cp

Before running this

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Syntax

UPPERCASE words are placeholders to replace. Brackets in the syntax line describe optional arguments; do not type those brackets literally.

cp [OPTIONS] SOURCE DESTINATION

Example

cp -i -- note.txt note-copy.txt

Expected result

A copy, with a prompt if the destination already exists.

Notes and traps

An ordinary copy can overwrite a destination. Directory trees need a recursive option such as -R.

Related commands

• PowerShell: Copy-Item
• CMD: copy

Related tasks may need different flags and have different semantics. Check the entry before translating a command between shells.

Updated 13 September 2026. Examples describe the expected behavior; not every platform is available for execution testing.