How to Sync Files Between Multiple Devices Without SyncToy

Learn how to sync files between multiple devices without using SyncToy, a discontinued Microsoft tool. Find out the best alternatives and how to use them.

If you have been using SyncToy, a free file synchronization tool from Microsoft, you may be wondering what to do now that it is no longer supported. SyncToy was a handy utility that allowed you to sync files and folders between different locations, such as external drives, network shares, or cloud storage. However, Microsoft has not updated SyncToy since 2009, and it is not compatible with Windows 10 or newer versions of Windows. So, what are your options if you want to keep your files in sync across multiple devices?

In this article, we will show you some of the best alternatives to SyncToy and how to use them. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about file synchronization and SyncToy.

What is File Synchronization and Why Do You Need It?

File synchronization is the process of ensuring that the same files and folders are present and up to date on two or more devices or locations. File synchronization can help you:

• Backup your important data to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure, theft, or accidental deletion.
• Access your files from anywhere and any device, as long as you have an internet connection and a compatible app.
• Share your files with others, such as family, friends, or colleagues, by syncing them to a common location or service.
• Save storage space and bandwidth by syncing only the changes made to the files, instead of the entire files.

What are the Best Alternatives to SyncToy?

There are many file synchronization tools available, both free and paid, that can replace SyncToy. Some of the most popular and reliable ones are:

• FreeFileSync: A free and open source tool that can sync files and folders between local drives, network shares, FTP servers, or cloud storage services. It can detect moved and renamed files, copy locked files, and support symbolic links. It also has a binary comparison feature and a customizable interface.
• GoodSync: A paid tool that can sync files and folders between computers, mobile devices, FTP servers, SFTP servers, WebDAV servers, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and more. It can also backup your data to any location or service. It has a block-level synchronization feature that can speed up the sync process and save bandwidth. It also has a user-friendly interface and a scheduler.
• Syncthing: A free and open source tool that can sync files and folders between devices without using a central server. It uses a peer-to-peer network to transfer data securely and efficiently. It can also handle large files and folders, and sync in real time. It has a web-based interface and a command-line interface.
• SyncBack: A paid tool that can sync files and folders between local drives, network drives, FTP servers, SFTP servers, WebDAV servers, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and more. It can also backup your data to any location or service. It has a file versioning feature that can keep multiple versions of your files. It also has a filter system and a logging system.

How to Use File Synchronization Tools?

The exact steps to use file synchronization tools may vary depending on the tool you choose, but the general procedure is as follows:

1. Download and install the file synchronization tool on your devices or locations that you want to sync.
2. Launch the tool and create a sync profile or task. A sync profile or task is a set of rules and options that define what, where, when, and how to sync your files and folders.
3. Select the source and destination folders that you want to sync. The source folder is the folder that contains the original or master files, and the destination folder is the folder that receives the synced files. You can also select multiple source and destination folders, or create subfolders within them.
4. Choose the sync mode or direction that you want to use. The sync mode or direction determines how the changes made to the files and folders are applied to the source and destination folders. There are three common sync modes or directions:
   • Two-way sync: This mode syncs the changes made to the files and folders in both directions, from the source to the destination and vice versa. This mode is useful if you want to keep both folders identical and updated.
   • One-way sync: This mode syncs the changes made to the files and folders in one direction only, from the source to the destination or from the destination to the source. This mode is useful if you want to backup your data or overwrite the files and folders in one folder with the files and folders in another folder.
   • Mirror sync: This mode syncs the changes made to the files and folders in one direction only, from the source to the destination, and deletes any files and folders in the destination that are not present in the source. This mode is useful if you want to create an exact copy of the source folder in the destination folder.
5. Configure the sync options and settings that you want to use. The sync options and settings may include:
   • File comparison: This option determines how the tool compares the files and folders in the source and destination folders to detect the changes. The common methods are by file size, by file date and time, by file content, or by file hash.
   • File conflict: This option determines how the tool handles the situation when the same file or folder has been changed in both the source and destination folders. The common actions are to skip, to overwrite, to rename, to copy, or to ask the user.
   • File filter: This option determines what types of files and folders are included or excluded from the sync process. The common criteria are by file name, by file extension, by file size, by file date and time, or by file attribute.
   • Sync schedule: This option determines when and how often the sync process is performed. The common choices are manually, automatically, periodically, or triggered by an event.
6. Run the sync process and monitor the progress and results. The tool will display the status and details of the sync process, such as the number of files and folders synced, the amount of data transferred, the duration of the sync, and any errors or warnings encountered. You can also view the log files or reports generated by the tool for more information.

FAQs About File Synchronization and SyncToy

Question: Is SyncToy still available and safe to use?

Answer: SyncToy is still available for download from Microsoft’s website, but it is no longer supported or updated by Microsoft. It is not compatible with Windows 10 or newer versions of Windows, and it may not work properly with some file systems or devices. It is also not secure to use SyncToy to sync files over the internet, as it does not encrypt or compress the data. Therefore, it is recommended to use a more modern and reliable file synchronization tool instead of SyncToy.

Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of file synchronization?

Answer: File synchronization has many advantages, such as:

• It can help you backup your important data and prevent data loss.
• It can help you access your files from anywhere and any device.
• It can help you share your files with others easily and quickly.
• It can help you save storage space and bandwidth by syncing only the changes.

However, file synchronization also has some disadvantages, such as:

• It can cause file conflicts and data corruption if not done correctly or carefully.
• It can expose your data to security risks if not done securely or privately.
• It can consume your device resources and battery power if done too frequently or intensively.

Question: How to choose the best file synchronization tool for your needs?

Answer: There is no one-size-fits-all file synchronization tool, as different tools may have different features, functions, performance, compatibility, and pricing. Therefore, you should choose the file synchronization tool that best suits your needs and preferences. Some of the factors that you should consider are:

• The number and type of devices or locations that you want to sync.
• The amount and format of data that you want to sync.
• The frequency and speed of sync that you want to achieve.
• The level of security and privacy that you want to maintain.
• The ease of use and customization that you want to have.
• The budget and support that you can afford.

Summary

File synchronization is a useful and convenient way to keep your files and folders in sync across multiple devices or locations. However, SyncToy, a free file synchronization tool from Microsoft, is no longer supported or updated, and it is not compatible with Windows 10 or newer versions of Windows. Therefore, you should look for alternatives to SyncToy that can offer you more features, functions, performance, compatibility, and security. Some of the best alternatives to SyncToy are FreeFileSync, GoodSync, Syncthing, and SyncBack. To use file synchronization tools, you need to create a sync profile or task, select the source and destination folders, choose the sync mode or direction, configure the sync options and settings, and run the sync process. You should also be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of file synchronization, and how to choose the best file synchronization tool for your needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. You should always do your own research and consult with experts before using any file synchronization tool or service. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the file synchronization tools or services mentioned in this article.