I've been using it to back up my data for more than 10 years now. I use versioning rather than the recycle bin. That means I can restore back in time if needed. Only problem is you have to manually manage how long you keep versions.
I’m surprised you haven’t used old dos/ Unix commands in a batch files to run file date comparison. I’ve used something similar to delete older files as a clean up tool.
Been using this software for years. You have no idea how powerful and feature rich it is. It is my goto for many functions. I recommend all users to drop those guys a contribution. The more I use it the more I learn of it's rich feature set. What I love is it sends you a detailed log report. Thanks Brian
I've used FreeFileSync for my backups for years. It's much better than most conventional backup software as it gives you a ready to use backup image of your drive or selected folders. Compression isn't really necessary these days as hard drives are so cheap. It also lets you copy files that are locked and in use if necessary. The only slight issue is that "Two Way" is the default setting, but it really probably should be "Mirror" for safety and normal backup purposes. For less computer literate friends, I've set up the batch jobs on their desktop so they can plug in their external drive and run a backup whenever they choose. The exclusion filtering is also very useful. It lets you selectively exclude stuff from the backup that you don't really need to back up, such as browser cache files, etc.
This is a fantastic automated backup solution. I did a video on this about 6 years ago as well. The real time sync option is a great way to utilize this software at boot so that you can just set and forget and it will always do it's thing. I used this for many years to sync to an external backup source. Later switching to Rsync and Deltacopy with a unix based NAS4free storage solution. I may have to revisit this software to see what updates have been implemented in the past few years though. Nicely done video my friend :)
The time I spent finding and learning this software will easily be regained by all of the time saved in the future. I'm actually going to enjoy the process of backing up my files now!!!
I've been using Karen's Replicator for 30 years because of the Job Creation feature. FreeFileSync is sssooo much faster!!! Thank you so much for this post!!
Thank you so much for this video Brian! This looks like something I need, I have been having issues with Acronis and traditional back up software. This should make it so much easier.
Nice! Thank you Brian! 👍🏻 I looked at FFS when it first came out and used it for a while - but being limited to only scheduled tasks it didn't quite fit with my workflow at the time. I switched to GoodSync and have used it for many years now for copying data from my PC to my Nas. I chose GoodSync because it runs as a background daemon in Windows so I have it set to activate when it detects any type of change in any of the source folders. It works well for me because I created a mirrored destination folder structure on my NAS which matches the one on my PC. This means that by running GoodSync on the top level folder in the source tree - any file additions or any change to any file within any folder in the source tree automatically propagates to same folder on the NAS as soon as I save it. Cheers... 😊
It's much for muchness on Windows (FFS vs Goodsync) as both work pretty well. Unfortunately in Linux, Goodsync is only command line. Whereas FFS is pretty much the same GUI on either platform. I like to try and use the same free software where I can - regardless of OS.
One of the best programs for doing the same is the commercial" Directory Opus," its been around now for about 30 years in one form or another, but a really great program
I have used this for years. The "Donation edition" have more "tools" and it's worth it. This way I get the extra tools, and at the same time, I supporting a super tool. I use it, on my Windows and Linux machines+NAS
If you're willing to pay, SmartSync Pro does the same but includes scheduling so no need to mess about with batch files and Task Scheduler. That said, this FFS is a good free option.
Sync files as backups is the "only" way to go. I use AOMEI Backupper. Absolutly invisible to the user in action no delay no stops, no slow downs. Just set auto sync of any file that is worked on and saved and its automatic, even set the duplicate to be duplicated elsewhere. Its great for photo editing, every save is duplicated. when used with dpwnloads or documents every action on a file is instantly duplicated to the backup folder. Also with AOMEI I can also do normal backups as well if I want to at any time scheduled or unscheduled.
I've been using FFS for years because it's easy to use and it works great regardless of platform (I use it on Linux too). Mirroring is a great option - IF you're only doing a backup with one computer. When you have two or more computers syncronising, its best to run the compare first and manually select directions etc. RealTimeSync (which will also be installed) can sync in real time (although it is a little hard to setup). This is what I used up until I tried QNAPs Qsync for a little while when I bought a new QNAP. It had great potential - if it actually worked LOL. I backup up to another source anyway, but with Qsync it was near impossible to get two computers to sync to the server without it either not syncronising correctly, deleting files you didn't want it to, deleted local files because it got confused and only kept the cloud version and file permission nightmares. Their Linux version is worse than the Windows version. So I went back to FFS. Its much easier to use and when using Compare can manually select direction to copy, delete or exclude whole directories (such as tmp files or etc) when there's a conflict. If you right click on the source or destination attributes (size/relative path), you can select other options there too (I recommend turning date on so its easy to see which is newer).
