MEGAsync
MEGAsync 6.5.1, now presented as the MEGA Desktop App, synchronizes and backs up folders on Windows, macOS and Linux with transfer queues, file versions and device backups.
What MEGAsync does
MEGAsync 6.5.1 synchronizes selected folders with MEGA and can create one-way device backups. It also provides transfer queues, versions and streaming-related controls, but sync and backup are different workflows with different failure modes.
Sync versus backup
Two-way sync mirrors edits, moves, renames and deletions between local and cloud locations. A device backup is primarily a local-to-cloud protection workflow managed from the device area. Test each with separate empty directories before connecting important data.
Account and recovery boundaries
The password and recovery key are central to access and encrypted-data recovery. Save the recovery key outside the MEGA sync tree, enable two-factor authentication and keep an independent offline copy of important files.
Version and platform boundaries
Version 6.5.1 supports current Windows, macOS and Debian or Red Hat family Linux packages. It is an SDK hotfix over 6.5.0 and inherits changes to the file manager and sync or backup settings; package support still depends on the host system.
Maintenance note
Review date: 2026-08-23. The page was checked against MEGAsync 6.5.1, sync and backup semantics, recovery keys, versions, transfer limits and the custom source license.
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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MEGAsync 6.5.1 installation, sync and device backup guide
Install the matching package, save the recovery key, test two-way synchronization and device backup with different folders, then configure limits, exclusions and version recovery.
Before you start
- Confirm a supported Windows, macOS or Debian or Red Hat family Linux environment and back up unfinished transfers and the old sync database.
- Check account quota, transfer quota, local disk and filesystem limits, and store the recovery key in a location outside the MEGA sync tree.
- Separate folders that require two-way collaboration from folders that only need one-way protection; stop databases and virtual machines before syncing their files.
Installation steps
- 01
Install the matching 6.5.1 package
Use the platform installer and confirm that the client reports 6.5.1. The release includes an SDK hotfix and updated file-manager and sync or backup settings.
- 02
Sign in and export the recovery key
Complete account verification, save the recovery key offline and outside the sync tree, enable two-factor authentication and review active sessions.
- 03
Create separate sync and backup tests
Use one pair of empty directories for two-way sync and another directory for device backup. Do not assign the same path to both workflows.
Quick start
- 01
Test two-way operations
Add, edit, rename, move and delete a test file, observe both sides and confirm that deleted items enter the expected recoverable location before expanding the scope.
- 02
Test device backup and versions
Modify a backup file, inspect device status and history and restore an unrelated test file. A completed backup does not prove that recovery was tested.
- 03
Configure transfer and exclusions
Set reasonable upload, download and concurrency limits, exclude temporary, build and lock files and stream only trusted content without putting private links in logs.
Usage tips
- Two-way sync propagates local and cloud moves, renames and deletions. Removing a sync relationship does not itself erase existing data, but deletion during active sync can propagate.
- Device backup and two-way sync serve different purposes and neither replaces offline, immutable or geographically separate backups.
- MEGA uses a custom source license. Do not describe it as a general open-source license or assume unrestricted commercial redistribution.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why is sync looping or creating duplicate files?
Pause the task, check that no second sync, network drive or backup process owns the same path, inspect case, invalid characters, exclusions and disk space, then restore one relationship at a time.
Why is backup offline or stuck at a quota warning?
Check device status, account capacity, transfer quota, proxy, firewall and system time. Preserve the local original instead of deleting cloud data to rebuild a task blindly.
- Pause and remove relationshipsWait for transfers, record both paths and unresolved conflicts, pause before removing a relationship and confirm files, versions and trash status in the web account.
- Sign out and uninstallRevoke unused device sessions, uninstall the client and file-manager integration, retain the recovery key and local files and clean hidden recycle data only after review.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MEGA sync and backup?
Sync is a two-way mirror where edits, moves, renames and deletions can propagate. Device backup is mainly a local-to-cloud protection workflow. Test them separately and keep another backup.
Will removing a sync relationship delete files on both sides?
Removing the relationship itself is not treated as a deletion, but files removed while sync is active can propagate. Pause first, confirm both sides and then clean a local copy.
What happens if I lose the MEGA password and recovery key?
The encrypted-data recovery path depends on those credentials. Save the recovery key offline immediately after setup; account access reset and recovery of encrypted content are separate concerns.