4 Best Ways to Compare Files in Two Folders on Windows 11

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Method 1: Use the Properties Menu

You can launch theFile Explorerandright-clickon a folder to openProperties.

Note down the size, number of files, and sub-folders in it. Now, open the properties of another folder and check the same.

IfFile Explorer isn’t opening on Windows, check our dedicated guide to fix the problem.

Method 2: Via Command Line Using the Command Prompt

You can use the Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell to compare two folders. It only shows the differences between two folders, not sub-folders.

Step 1:LaunchFile Explorerandright-clickon a folder. SelectCopy as pathand note it down.

Step 2:Do the same for another folder.

PressWindowsand search forCommand Prompt.

Step 3:Open the Command Prompt with admin rights and type the below command.

Command Prompt shows the differences between the two folders.

Method 3: Use WinMerge to Compare the Content of Two Folders

WinMerge is a free comparison tool for Windows users. You can easily compare up to three folders with the software. Let’s check it in action.

Step 1:Download WinMergeon Windows.

Step 2:Double-clickon your downloaded file and follow the usual installation process. It asks you to install extensions and language packs.

Step 3:OpenWinMergeand press theControl+O hotkeycombo to open a new comparison.

Step 4: To select a folder, clickBrowse…on the far right under the 1st File or Folder bar. Use the browse feature to select a folder that you want to compare.

Step 5:Within the browse window, you need to enter the folder you want to compare, then clickOpen.

If you only select but don’t enter the folder you want to compare, the browse window will enter the folder for you. When you’ve selected the first folder, repeat the process for the second folder below it.

Step 6:Once you’ve selected both folders you want to compare, ensure that bothRead-onlycheckboxes are ticked. Ensure that theFolder Filteris set to the default*.*to compare all files.

Step 7: Once you’ve completed setting up the comparison, clickCompare.

Step 8:With large folders containing many files and subdirectories, the comparison process may take a while to complete.

Step 9:Once it completes, you’ll see a list of all the files in the folders. By default, the results table lists: the filename, the path of a subdirectory, the result of the comparison, the edit dates of the file in both folders, and the file extension for each file in the compared folders.

Method 4: FreeFileSync to Compare Two Directories

FreeFileSyncis another capable software to compare files in two folders. It compares folders, syncs missing files between the two, and gets the job done without breaking the sweat.

You can check the synchronization speeds, pick from several options to complete the sync, add required filters to skip important files and do a lot more with customization options.

Although the developers have updated the software with new features and bug fixes periodically, the UI looks crowded and slightly outdated. If you don’t prefer WinMerge, FreeFileSync is worth giving a try.

Manually comparing content in two folders can be time-consuming and inconvenient (especially on a small screen). If you only want to compare two files, use AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard to get the job done.

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Last updated on 20 July, 2024

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