FreeFileSync
FreeFileSync 14.10 compares folders, mirrors files and creates versioned backups on Windows, macOS and Linux. This page covers previewing changes, conflict strategies, filters and batch jobs.
What FreeFileSync provides
FreeFileSync compares two folder trees and lets you choose two-way synchronization, mirroring, updating or versioned backup behavior. The preview list is the important safety boundary because a mirror can delete files that exist only on the target side.
Cloud folders and recovery
A local folder created by a cloud-drive client can be used as one side of a task, but online placeholders, locks, delayed uploads and conflict copies change the result. Keep an independent backup and periodically restore representative files.
Maintenance note
This page reviews FreeFileSync 14.10 for Windows, macOS and Linux x64, including folder comparison, filters, version directories and batch execution. Content review date: 2026-08-23.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
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FreeFileSync 14.10 comparison, synchronization and mirror backup guide
Start with two test folders, inspect every planned action, and only then create a production synchronization or backup task.
Before you start
- Prepare the Windows, macOS or Linux x64 package and confirm both folders are readable and writable.
- Create test data containing new, changed and deleted files, Chinese names and a large file.
- Keep an independent backup; do not use the only production copy during the first run.
Installation steps
- 01
Install the platform package
Use the Windows EXE, macOS ZIP or Linux x64 archive, then verify the version, configuration path and file permissions.
- 02
Create a folder comparison
Choose the left and right folders, compare them, and inspect timestamps, sizes, links and case differences before selecting a sync mode.
- 03
Configure direction and versions
Choose two-way, mirror or update behavior, add exclusions and a version directory, then preview deletes and overwrites before saving.
Quick start
- 01
Preview before every run
After changing a rule, read the action list and focus on deletes, renames and conflicts before starting the task.
- 02
Save a batch job
Store a stable task as a batch configuration with an explicit log path and failure behavior, then run it manually twice before scheduling.
- 03
Test random restores
Restore documents, images and a large file from the version directory or target side, and record the result of the recovery check.
Usage tips
- Two-way synchronization is not a backup; a deletion can propagate to the other side, so retain a read-only or historical copy.
- Cloud-drive folders may contain online-only files and conflict copies. Avoid concurrent edits from several devices until synchronization is confirmed.
- Batch jobs need logs and failure alerts. Keep the most recent error record before rotating old logs.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why did a task produce many conflict files?
Pause later runs, preserve the conflict copies, compare modification times and sources, and restore into a separate folder before changing the direction.
Why are online-only files skipped?
Make the cloud client materialize the files locally, wait for them to finish syncing, and rerun a small comparison before expanding the task.
- Export tasks and keep logsSave batch configurations, exclusion rules and recent logs, then record the source and target folder policy.
- Uninstall after the data checkStop scheduled jobs, uninstall through the operating system, and remove caches only after confirming that synchronized and versioned data are intact.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between synchronization and backup?
Synchronization aims to keep two sides aligned and may delete target-only files, while versioned backup keeps historical copies. Preview the actions before choosing a mode.
How can I avoid accidental deletion?
Use comparison and preview, verify left and right directions, test in a small folder, and enable versioning or an independent snapshot for important data.
Can FreeFileSync use a cloud-drive folder?
Yes, when the cloud client exposes a reliable local folder. Online placeholders, locks and delayed uploads should be tested with a small directory first.