By
Ivy
/ Last update
October 24, 2025
Even though SyncToy was discontinued, many users still seek it out for Windows 11 because of its lightweight design and no-fuss workflow. However, since it’s no longer updated or officially supported, users may receive compatibility issues.
Thus, it is advisable to explore the best SyncToy alternative for Windows 11. Keep reading for details.
What Is SyncToy and How Does It Work?
SyncToy is a free utility developed by Microsoft to sync files and folders between different locations, e.g., two folders on the same PC, drives, or even two computers. It’s simple to use and was originally designed to make file management easier for everyday users without complex backup software.
The key features are as follows:
- Folder Pair Setup: You can create a “Left Folder” and a “Right Folder” to define which two folders will stay in sync.
- Sync Options: Choose between three modes - Synchronize (keeps both folders identical), Echo (copies changes from left to right), and Contribute (adds new files without deletion).
- User-Friendly Interface: A clean, easy-to-understand design that makes file sync simple, even for beginners.
Can You Still Use SyncToy on Windows 11?
Even though SyncToy was discontinued in January 2021 and officially supports up to Windows 10, some users can still download SyncToy on Windows 11 and use it by enabling .NET Framework 3.5 or using compatibility mode.
Still, users may experience permission issues, sync failure, or “folder access denied” error due to Windows security updates or restricted directories.
Download SyncToy on Windows 11
⚠️Some users report that SynToy prompts .NET Framework 2.0 is required. Installing .NET Framework 3.5 before downloading SyncToy resolves this issue. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off and check .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0), click Apply > OK.
SyncToy downloads are not available on Microsoft, but you can still download SyncToy from CNET or other reliable sources. Click the green download button to start and run the installer to complete the installation process. Please be sure:
- Right-click the SyncToy.exe and choose Run as administrator to prevent permission issues while using it.
- Use Compatibility Mode if SyncToy is not working. Right-click SyncToy.exe, go to Properties > Compatibility, and select Run this program in compatibility mode for Windows 7 or 10.
Step-by-Step: How to Use SyncToy in Windows 11
Step 1. Open SyncToy after installation. Click Create New Folder Pair.
Step 2. Click Browse under the Left and Right Folder, respectively. You need to select the files or folders you want and set the destination to save them.
Step 3. Choose a sync option, depending on your needs. Then, click Next.
- Synchronize: Keep both folders identical. Any changes made in one folder will be reflected in the other.
- Echo: Copy changes from the left folder to the right folder only. Files deleted on the left will be deleted on the right as well.
- Contribute: Copies new or updated files from left to right, but doesn’t delete anything from the right folder.
Step 4. Specify a folder pair name for easy reference. Click Finish.
Step 5. Once your folder pair is created, click Preview to see what files will be synced. If everything looks correct, click Run to sync folders in Windows 11.
When it’s done, SyncToy will display a summary log showing how many files were copied, updated, or skipped.If necessary, verify the files in both folders. For convenience, you can also use Task Scheduler to run SyncToy automatically at set times.
Best SyncToy Alternative for Windows 11 -AOMEI Backupper Standard
If you’re looking for a modern, reliable alternative, AOMEI Backupper Standard is the perfect choice. It’s 100% compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, regularly updated, and offers a wide range of powerful sync features that SyncToy lacks.
- Free Sync: Its Basic Sync is free, one-way file sync, from source to the destination. It also offers 3 advanced sync methods in the Professional version.
- Faster and Safer Transfer: Useadvanced sync algorithms to improve speed and accuracy, even when transferring large files.
- Schedule Sync: Set up automatic tasks based on daily, weekly, monthly, or event triggers, ensuring your data stays safe and up to date without manual effort.
- Sync Deletions: Optionally sync the deletions from source directory to destination.
- Flexible Storage: Provide users with more flexible options, such as internal drives, external drives, USB drives, network drives, NAS, etc.
Step 1. Once installed, open AOMEI Backupper - you’ll see a simple, user-friendly interface. Click Sync in the left panel and then Basic Sync.
Step 2. Click Select Source to select the desired files or folders. Click Add Source continue adding. Then, click the PC icon to select the destination. The following 3 options are available:
- This PC: Click to select local drives, external drives, USB drive.
- NAS: Select an already added NAS (if it exists) or click Add NAS to add a new one.
- Network Share: Choose from available options or click Add Network Share, requiring network path.
⚠️Note: To select files or folders on a different computer, network share, or NAS, click Share/NAS > Add NAS or Add Network Share after clicking Select Source.
Step 3. (Important). Click Schedule Sync and enable it. Then, select Daily, Weekly, Daily (By interval), etc. from the drop-down menu, ensuring the tasks are executed automatically. Click Start Sync to sync folders in Windows 11.
⚠️Note: Basic Sync offers users hourly sync at most. For real-time sync, or other specific needs (e.g., mirror folder for exact copy, sync changed files between source and destination), you need to upgrade to the advanced edition before using it.
Final Thoughts
While SyncToy can still run on Windows 11 with some tweaks, it’s an outdated and unreliable tool that may cause sync errors or compatibility issues. Its lack of updates and limited features make it less ideal for modern systems and large data transfers.
For a stable, secure, and feature-rich alternative, AOMEI Backupper is the clear winner. It offers fast sync speeds, multiple sync modes, full Windows 11 compatibility, and automatic sync -everything SyncToy lacks.
Free download it for smooth, worry-free file sync!