1
Today, I learned that you can use the /mt switch with robocopy to make file transfers faster. I tried a few different options for /mt:#, including 1, 8, 17, 30, and 32. I found that 8 (the default) seemed to be the fastest for whatever reason.
I believe that /mt:1 is the same as not using /mt at all. But when I don't use /mt, the file transfer begins right away and I can see text scrolling by instantly. If I use the /mt switch, whether I put a number after it or not, and whatever number I use if I do, robocopy will get invoked, and displays the robocopy statement in the batch file for maybe 5-10 seconds and then executes (that's when I finally see text going by to indicate a file transfer).
I initially thought it could be that using the /mt switch means the batch file hangs for a few seconds while waiting for some multi-thread service or something. But I tried /mt:1, which should be the same as not using it, and it hangs just like when I specify any other number. The only time it starts file transfer right away is when the /mt switch is not used at all.
Obviously, I'm using /mt to make the script go faster. It only takes about 20-30 seconds depending on if /mt is used and what number I use, so every second counts in making this go faster. How can I get rid of the delay caused by using /mt? Pressing space or ENTER do nothing.
Here is what is being used:
robocopy "H:\LOS\DefaultCitrix\ChromeCitrix" "%userprofile%\Documents\ChromeCitrix" /e /w:1 /r:4 /mt:8
Use Process Explorer to watch Robocopy's Disk I/O while starting a copy with the /mt switch. You may find that it's actually working before the console output is updated. Also, /mt by itself defaults to 8 threads. – I say Reinstate Monica – 2017-08-31T01:20:42.997