Use the registered copy handler for copy/move operations

[ilbalta]

What's the Problem?

Currently Files handles move/copy operations "internally", this is slower than explorer.exe (documented here) and does not support third party programs handling move/copy operations (e.g., TeraCopy).

Solution/Idea

It would be interesting to, instead, have the possibility to use the registered copy handler to allow a smooth integration of third party programs such as TeraCopy. This could also possibly make Files as fast as the default explorer as, it is my understanding, the registered copy handler by default is explorer.exe itself.

Alternatives

Currently I use the contextual menu for TeraCopy, this is clearly sub-optimal as it requires several more clicks for all move/copy operations (not only the right click but the TeraCopy contextual menu is hidden under the "... More >" entry)

Priorities

| Capability | Priority |
| Support other Copy Handlers | Must |
| Support the usage of the default registered Copy Handler | Should |

Files Version

Version: 2.0.34.0

Windows Version

Windows OS Version: 10.0.19044.1415

Comments

No response

[MalteTasler]

Just curious: Do you experience other advantages in using TeraCopy over the default Files copy operations besides increased speed?

[ilbalta]

If I have to perform several big move operations with TeraCopy I can easily schedule them (e.g., move game A from SSD to HDD, then move game B from HDD to SSD).
Also it checks for the operation to be successful, maybe it's placebo but it makes me feel safe :D

[DOWIT-JoelFrojmowicz]

+1 for Teracopy integration !

[Josh65-2201]

Asking @yaichenbaum for approval.

[yaira2]

I'm not familiar with this to know if we can integrate with them. Deferring to @gave92

[gave92]

I'm not familiar with this either. I know Teracopy registers itself as a drag&drop handler. Explorer++ code is a good place to see how to invoke it.

[yaira2]

@ilbalta I presume that this will be possible when we migrate to WinUI 3 so I'll approve this but we're going to need some help on this.

[thiagojramos]

The biggest reason that I still haven't migrated to files was the lack of this function.

[carlosvsilva]

I would also relieve Files copy operations to Microsoft's own robocopy "robust copy" which is command line, and would greatly complement Files GUI.

[vivadavid]

Just curious: Do you experience other advantages in using TeraCopy over the default Files copy operations besides increased speed?

I mostly use Teracopy for the hash verification: it gives me peace of mind.

It would be great to have support for programmes like Teracopy in the future.

[vivadavid]

Hi,

Sorry if I sound pushy, but are there any plans to support Teracopy (or similar programmes) in the foreseeable future? It's still a basic feature for me.

[Josh65-2201]

It will depend on when someone looks at working on this and the features might end up being built into Files instead.

[yaira2]

There are some really powerful tools out there that'll provide more functionality than Files probably ever will. I hope we can add support for them in the future but we can't really provide a timeframe.

[vivadavid]

There are some really powerful tools out there that'll provide more functionality than Files probably ever will. I hope we can add support for them in the future but we can't really provide a timeframe.

I understand: thank you for your reply.

[GameBurrow]

Feel this is really needed, especially since I am mostly a teracopy user but even then personally really don't like that the copy dialog is not very visible in Files: there is small copy indicator only in the window where you triggered it - it should be a separate window like native windows logic is or show up in notifications like some linux distros do it or at least show that small copy indicator on all Files open windows (and list all on-going copy processes there).

[Bobrokus]

+1 for TeraCopy integration 💯

[MattPolster]

Absolutely would love a data transfer option to allow files to just divert to explorers transfer GUI and natural functionality or to be able to use Teracopy, as it does definitely seem faster and just more of a preference thing. I think it would enhance files app greatly. Thanks for the great work so far!

[Bobrokus]

I'm not familiar with this either. I know Teracopy registers itself as a drag&drop handler. Explorer++ code is a good place to see how to invoke it.

It can also be used via command line.
See: https://support.codesector.com/en/articles/8789945-teracopy-command-line

[carlosvsilva]

Hi, any update on overall reliability of Files, file copy/move functionality? Thanks

[0x5bfa]

Which updates from when? We've made many improvements for reliability and performance. If you have an issue with that, please file another issue.

---

As for copy and move shell handler, I know IFileOperation windows api interface internally checks registered ICopyHook interfaces in Windows Registry and a class tries to instantiate that and calls it instead.
In fact IFileOperation accepts a flag FOFX_NOCOPYHOOKS not to use that copy hook while we don't use it.

The weird thing is we use IFileOperation in most places.

[yaira2]

Hi, any update on overall reliability of Files, file copy/move functionality? Thanks

Crashes are down by more than 50% in the last 2 months. There is always more to do, but this is incredible progress by the entire team.

[tiritibambix]

Hi there!
I stumbled upon this thread after doing a quick Google search. I'm also interested in learning how to prioritize Teracopy over Files for copying or cutting files and folders.
Could anyone share some insights on this? Thanks!

[vivadavid]

Hi there! I stumbled upon this thread after doing a quick Google search. I'm also interested in learning how to prioritize Teracopy over Files for copying or cutting files and folders. Could anyone share some insights on this? Thanks!

Hi! The feature hasn't been implented yet, as far as I know. The developers may clarify if it will be soon.