Error Copying File or Folder During FTP Transfers in Windows Explorer? This is a common issue when using Windows File Explorer as an FTP client. If you have ever tried transferring files from an FTP server using Windows Explorer, especially large files, you may have seen transfers fail at the very last second or stop with a timeout error.
This is not a server issue. It is a known limitation of the built in FTP functionality in Windows Explorer. Unlike dedicated FTP clients, Windows Explorer lacks advanced connection handling, timeout controls, and recovery options required for reliable FTP transfers.
FTP Error Copying File or Folder in Windows Explorer
When copying or moving files from an FTP server using Windows File Explorer, you may encounter the following error message:
Error Copying File or Folder:
An error occurred while copying the file. The operation timed out.
This error copying file or folder problem most often appears when transferring large files or when a connection briefly stalls during the final stage of a transfer.
Why Windows Explorer FTP Transfers Fail
The FTP client built into Windows Explorer was never designed for heavy or professional file transfer tasks. It is extremely basic and lacks critical features needed for stability.
Key limitations include:
- No configurable FTP timeout settings
- No control over active or passive FTP modes
- No resume support for interrupted transfers
- Poor error handling and retry logic
- No native support for SFTP or FTPS
Because of these limitations, Windows Explorer FTP transfers frequently fail on slow networks, firewalled connections, or when moving large files.
Quick Fix: Stop Using Windows Explorer for FTP
The most reliable solution is simple: do not use Windows Explorer for FTP transfers.
Instead, use a dedicated FTP client designed to handle large files, unstable connections, and modern security requirements.
Recommended Solution: Use a Dedicated FTP Client
For a free, lightweight, and portable FTP client, I recommend i.Ftp.
i.Ftp is fast, reliable, and runs without installation. You can launch it directly from a USB drive, making it ideal for troubleshooting, system recovery, or working across multiple computers.
Download and learn more about i.Ftp here
Why i.Ftp Works When Windows Explorer Fails
- Active and Passive mode control
- Resume support for interrupted transfers
- SFTP and FTPS support for secure connections
- Transfer queues and detailed logs
- Portable and does not require installation
These features eliminate the timeout and error copying file or folder issues commonly seen in Windows Explorer.
Windows Explorer FTP vs Dedicated FTP Client
| Feature | Windows Explorer FTP | Dedicated FTP Client |
|---|---|---|
| Large file reliability | No | Yes |
| Resume failed transfers | No | Yes |
| Passive mode control | No | Yes |
| SFTP and FTPS | No | Yes |
| Transfer logs | No | Yes |
| Portable use | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows Explorer FTP time out on large files?
Windows Explorer uses a very basic FTP engine with no advanced timeout handling. Large files often exceed the internal timeout limits, causing the transfer to fail near completion.
Can I increase FTP timeout settings in Windows Explorer?
No. Windows does not expose configurable FTP timeout or retry settings for Explorer based transfers.
Is this issue present in Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes. The Windows Explorer FTP implementation has not significantly changed and still suffers from the same limitations.
Is i.Ftp really free and portable?
Yes. i.Ftp is completely free, requires no installation, and runs directly from removable media.
Are there alternatives to i.Ftp?
Yes. Other reliable FTP clients include FileZilla, WinSCP, and Cyberduck. i.Ftp is favored for its simplicity and portability.
Final Thoughts
If you are seeing Error Copying File or Folder while transferring files over FTP in Windows Explorer, the problem is not your server and not your connection. It is a limitation of Windows itself.
Stop fighting failed transfers and timeout errors. Switch to a proper FTP client and your file transfers will complete faster, more reliably, and without frustration.