FreeFileSync 14.8 Download for Windows, macOS, and Linux

FreeFileSync

ZenJu • File Synchronization

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Platform

Version 14.8

Size 15 MB

Updated February 2026

License Free

✓ Official Download Links

Reviewed by Andy Zain Verified: Feb 2026

Managing files across multiple locations can be a challenge. Keeping data consistent between a desktop, laptop, and external drives often leads to manual, error-prone copying. FreeFileSync simplifies this complex task.

This open-source utility provides robust folder comparison and synchronization capabilities. It ensures your important files remain updated and identical across all specified directories, whether local, network, or cloud-based. The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms, offering a unified solution for diverse environments.

With its intuitive interface, FreeFileSync allows users to quickly identify differences and apply various synchronization methods. This includes two-way sync, mirror backups, and custom rules, all designed for optimal performance and usability.

FreeFileSync Pro Tips

Configuring Expert Settings via GlobalSettings.xml

1. Close FreeFileSync completely.
2. Navigate to the configuration file location: – Windows: Type %AppData%\FreeFileSync into Windows Explorer’s address bar. – Linux: Go to ~/.config/FreeFileSync. – macOS: Access ~/Library/Application Support/FreeFileSync.
3. Open the GlobalSettings.xml file using a text editor.
4. Locate specific XML tags like or .
5. Modify the Seconds value for time tolerance or change Enabled to true for background priority.
6. Save the GlobalSettings.xml file.
7. Relaunch FreeFileSync for changes to take effect.

Why: Directly editing GlobalSettings.xml allows fine-grained control over core application behaviors. Adjusting FileTimeTolerance can resolve synchronization issues on FAT/FAT32 file systems, which have lower time precision. Enabling RunWithBackgroundPriority can prevent other applications from experiencing slowdowns during intensive synchronization tasks, albeit at the cost of slightly slower sync speeds.

Advanced Symbolic Link Handling

1. Open FreeFileSync and load your synchronization configuration.
2. Go to Comparison Settings (often represented by a gear icon).
3. Locate the Symbolic Link Handling option.
4. Choose one of the three available options: – Exclude: Ignores symbolic links during directory scanning. – Direct: Treats the symbolic link object itself as the item to be copied, not its target. Links pointing to directories are not traversed. – Follow: Treats symbolic links as if they were the actual files or directories they point to, traversing their targets.

Why: Properly configuring symbolic link handling is crucial for maintaining data integrity and preventing unexpected behavior, especially in complex file systems or when dealing with linked directories. Choosing Follow ensures that the content of the linked target is synchronized, while Direct copies the link itself, which is useful for maintaining specific system structures.

Creating Automated Batch Synchronization Jobs

1. Configure your desired folder pairs and synchronization settings within the FreeFileSync GUI.
2. Click the Save icon (often a floppy disk) and select Save as batch job.
3. Choose a location and name for your .ffs_batch file.
4. To run the job silently, ensure Show progress dialog is unchecked in the batch job settings, or set On completion automatically close the results dialog after synchronization.
5. For error handling in unattended jobs, set Error handling to Stop or Ignore to prevent pop-up dialogs.
6. Execute the .ffs_batch file directly or integrate it into a task scheduler for automated runs.

Why: Automating synchronization with batch jobs saves significant time and reduces manual effort for recurring tasks. By configuring silent operation and specific error handling, users can ensure that backups and data consistency checks run smoothly in the background without requiring user intervention, ideal for scheduled tasks.

What’s New in Latest Version

• Automatically detect proxy settings for Google Drive (Windows).
• Fixed file filter considering parent folder as match candidate.
• Fixed bitmap button being trimmed (Linux).
• Fixed window flash when starting silent batch job (Windows, macOS).
• Try to set modification time on open file handle (Linux, macOS).
• Mitigate invalid main window size and position on startup.
• Improved spin control arrow key handling (macOS).
• Run (S)FTP and HTTP session cleanup threads on demand.
• Fixed mouse highlight when showing file grid context menu.
• Avoid percentage format precision flicker when copying large file.

For complete changelog, visit the official release notes.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7, macOS 10.10 Yosemite, or a supported Linux distribution (e.g., Arch Linux, Debian, Ubuntu)
• Processor: Dual-Core (Intel i3 or AMD equivalent)
• RAM: 2GB or Higher
• Disk Space: 50 MB

Technical Specifications

Key Features

• Visual Folder Comparison: FreeFileSync visually compares folders, highlighting differences before any synchronization occurs. This detailed view allows users to review changes and manually control file transfers, preventing accidental data loss.
• Multiple Synchronization Modes: The software supports various synchronization strategies. Users can choose Two-way synchronization for bidirectional updates, Mirror mode to create exact replicas, or Update mode for one-directional transfers. Custom rules are also available for specific scenarios.
• Detect Moved and Renamed Files: An intelligent detection system identifies files that have been moved or renamed. This feature ensures that FreeFileSync applies the same efficient move operation on the target, avoiding time-consuming copy and delete actions.
• Support for Cloud and Network Storage: Beyond local drives, FreeFileSync integrates with network shares, FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and Google Drive. This broad compatibility allows for seamless synchronization across diverse storage locations.
• Batch Job Automation: Users can create and save batch jobs to automate synchronization tasks. These jobs can be executed with a simple double-click or scheduled via a task scheduler, enabling unattended backups and updates.
• Copy Locked Files (Volume Shadow Copy): On Windows, FreeFileSync can copy files that are currently in use or locked by other applications. This is achieved through integration with the Volume Shadow Copy Service, ensuring comprehensive data backup.
• Full Unicode and Long Path Support: The utility offers full Unicode compatibility and supports file paths exceeding 260 characters. This ensures reliable operation with diverse file names and deep directory structures.

Questions & Answers

Kalsoom Tahir Verified

Software & Apps Writer (Windows, Android & iOS)

7+ years of writing experience

Kalsoom is a software and apps writer with 7+ years of experience. She covers Windows, Android, and iOS download-intent content—especially antivirus, video tools and productivity software. She focuses on helpful, reliable guidance by cross-checking key details (system requirements, version/update notes, and feature claims) against official sources when available and provides…