# FreeFileSync File Sync for Windows PC

- **Name:** FreeFileSync File Sync for Windows PC
- **Version:** 14.13
- **Developer:** FreeFileSync.org
- **License:** GPL v3
- **Platform:** Windows
- **Requires:** Windows 10 / 11
- **File type:** EXE Installer
- **Size:** 21.1 MB
- **Category:** System & Utilities
- **Updated:** 2026-10-18
- **SHA-256:** 550f3706696d6b630cc4f9ea77f6d4c70cb55cffb3be87b35d077ed9f5da212c
- **Canonical page:** https://filecobra.com/app/freefilesync-file-sync-pc/
- **Download page:** https://filecobra.com/download/freefilesync-file-sync-pc/
- **Direct download:** https://freefilesync.org/download/FreeFileSync_14.13_Windows_Setup.exe

> FreeFileSync is a free, open source folder comparison and synchronization tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux, developed by Zenju and licensed under the GPL. It compares folders by file time and size (or content), shows…

FreeFileSync is a free, open-source folder comparison and synchronization tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux, developed by Zenju and licensed under the GPL. It compares folders by file time and size (or content), shows exactly what will happen, then synchronizes with mirror, two-way, update, or custom rules — including versioning that keeps deleted and overwritten files in a timestamped folder. Batch jobs and RealTimeSync turn routine copies into automated, scheduled workflows. It is the tool photographers use to mirror memory cards, offices use to keep shared folders identical, and cautious users pick for backups they can actually inspect. The installer is clean and ad-free (bundled offers were removed years ago) — just download from the official site.

## Installation

1. **Download the installer** — Download FreeFileSync from the official vendor link on this page.
2. **Run the setup** — Open the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen installation steps.
3. **Launch the app** — Start FreeFileSync from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

## Editorial verdict

FreeFileSync is the synchronization tool for people who want to see what is going to happen before it happens. The side-by-side comparison, the explicit sync preview, and the versioning safety net make it the trustworthy choice for mirroring photo libraries, keeping work folders identical across drives, and building backup routines you can audit. It is refreshingly honest software: what you see is what will sync.

The two caveats are both about attention, not quality. The installer needs a careful eye to decline the bundled offers, and the sync modes demand that you understand mirror versus two-way before clicking go. Give it that attention and it rewards you with years of boring, reliable service — and in backup software, boring is the highest compliment.

RealTimeSync is the feature that turns FreeFileSync from a tool into infrastructure: point it at a folder pair and it watches for changes, triggering syncs automatically — a poor man’s continuous backup that actually works. Photographers tether it to memory-card imports; small offices run batch jobs overnight to mirror shared drives. The versioning folder is the safety net that makes automation sane: even a misconfigured job only moves files into timestamped archives instead of destroying them. Learn the sync modes once, automate forever.

### Strengths

- Free and open source under the GPL — full sync engine with no paid tier, no feature gates, and a clean ad-free installer.
- Visual comparison shows exactly what will be copied, updated, or deleted before anything happens.
- Mirror, two-way, update, and custom sync modes plus file versioning cover every sane synchronization need.
- Batch jobs and RealTimeSync automate routine copies and backups on a schedule or on change. Jobs can mirror to network drives, external disks, or SFTP servers, so one tool covers local and remote targets alike.
- Cross-platform and portable-friendly; the same jobs run on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

### Trade-offs

- The interface is dense with options (mirror, update, two-way, custom) that can confuse beginners; picking the wrong sync mode has consequences.
- The interface is dense with options (mirror, update, two-way, custom) that can confuse beginners; picking the wrong sync mode has consequences.
- Large first-time syncs over slow network drives can take a long time, and the progress estimates are optimistic.

## FAQ

**Is FreeFileSync really free?**

Yes. The program is free and open source under the GPL, and the installer is clean — optional bundled offers were removed back in v10 (2018), a fact the vendor’s FAQ confirms. A donation edition is also available to support development.

**What is the difference between Mirror, Two-Way, and Update?**

Mirror makes the target identical to the source (deletions propagate); Two-Way merges changes from both sides; Update copies new and changed files without deleting anything. When in doubt, preview first and use versioning.

**Can I recover files if a sync goes wrong?**

Yes. Enable versioning in the sync settings and FreeFileSync keeps replaced and deleted files in a timestamped folder, so a bad sync is recoverable.

**FreeFileSync or rclone?**

Both are excellent and free. FreeFileSync is a GUI-first tool with visual comparison and RealTimeSync automation; rclone is a command-line powerhouse with 70+ cloud backends. For local folders and network drives, FreeFileSync is friendlier; for cloud storage and scripting, rclone wins.

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Source: https://filecobra.com/app/freefilesync-file-sync-pc/ · Mirrored from the publisher's own release channel by FileCobra. FileCobra runs no antivirus lab of its own.
