Top 3 FREE SyncToy Alternatives to Sync Files in Windows

Why You Need a SyncToy Alternative

SyncToy was once a convenient free tool from Microsoft that helped users synchronize files between folders or drives. However, it hasn’t been updated since Windows 7, and many users now face compatibility issues or limited functionality on Windows 10/11. You may look for tools better than SyncToy for the following reasons:

• SyncToy Is No Longer Supported: Microsoft officially discontinued SyncToy years ago, meaning it no longer receives updates, bug fixes, or technical support.
• Limited Features: It doesn’t support real-time synchronization, cloud sync, or automatic scheduling, which means you must run every task manually.
• Security and Performance Concerns: Since SyncToy hasn’t been updated in years, it doesn’t include modern encryption standards or optimizations for today’s large-capacity drives and SSDs.

Top 3 SyncToy Alternatives for Windows 11/10/8/7

If you’re looking for a dependable replacement for Microsoft’s discontinued SyncToy, the following three tools stand out for their performance, flexibility, and ease of use.

1. AOMEI Backupper Standard (Best Free SyncToy Alternative)

AOMEI Backupper Standard is a feature-rich yet beginner-friendly tool that far surpasses SyncToy in terms of automation and reliability. It’s designed for all versions of Windows—from Windows 7 to Windows 11.

✌ Batch Sync: Synchronize multiple folders simultaneously to work faster and smarter.
✌ Scheduled Sync: Set daily, weekly, or monthly sync tasks for continuous protection.
✌ Multiple Destinations: Supports syncing to internal drives, external HDDs/SSDs, NAS, and even cloud storage.
✌ User-Friendly Interface: Simple design that makes advanced syncing accessible to everyone.

Download AOMEI Backupper and install it on your PC now!

2. FreeFileSync (Open-Source and Flexible)

FreeFileSync is a popular open-source alternative to SyncToy. It provides advanced sync configurations and supports two-way, mirror, and update sync modes. It’s completely free to use and is known for its excellent speed and detailed comparison interface.

Key Features:

• Multiple Sync Methods: Choose between one-way, two-way, or mirror syncs depending on your workflow.
• Visual Comparison: Displays file differences side-by-side before syncing.
• Batch Automation: Save configurations for recurring sync jobs.
• Cross-Platform Support: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

3. Robocopy (Built-In Command-Line Alternative)

For advanced users who prefer command-line control, Robocopy (short for Robust File Copy) is a powerful built-in Windows utility that can completely replace SyncToy. It’s fast, reliable, and capable of handling large file operations with fine-grained control over what gets copied and how.

Key Features:

• Included in Windows: No installation required—just open Command Prompt and use Robocopy commands.
• High Performance: Designed for fast, reliable file transfers.
• Advanced Parameters: Supports multi-threading, retries, exclusions, and mirroring.
• Automation Support: Can be scripted or combined with Task Scheduler for automatic syncs.

How to Sync Files with SyncToy Replacement

Now that you know the best SyncToy alternatives, let’s look at how to use them to sync files on Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7.

1. Using AOMEI Backupper Standard

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Backupper. Click Sync on the left panel and choose Basic Sync.

Note: For instant updates whenever a file changes, please upgrade to AOMEI Backupper Professional and use the Real-Time Sync feature.

Step 2. Click Select Source to select the source directory you want to sync. Then, select a destination path such as another local drive, external hard drive, NAS, or cloud service.

Step 3. (Optional) Click Schedule Sync to enable Daily, Weekly, or Monthly automatic syncs.

Step 4. Click Start Sync to begin. Once completed, your files will stay identical in both locations.

2. Using FreeFileSync

Step 1. Download and install FreeFileSync. Open the program and you’ll see a two-panel interface.

Step 2. Select your source folder on the left and your target folder on the right.

Step 3. Click Compare to see the differences between the two directories.

Step 4. Click the green gear from the toolbar to choose a sync method and click OK.

• Two-way: Keeps both folders identical.
• Mirror: Makes the right folder an exact copy of the left.
• Update: Copies only newer files.

Step 5. Click Synchronize to start syncing. You can also save this configuration as a Batch Job for automatic or scheduled execution.

Note: After you installed FreeFileSync, you’ll also get the RealTimeSync app, which helps to monitor folders and sync changes instantly.

3. Using Robocopy

Step 1. Press Win + S, type cmd, then select Run as administrator.

Step 2. Input Robocopy commands based on your needs. The basic syntax is:

robocopy [source] [destination] [(file)( ...)] [(options)]

Examples:

👉To copy files only:

robocopy "C:\Users\AOMEI Technology\Documents" "E:\synced files"

👉To copy files and subfolders:

robocopy "C:\Users\AOMEI Technology\Documents" "E:\synced files" /e

👉To mirror folders:

robocopy "C:\Users\AOMEI Technology\Documents" "E:\synced files" /mir

Step 3. Press Enter to run the command. Robocopy will automatically synchronize the two directories.

Note: You can combine Robocopy with Task Scheduler to automate the sync process daily or weekly.

FAQs about SyncToy Alternatives

1. Is SyncToy still available for download?

While you can still find old copies of SyncToy online, Microsoft has officially discontinued it and removed it from its website. Using outdated software is not recommended, as it may cause compatibility issues on Windows 10 or 11 and could lead to unreliable synchronization results.

2. Does SyncToy work on Windows 11?

You might run SyncToy on Windows 11 in some cases, but it often fails to sync correctly or produces errors when handling large files or network folders. It’s safer and more efficient to use a modern SyncToy alternative.

3. Can I sync folders between two PCs with a SyncToy alternative?

Absolutely. Tools like AOMEI Backupper and FreeFileSync can sync folders between two computers over a local network or via NAS.

Conclusion

SyncToy served its purpose well in its time, but in today’s fast-paced digital world, it simply can’t keep up with modern file synchronization needs. Luckily, modern SyncToy alternatives like AOMEI Backupper Standard, FreeFileSync, and Robocopy offer far more powerful, flexible, and secure ways to keep your files consistent across devices and drives.

Actually, AOMEI Backupper is not only a free file sync tool but also all-around backup and restore software. It enables you to backup C drive, external drive, individual files and restore them whenever needed. Why not give it a shot?

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