If you're syncing directories or backing up data, it's a good idea to double-check that the copy you've created is actually identical to the original. Problems can occur when data isn't copied perfectly or some data isn't copied at all. If you have two identical folders on your computer, use the tricks below to compare files in two folders on Windows 11.
You can use the default Properties menu to quickly compare the size of two folders and files. However, it's basic and doesn't go into detail. You can also use the Command Prompt and third-party tools like WinMerge and FreeFileSync to compare two folders for missing files.
1. Use the Properties menu
It's the easiest way to compare files in two folders on Windows 11. You can run File Explorer Right click on the folder to open "Properties".
Make a note of the size and the number of files and subfolders it contains. Now, open the properties of another folder and check it.
if File Explorer won't open on Windows, Check out our dedicated guide to fix the issue.
2. Via the command line using Command Prompt
The above trick only shows the basic differences between the two folders. For more detail, you can use the Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell to compare the two folders. It only displays the differences between the two folders, not the subfolders.
Step 1: turn on File Explorer Right-click on the folder. Select copies As a path. Note that.
Step 2: Do the same for another folder.
Click on Windows and search for Command Prompt.
Step 3: Open Command Prompt using Administrator rights.
Step 4: Type The order below With both file paths.
robocopy "D:\Test" "D:\Test 2" /L /NJH /NJS /NP /NS
The command prompt displays the differences between the two folders.
- Additional file: The current file appears in the second folder, not the first folder.
- New file: The current file appears in the first folder, not the second folder.
- Oldest: The files are available in both folders, but the creation date is older in the first folder.
- the most recent: The files are available in both folders. The creation date is earlier in the second folder.
3. Use WINMERGE to compare the contents of two folders.
WinMerge is a free comparison tool for Windows users. You can easily compare up to three folders with the program. Let's see it in action.
Step 1: Download Winmerge On Windows.
Step 2: Double-click the downloaded file and follow the usual installation process. You will be prompted to install extensions and language packs.
Step 3: Open Winmerge Press the hotkey combination. Control + O To open a new comparison. To select a folder, click "review…" At the far right bottom of the bar "First file or folder". Use the browse feature to select the folder you want to compare.
Step 4: Inside the browsing window, you need to enter the folder you want to compare, then click to open. If you simply select the folder you want to compare without entering it, the Browse window will navigate to the folder for you. Once you've selected the first folder, repeat the process for the second folder below it.
Step 5: Once you have selected both folders you want to compare, make sure both check boxes are selected. Read onlyYou should also make sure that you set Folder Filter On default mode “*.*” To compare all files. Once finished, Comparison setup, Click comparison.
Step 6: With large folders containing many files and subdirectories, the comparison process may take some time to complete.
Step 7: Once complete, you'll see a list of all the files in the folders. By default, the results table lists: file name, The subdirectory path, the comparison result, the file edit dates in both folders, and the file extension for each file in the compared folders.
WinMerge Features
The possible comparison results show whether the files or folders are the same or different. If the comparison indicates a "right only" file, it means that the file or folder was only present in the second folder being compared, not the first. Conversely, "left only" means that the file or folder was only present in the first folder being compared.
Different results are color-coded for easier identification. A white background means the files are identical, a yellow background means the files are different, and a gray background means the files are only found in one of the two folders being compared.
If you double-click a folder, it will expand to reveal its contents. If you double-click a file, a side-by-side comparison will open, highlighting any differences between the two files.
Each comparison you make opens in a new tab. To start a new comparison, click the tab. “Select files or folders”On the far left, change the goals, and then click "comparison" Again. If you just want to update the current comparison, you can click the icon. Update far right or press the key F5.
4. FreeFILESYNC to compare two directories
FreeFileSync is another program capable of comparing files across two folders. It compares the folders, synchronizes missing files between the two, and gets the job done effortlessly.
You can check sync speeds, choose from multiple options to complete syncing, add desired filters to skip important files, and do much more with customization options.
Although the developers regularly update the program with new features and bug fixes, the user interface looks cluttered and outdated. If you don't prefer WinMerge, FreeFileSync is worth a try.
Download FreeFileSync on Windows
Manage mirror folders like a pro
Manually comparing content across 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 Chat GPT And Google Brad to get the job done.
