Fix 'Error Copying File or Folder: Unspecified Error' on Windows 11/10

Overview

Encountering an unspecified error "error copying file or folder" while copying or transferring files on your Windows system is a common issue. Whether you're moving files from one folder to another, copying data to an external drive, or trying to backup important files, this error can be frustrating and time-consuming. The "Error Copying File or Folder: Unspecified Error" message is often accompanied by a prompt that halts the transfer, leaving you unsure of how to proceed.

Key Reasons Behind the "Error Copying File or Folder: Unspecified Error" on Windows 11/10

Understanding the key factors that trigger the "unspecified error while copying file or folder" can help you resolve the issue more effectively. The error typically happens due to:

🔔File/Folder Permissions Issues: The file or folder you are trying to copy may have restricted permissions, or you may not have the necessary privileges to access or modify it.

📂File Path Too Long: Windows has a path length limitation of 260 characters (including the file name and its folder path). If the file path exceeds this limit, you may encounter this error.

🔎File Corruption: The file or folder you are trying to copy may be corrupted, preventing it from being copied.

🛠️Antivirus or Third-Party Software Interference: Sometimes, security software (antivirus or firewall) can interfere with file operations, blocking the copying process.

🔋Insufficient Disk Space: If there is not enough free space on the destination drive, you may encounter the error.

💾USB Drive or External Device Issues: If you're trying to copy files to or from a USB drive or other external device, it may not be functioning properly or have been removed improperly.

🗂️File System Issues: The file system on the source or destination drive may have limitations that prevent the file from being copied. For instance, FAT32 cannot handle individual files larger than 4GB.

How to Fix "Error Copying File or Folder: Unspecified Error"

Now you've learned the possible reasons behind this error, let’s look at the solutions you can try to fix the unspecified error while copying file or folder on your Windows system. Based on the causes listed above, you can choose an appropriate method to resolve this error according to your actual situation.

Fix 1. Convert File System to NTFS or exFAT

One common cause of the error is incompatible file systems. If you are trying to copy large files (greater than 4GB) to a FAT32 drive, you might encounter this unspecified error. Converting the target drive to NTFS or exFAT can fix this problem. Here's how:

Step 1. Locate Command Prompt in the Start menu and run it as administrator.

Step 2. Enter the following command "convert X: /fs:ntfs" and hit the "Enter" key. Replace the drive letter with your actual target drive letter.

Step 3. Wait for the process to complete, then check if the drive’s file system is NTFS. Try copying files from the drive again to see if the error persists.

Notes:✎...

If you want to convert the file system to exFAT, the only method available is formatting. The commands mentioned above cannot convert FAT32 to exFAT.

Fix 2. Compress the File Before Transferring

If the files are too large but you don’t want to convert the file system, try compressing it into a ".zip" or ".rar" file before copying it to the destination. This may bypass some file transfer issues.

Step 1. Navigate to the folder or file you intend to copy in File Explorer.

Step 2. Right click on the file or folder and choose "Send to" from the context menu.

Step 3. Then, select "Compressed (zipped) folder".

You can now copy the ".zip" folder to your target location or storage device without encountering the unspecified error.

Fix 3. Extend the Target Partition

If your drive doesn’t have enough space, you may need to resize or extend the partition to ensure there’s enough room for the files.

Step 1. Press "Win" + "X" and choose "Disk Management" to open it.

Step 2. Locate the target partition from the list of partitions and right click on it, then choose "Extend Volume".

Step 3. Type the size you want (do not exceed the disk’s original capacity).

Fix 4. Clear Space on the Destination Drive

If the Extend Volume option looks gray (unclickable) to you, it means there’s no extra space on the disk to expand into. You can get more free space by tidying up your disk partitions. Windows offers a built-in tool—Disk Cleanup to help you clear the space.

Step 1. Type "Disk Cleanup" in the Start menu and open it.

Step 2. Select the target drive to clean.

Step 3. Scroll down and check the options you want to clean like Recycle Bin, temporary files, system files and more.

Fix 5. Change File or Folder Permission

Sometimes, permission issues prevent files from being copied and display the unspecified error while copying file or folder. You can modify the file’s permissions to gain access.

Step 1. Locate the file or folder in File Explorer and right click on it, then choose "Properties".

Step 2. Go to the "Security" tab and click "Edit".

Step 3. Select your user account and check "Allow" for "Full control".

Fix 6. Remove Write-Protection on the Target Drive

If the file copy process is blocked by write protection on the target external drive or USB stick, it can also cause the "error copying file or folder: unspecified error" to occur. You can remove it using the following steps:

Step 1. Open Command Prompt and run it as administrator.

Step 2. Enter the following command:

• diskpart
• list disk
• select disk X (Replace the drive letter "X" with your actual drive letter)
• attributes disk clear readonly

Once the command is complete, try copying files to the drive to check if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 7. Temporarily Disable Real-Time Protection

Sometimes, Windows Defender or third-party antivirus programs can block file transfers. Temporarily disable the real-time protection feature to allow the transfer.

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Security" > "Virus & Threat Protection" > "Manage settings".

Step 2. Switch the "Real-Time protection to "Off".

How to Recover Lost Files When Copying Failure

If you accidentally lose files after the unspecified error showing, don’t worry! As a professional data recovery software, MyRecover can help you recover your lost data even the files were lost in cut and paste. Additionally, MyRecover covers over 500 data loss scenarios on Windows, such as deleted partitions, formatted drives, inaccessible USBs, and emptied Recycle Bins. Follow these steps to recover lost files:

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your computer from Microsoft Store, avoid installing it on the drive with lost files.

Step 2. Launch the program and select the drive where the lost files were stored to scan, then click "Scan".

Step 3. Under the "Path" or "Type" tab, choose the files you wish to recover from the recoverable lists and click "Recover".

Step 4. Save the recovered files to a safe location (not the original drive).

Once the process is done, the message "Files have been recovered successfully" will pop up. Then, you can access the recovered files by clicking on the "Browse" button.

The Bottom Line

When the "Error copying file or folder: unspecified error" reappears and interrupts your file copying process, you now know what to do. Using these seven methods above, you can fix the error and successfully complete the data transfer. If you’ve lost files due to the error, MyRecover is your go-to solution for safe and efficient data recovery. Make sure to back up your important files regularly to avoid data loss in the future.