Windows File Explorer doesn’t allow copying of folders without the files within them. So, if you had to use the same folder structure multiple times for something, you’d have to either copy-paste the folders then delete all files manually or keep a template folder structure at hand to use when needed. Templates would do if you’re going to use the same structure repeatedly, but if what you want to do is a one-time task or if the folders keep changing, they are useless. A better way is to copy the folder structure itself. Below I have two methods to achieve this: From the command line and using a software.
Copy Folder Structure without Files from The Command Line
For this method we’re going to use XCOPY. The syntax of command is:
XCOPY source destination /T
Example:
XCOPY C:\Folder D:\Folder /T
That will duplicate C:\Folder structure in D:\Folder.
The above command copies only those folders that have files within them but exclude empty folders. If you’d like to include empty folders too in the process, add another parameter /E.
Example:
XCOPY C:\Folder D:\Folder /T /E
Software to Copy Folder Structure Without Files
If you prefer a GUI method, Miroirs is a free program that allows cloning of a directory structure without the files within them.
To use it, run the app, select your source folder for “Template Directory”, destination folder for “Target Location”, then click on Create button. You’ll have your skeleton folder structure ready. Optionally, you can choose to delete destination directory contents before starting the process.
Miroirs comes as an installer, however, you can use it as a portable app by carrying “Miroirs.exe” file on your USB flash drive.
It works on Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
Download: Miroirs