3 Free Ways to Sync Folders in Windows 11 [Between Drives or PCs]

Windows 11 Folders Sync 

Folder sync in Windows 11 means keeping two or more folders the same - any file added, modified, or deleted in one location is updated in the other location. It’s an easy way to make sure your files are always up to date and consistent across different folders, drives(e.g., sync folders to external drive), or even devices without copying files manually.

Windows 11 offers OneDrive for cloud syncing and Network Sync for sharing files between PCs on the same network. However, there are some limitations:

• OneDrive requires an internet connection and is limited to 5GB of free storage unless you subscribe to it.
• The network sync requires manual intervention each time.

So many users prefer using a professional sync tool like AOMEI Backupper, which offers fast, automatic, and flexible sync options.

How to Sync Folders in Windows 11 [Different Scenarios]

Here are 3 methods of Windows 11 sync folder, including over the network, using OneDrive, or a professional sync tool- AOMEI Backupper. Scroll down to get the option that suits your needs!

Method 1: Sync Folders Over Network[Best for Team Sharing]

If you have two or more computers on the same Wi-Fi or LAN connection, you can easily sync folders between computers over the network by sharing the folder and accessing it from the other computer. This is useful for a home or office where you want to keep files updated on multiple PCs, but with heavy manual intervention.

Step 1. Right-click the folder you want to share and select Properties. Under the Sharing tab, click Advanced Sharing.

Step 2. In the pop-up window, check Share this folder. Then, click Permissions and check Full Control, or Read-only. Click Apply and OK to confirm.

⚠️Note the network path (e.g., \\ComputerName\SharedFolder) - you’ll use this to access the shared folder on the second computer. You can also use the IP address and folder name to access it.

Step 3. On the second PC, open File Explorer and type the network path into the address bar. You can now access the shared folder, allowing you to copy and paste files manually.

Method 2: Sync Folders to OneDrive [Best for OneDrive Subscriber]

OneDrive is built into Windows 11 and makes it easy to sync folders to cloud. Once set up, any newly added or changed files in the local OneDrive folder will be synced to all of your devices (with the same Microsoft account) automatically.

Step 1. Open OneDrive from the Start menu and sign in with your Microsoft account. The local OneDrive folder is usually under C:\Users\[YourName]\OneDrive.

Step 2. Click Open my OneDrive folder to access it. Then, copy the folders you want to sync into your OneDrive folder. It will start syncing automatically. Once synced, the files will display a green checkmark.

Step 3. Open a browser and sign in to OneDrive.com to access the synced folder. Or attempt using the OneDrive app.

Method 3: Sync Two Folders in Windows 11 Automatically [Universal]

AOMEI BackupperStandard is a universal sync tool that allows you to sync two folders in Windows 11, whether between drives, e.g., two local drives, local and external, or NAS/network drive, or network share, etc., even two computers - all with just a few clicks. Here are some highlights of it:

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 folders in Windows 11. To add two or more folders, click Add Source to select again. Then, click the PC icon, and you’ll see the following 3 options:

• This PC: Click to select local drives, external drives, USB drives.
• NAS: Click Add NAS to add a new NAS device. Or directly select an already added NAS (if it exists).
• Network Share: If no options are available, click Add Network Share. It will ask you to enter the network path and select a network shared folder.

⚠️Note: To sync folders between two computers, click Share/NAS after clicking Select Source. Then, under Destination, click Add Network Share. Both allow you to add the network path of the two computers.

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

Syncing folders in Windows 11 is an easy but powerful way to keep your data safe, organized, and always up to date. You can sync files to OneDrive, over network, or using a reliable sync tool - AOMEI Backupper.

For a smoother, more user-friendly experience, AOMEI Backupper is the better choice. It’s free and offers an easy wizard, automatic sync, flexible destination, etc., allowing you to sync folders between drives or PCs easily and quickly.

FAQs

1. How do I automatically sync two folders in Windows 11?

You can use AOMEI Backupper Standard to set up automatic sync by clicking Schedule in the Basic Sync window. It allows you to sync folders daily, weekly, etc., or in real time, depending on the selected sync method.

2. Can I sync folders between two Windows 11 computers?

Yes. You can sync folders between two PCs connected to the same local network using folder sharing or with OneDrive for cloud sync. For faster folder syncing without cloud drive, AOMEI Backupper can create a direct sync task between computers.

3. Does Windows 11 have a built-in folder sync tool?

Windows 11 doesn’t have a full-featured folder sync tool. It includes OneDrive for cloud sync and folder sharing for PC to PC sync, but don’t offer real-time sync. That’s why many users prefer third-party tools like AOMEI Backupper integrates multiple sync modes.

4. What’s the difference between backup and folder sync?

A backup creates a compressed copy of your files that you can restore later, while syncing keeps two folders identical -if you change or delete something in one, the other updates as well. Sync is better for easy accessibility and team sharing, while backup is best for long-term data protection.

5. How can I sync folders between drives?

To sync folders between an SSD, HDD, or external drive, you can use AOMEI Backupper Standard. Simply choose Basic Sync, select your source and destination folders. Then, start the task. To set it automatic, click Schedule Sync and enable it.