What Happens When Windows Stops Copying Files Halfway 

Quick Tips

• A stopped file transfer can have many causes, from storage devices to the Windows operating system.
• You should ensure you have enough space and that your drive is formatted and optimized properly.
• A zealous antivirus might also be to blame.

You’re busy copying a file (or two) when suddenly it happens – nothing. Yes, the process seems to have frozen halfway, and you’re not sure what to do. Cancelling the transfer always takes forever, and resetting your machine runs the risk of corrupting the data or the drive it’s being sent to.

The key, apart from not panicking, is to troubleshoot the different causes and try the appropriate fix. This article is here to help you.

What Causes This Error?

A pause or freeze when transferring files has a number of potential causes, not always linked to storage. The major reasons include:

• A part of a file is missing (especially in the case of multi-part ZIP or RAR files)
• Not enough space on the target drive (external or internal)
• The file or files are corrupt or damaged
• Another program is using a file being transferred
• An antivirus has flagged a file as dangerous
• The copy load is quite heavy
• The Copy Utility itself is experiencing errors
• There is a problem with the target drive

Let’s look at some fixes to try now to resolve your particular problem.

What to Do When Windows Stops Copying Files

Give these troubleshooting tips below a try until your files can transfer without issue:

Clear Space

A major reason file transfers stop is the lack of space on the target drive. Check the storage on your USB, hard drive, or memory card before attempting anything else. This can be done by looking in “This PC” or by right-clicking the storage icon and clicking “Properties.”

Nearly full devices also tend to operate more slowly, so this may also explain the delay.

Optimize Your Drive

The Optimize utility is a good way to prime your storage device for better transfer. If you’re getting repeated copying errors on just one storage device, then this might be your answer. Here’s what to do:

Step 1. Type “Defragment and Optimize Drives” into the search bar and click the option.

Step 2. In the new window, choose the problematic drive and click the “Optimize” button. You’ll need admin privileges to continue.

Step 3. Allow the process to run. This may take a while.

Step 4. Once done, try to copy again.

Disable Your Antivirus

If you suspect that a certain file might be triggering your antivirus, then try disabling it before copying the file once again. You should be sure that you trust the file before doing this. If it works, you’ve found your problem.

Clean Boot

The problem may lie with the PC itself and the many processes clogging the memory. Performing a clean boot can give your machine a fresh start and may make the copying process easier. Here’s how:

Step 1. Open the Run Dialog (Win + R) and type “msconfig” before pressing “Enter.”

Step 2. In the “General” tab, select “Selective startup” and ensure the “Load system services” option is checked.

Step 3. In the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services” before clicking the “Disable all” button.

Step 4. Press “OK” and see if this solves things.

Format Your Drive

Certain drives come with different formats, which can cause clashes when copying files. NTFS, for example, won’t work with Macs. If you want to reformat your storage device, clear it first, then do the following:

Step 1. Right-click the icon of your storage device in Windows Explorer and click “Format.”

Step 2. In the Formatting dialog box, choose your preferred File system (exFAT is compatible with both Windows and Mac), enter a Volume label (the name of the drive), and select Quick format, then “Start.”

Step 3. Wait for your drive to format, then try copying again.