How to Copy Folder Only (Folder Structure) on Windows

If you’re looking to streamline your copy folder structure or set up a new workspace without dragging along old files, mastering the XCOPY command in Windows OS is essential.

This isn’t just about copying files; it’s about efficiency and structure—creating a clean slate of folder architecture without the clutter of past contents.

Let’s cut straight to the chase.

Why Copy Folder Structure?

Sometimes you need the skeleton without the body.

Maybe you’re setting up similar projects with the same directory structure, deploying software that requires a specific folder setup, or even creating a template for future use.

Copying just folder structure without files can save time and reduce errors in manual setup.

Using XCOPY to Copy Folder Structure Only

To copy only the folder structure (without the file contents) in Windows 10, you can use the Command Prompt with the xcopy command.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Admin

Right-click the Start button
Select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)“

Step 2: Craft Your Command

Here’s the syntax:

xcopy "C:\Source" "D:\Destination" /T /E

Replace “C:\Source” with your source directory path
Replace “D:\Destination” with where you want the structure copied
/T ensures only the directory structure is copied
/E includes all subdirectories, even if they are empty

Step 3: Execute and Evaluate

Hit Enter
Check your destination folder. You should see your directory tree, no files included

How to Extract Files from Many Folders at Once

Tips for Success

Permissions Matter: Make sure you have read access to the source and write access to the destination
Check Paths: Double-check your paths for typos. A wrong path means nothing happens
Use Quotes: Always use quotes around paths, especially if they contain spaces