z equivalent in Linux
Keeps partial transfers and shows transfer progress.
robocopy /z
rsync -a --partial --progress source/ destination/
rsync -a --partial --progress source/ destination/
rsync -a --partial --progress source/ destination/
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "robocopy /z" is used to resume interrupted copy. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "rsync -a --partial --progress source/ destination/". Keeps partial transfers and shows transfer progress. 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 robocopy /z maps to rsync -a --partial --progress 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
Resume interrupted copy
Keeps partial transfers and shows transfer progress.
rsync -a --partial --progress source/ destination/
Resume interrupted copy
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 -a --partial --progress source/ destination/
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: robocopy /z
rsync -a --partial --progress source/ destination/Reference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
rsync -a --partial --progress source/ destination/ | Resume interrupted copy |
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 -a --partial --progress 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 -a --partial --progress source/ destination/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | rsync -a --partial --progress source/ destination/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | rsync -a --partial --progress source/ destination/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
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