---
id: data-transfers.parallel-transfers-setting
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/parallel-transfers-setting
category: "Data Transfers"
subcategory: "Speed and advanced options"
question: "What does the Parallel transfers setting do?"
alt_questions:
  - "files at once setting"
  - "how many files transfer simultaneously"
  - "should I increase parallel transfers"
  - "parallel transfers 8 default"
  - "transfer many small files faster"
short_answer: "Parallel transfers is how many different files move at once within a transfer (1–32, default 8). Raise it for many small files on a fast link; lower it for slow connections. It doesn't speed up one big file."
tags: ["parallel", "performance", "advanced options"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/streams-per-file-setting", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/why-is-my-transfer-slow", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/advanced-options-explained"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What does the Parallel transfers setting do?

**Parallel transfers** is how many different files move at the same time within one transfer, from 1 to 32. The default of 8 is a good balance for fast drives and connections.

- **Raise it** when you're sending lots of small files over a fast connection — more files in flight keeps it busy.
- **Lower it** (even to 1) to be gentle on a slow connection, a busy server or an older drive.

It doesn't speed up a single big file; that's what **Streams per file** is for.

Related: [Streams per file](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/streams-per-file-setting) · [Why is my transfer slow?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/why-is-my-transfer-slow)