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FreeFileSync provides powerful folder comparison and synchronization features in an open-source package. It’s engineered for the highest performance and superior usability, featuring a streamlined interface that is neither restricted nor overloaded. This makes it an ideal high-performance file synchronization software.
FreeFileSync excels at synchronizing files between two folders or drives. You can either mirror two folders, creating an exact copy of the source folder, or perform two-way synchronization, which intelligently copies new or updated files in both directions, making it highly versatile and high-performance file synchronization software.
FreeFileSync offers robust support for Unicode and Networks, ensuring seamless operation across various environments. Its integrated synchronization database intelligently propagates deleted files and reliably detects conflicts. This high-performance file synchronization software supports multiple folder pairs, each with its own configuration, giving users maximum control and flexibility.
FreeFileSync provides full compatibility with advanced Windows file system structures, including Symbolic Links and Junction Points. Additionally, the program includes a specialized Update mode that efficiently copies only new or modified files, further enhancing its capabilities as a leading high-performance file synchronization software.
FreeFileSync Key Features:
- Detection of moved and renamed files
- Copy locked files using Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service. (Windows only)
- Support for multiple folder pairs with distinct configurations
- Compare files (byte-wise or by date) and synchronize them.
- Create Batch Jobs for automated synchronization with or without a GUI.
- Optimized performance with fully C++-based code.
- Transactional file copy
- Synchronization database for the propagation of deleted files and conflict detection
- Full support for Windows/Linux Symbolic Links and Windows Junction Points.
- Cross-Platform
- Full Unicode support.
- Native 32- and 64-bit builds
- Full network support.
- Offers native support for very long filenames that exceed the MAX_PATH limit of 260 characters.
- Copies NTFS alternate data streams, compressed, and encrypted file attributes.
- A streamlined, user-friendly interface that delivers only essential functionality without any feature bloat.
- Support for file sizes larger than 4 GB.
- The software lets you move files to the Recycle Bin instead of permanently deleting or overwriting them.
- Ignore directories “RECYCLER” and “System Volume Information” with the default filter.
- Delete before copying to avoid disk space shortages during large sync jobs.
- Filter functionality to include/exclude files from synchronization.
- Automatically handle daylight saving time changes on FAT/FAT32 volumes.
- The Portable version is available (selectable during installation).
- Opt in for automatic online updates.
- Localized versions are available in many languages.
- Create recurring backups with macros %time%, %date% within directory names
- Copy file creation/modification times when synchronizing.
- An advanced locking strategy is designed to manage multiple synchronization processes among writers sharing the same network resource.
- Case-sensitive synchronization of file, directory, and symlink names
FreeFileSync – Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Supports mirror, two-way, and update synchronization modes for flexible file backup and synchronization workflows. | ✗ The wide range of synchronization modes, filters, and filesystem options can require careful configuration for complex backup jobs. |
| ✓ It compares files by content or date and detects moved or renamed files, helping reduce unnecessary data transfers. | ✗ Two-way synchronization relies on its synchronization database for conflict detection and deleted-file propagation, adding another component to the workflow. |
| ✓ Provides advanced network and filesystem support, including Unicode, long filenames, symbolic links, junction points, and files larger than 4 GB. | ✗ Some advanced functionality is platform-specific, such as copying locked files through Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service. |
| ✓ Supports automated synchronization through batch jobs, recurring backups, filters, and multiple folder-pair configurations. | ✗ Users performing large synchronization jobs may need to configure filters and deletion behavior carefully to avoid transferring or removing unintended files. |
| ✓ Runs across Windows, macOS, and Linux, with native 32-bit and 64-bit builds and a portable option. | ✗ The software focuses specifically on file synchronization and backup rather than providing broader disk imaging or complete system recovery features. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FreeFileSync used for?
FreeFileSync is a free, open-source file synchronization and backup tool that compares folders and keeps files in sync across drives and storage locations. It supports mirroring, two-way synchronization, and copying only new or modified files.
What is the difference between Mirror, Two-Way, and Update modes in FreeFileSync?
Mirror mode creates an exact copy of the source folder, while Two-Way mode synchronizes new and updated files in both directions. Update mode copies only new or modified files to the destination, making it useful for incremental backups.
Can FreeFileSync automate file synchronization and backups?
Yes. FreeFileSync supports batch jobs that can run with or without its graphical interface, along with recurring backups and multiple folder-pair configurations. These features help automate routine file synchronization tasks.
Does FreeFileSync support network drives and large files?
Yes. FreeFileSync supports network locations, files larger than 4 GB, long filenames exceeding the traditional Windows path limit, and symbolic links. It also provides filters to include or exclude specific files from synchronization.
What is the difference between FreeFileSync and GoodSync?
Both tools synchronize and back up files, but FreeFileSync focuses on folder comparison, flexible synchronization modes, and cross-platform file management. GoodSync offers broader connectivity options for remote servers and cloud storage, including FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and Amazon S3.
What’s New in FreeFileSync 14.13:
Release Date 2026-10-16
- Reduced window flickering during resize (Windows 10)
- Prevent process termination on broken pipe errors (Linux/macOS)
- Workaround for SMB driver dropping modification time (macOS)
- Fixed privilege drop after auto-update (Linux)
- Correctly save minimum folder pair list height (Linux, macOS)
Official Homepage – https://freefilesync.org
Supported Operating Systems:
- Microsoft Windows: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7
- Apple macOS: macOS 26, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10.15, 10.14, 10.13, 10.12
- Linux: Arch Linux, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Manjaro, Mint, openSUSE, Ubuntu
