How to Install FreeFileSync on Windows 10 and 11

Are you trying to install FreeFileSync on your Windows PC, but you are not sure which is the official file to download for your computer or what to click during setup? Many new users get confused here because selecting the wrong link slows down the entire installation process. This is a very common problem, especially for those who are installing this tool for the first time.

Here, you will find the complete installation guide for Windows 10 and 11, along with older Windows versions, silent installation, and uninstallation steps. Download the setup file from our FreeFileSync download page, follow the steps, and you can finish the installation in a few minutes.

Windows System Requirements for FreeFileSync

Before you download the setup file, please check the table below to make sure that your Windows version is supported. This saves your time from downloading a file that will not run on your PC.

Windows version	Supported version of the software	Note
Windows 11	Latest version	Supported
Windows 10	Latest version	Supported
Windows 8.1 and Windows 8	Latest version	Supported
Windows 7	Latest version	Supported
Windows Vista and Windows XP	Version 10.11 or older	The latest version does not run on these systems

This software needs about 1 GB of free RAM for every 1 million file pairs to work smoothly, so a normal home PC will have enough memory. Windows may also ask for administrator permission during setup, because the program is installed in the Program Files folder.

Download FreeFileSync on Windows 10 and 11

If you want to use this software on Windows 10 and 11, always download the setup file from a trusted place. We offer the free standard edition on our home page, and the Windows file is in .exe format. Follow the steps below to get it safely.

Open our home page and click the Download for Windows button.
Wait until the exe file is saved in your Downloads folder.
That’s it, your file is now downloaded.
For extra safety, upload the file to VirusTotal and check the scan result.

Quick Tip: Do not download the setup file from any random websites. Some websites may wrap installers with extra programs, which cause you problems later. Remember the original standard installer has no ads.

Install FreeFileSync on Windows

The installation of this software is so easy that it takes only a few clicks. If you are a student, keep the default settings, because they work well for most users.

Double-click the setup file. If Windows asks for permission, click Yes so the setup can continue.
Read the terms and accept them to continue. The standard edition is free for personal use only.
When you run the FreeFileSync .exe installer, it asks you with checkboxes if you want to install the Desktop Shortcut, RealTimeSync, or the Explorer Context Menu integration.
Choose the folder where you want to install the software. The default folder is inside Program Files on the C drive.
Now, click on the Install button, and wait until the setup completes, then click Finish.
After clicking Finish, the installer asks if you want to open the official help page or run the software.
Open the program from the Start menu and check that the main screen of the software shows a left side for source folders and a right side for target folders.

The setup also installs RealTimeSync, which is a small helper tool that helps you to find changes for folders. If you want to know more about your software version, open the About window. It should show the 14.12 version if you downloaded the latest file.

First Steps After Installation

Once the installation is complete, you are ready to do your first sync project. Select a source folder and a target folder, then click Compare and review the results.

Install FreeFileSync on Windows 7, 8 and XP

The latest version of this tool works smoothly on Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, so the installation steps are the same as above. But, if you are using Windows Vista or XP, you might need version 10.11 or older, and these old files are not offered on our website. Because Microsoft no longer supports these systems.

Install FreeFileSync Silent

The Silent installation feature is only available in the Business edition, it helps you to install the software without any clicks, which is very useful for IT teams and companies. The standard setup file does not have this feature.

FreeFileSync Chocolatey and Winget

Some users also search for Chocolatey and Winget versions of this tool. The Chocolatey package is very old, and its final version is 10.2 from 2018, so we do not recommend it. We could not confirm a trusted Winget package either, so the setup file is the best way to install the latest version.

How to Update to a New Version

If you download the standard edition there is no automatic updater because that feature is part of the Donation edition. When a new version is released, we upload it on our website and you have to download the new setup file and run it.

How to Uninstall FreeFileSync

If you think that this tool is no longer needed or it does not add value to your task, you can easily uninstall the app like any other Windows app. Open Settings, go to Apps, find the program in the list, click on the program and then click Uninstall. One more thing; uninstalling this software removes the program only. Your own folders and files stay where they are.

Common Installation Problems

Windows protected your PC message. This message can appear for a new downloaded file. Click More info and then Run anyway only if you downloaded the file from our button.
Sometimes you may have seen Antivirus warnings. Words like generic, heuristic or reputation usually mean a false alarm.
If the setup does not start after the download, you have to check if the current version of your Windows is compatible with your software.
If you are using a company or school PC, you might need an administration password. So ask your IT team and they will help you to install this software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, because the program is installed in the Program Files folder. If you are using a company or school PC and you are not an administrator, Windows will ask for an administrator password.

The standard setup installs the software on your PC. A portable version for Windows is part of the Donation Edition.

Yes, RealTimeSync comes with the main program. You can open it after the installation is finished.

Conclusion

Installing this software on Windows is very easy when you download the right file and follow the steps. Check your Windows version now, and download the exe file from our homepage and keep the default settings during setup. After that, you are ready to compare and sync your folders.