A good finish layer which is free from surface crack is successfully fabricated by laser surface modification on copper. The microstructure, phase structure and tribological properties are investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD), as well as dry sliding wear test. The hardness and electrical conductivity tests are also carried out. The results indicate that the modified layer is composed of a fine and homogeneous microstructure, which has the characteristic of rapid solidification. The modified layer has a high average hardness of 625 HV0.1 and better wear resistance. The wear mass loss of the layer is only one fifth of that of pure copper. Additionally, the electrical conductivity is slightly lowered by laser surface modification. The improvement of hardness and wear resistance is attributed to refinement and solid solution strengthening in the modified layer. The level of the electrical conductivity depends on the dilution.