Not bad at all thanks; but Brian in Task Scheduler shouldn't Configure be set to Window 10 and not Windows vista Windows sever...I payed attention on the Tutorial you did on Task Scheduler ???? I'm ya Boy just asking !!!
This is basically an alternative to Synctoy which is free from Microsoft, which I have been using for nearly 20 years. The only difference is that Synctoy requires a password if you want to have it automated. But I'll give it a try just for fun 🙂. Thanks Brian!!!
Nice to know about this program. I've been using Allway Sync which is very similar but the free version has some limitations. I'll try this one. By the way, what's the name of the hardware monitor widget you have on the desktop and system tray?
I use this software as my default file backup and for my windows backup of the os I use windows built in option because it is a surface computer and I will not mess with settings to restore my computer from and if my computer is super bad like it was I use the surface stock image that is easy and will I say 99% to fix your surface computer.
That is true for an enterprise environment which it is critical, but for the average Joe, that would be overkill. I back up my files on a daily basis and do a full disk image backup weekly to an external SSD, which is also copied to an external HDD drive for good measure. I carry my external SSD wherever I go, so if my place goes up in flames, I'm still good to go.
Hello Do the Donation Edition Version looses there portable, parallel file copy and silent installation Functions after the Donation Period is running out? 🤔
Interesting tool. Could you just double click on the batch file to run the file synchronisation without manually opening the program and then running the batch file? I wrote a script to do something similar to this program but with the addition of a log so I could see it ran and what was copied. The limitation is there isn't a gui and to change the paths you have to edit the script.
@@GaryB007 thanks, I thought that may be the case. That should also mean that you could run it direct from the scheduler rather than adding it to the arguments.
5:13 yes yes is it actually compare file that same name and is it actually same file with some dif like updated version and not just completely new file with same name. so you loose one file. its rewrite that backup file even image is completely different bcoz is same name. it wont do anything else than moving files. if file name content has diff size then it copy it over thats dumb back up xD
HI, BRIT, I HAVE A HP STREAM LAPTOP WITH WINDOWS 10. WHY DO WINDOWS 10 TAKES UP SO MUCH STORAGE? I HAVE ONLY 27.5 GB & 8GB MEMORY. HOW CAN I TAKE SOME WINDOWS PROGRAMS OFF.
You can use it to copy system files, but it won't make a system image - to restore a complete system to a new drive after a drive failure for example. Best to use the Windows System Disk option for that.
Here is my previous problems when using backup to an external hard disc drive. When ever it backs up, it makes a backup with the same name but it will say like Medications, the medications (1) then give date and time and so on like (2), (3), and on and on. Does this software do the same thing or does it just replace the original documents file? Thank you 🙏!!!
@@vancecost It's quite simple, but probably not very intuitive. Once you've selected your folder pairs, go to Settings, then Synchronization Settings. In the middle you will see "Delete files" with three options: "Recycle bin", "Permanent" and "Versioning". If you select the "Delete" option, it will then overwrite each backup with the most recent version of the file from your source drive. That's exactly what I do for my backups and If I understand you correctly, that's what you are looking for. Just FYI, what I usually do when setting up a new backup is to use the "Recycle Bin" option just for the first couple of backups, in case I've set anything up wrong. Once I know all is well, then I change it to "Delete".
@@Britec09 but I saw when you every time uploading something, you manually press sync button...so it is not automatically updating...or didn't understand something?
You can set up real-time sync. It will automatically update your destination when there are changes in your source and it run in the background of your system.
@@Britec09 I know it's not you. Suspect it was because I used a naughty word by accident. Not a swear word, just one YT doesn't like. No idea now what it was, but it wasted a lot of my time drafting what was meant to be a helpful Comment about backing up, and the many threats to data that people often overlook.
@@Britec09 Sorry if I wasn't clear, there were no swear words, and no Links. I meant I may have used some of the words that the YT political police automatically delete, but if I did, it was purely coincidental. They have a long list that might be used against their political allies, and so Comments get deleted if any of those words are used. The thing is, many have other meanings that have no political relevance.
Ever used this software and what do you think? drop us a LIKE 👍
nice wee tool think I'll be using this in the future thanks again for coming up with these little gems
I use it to keep my external drives perfectly synced.
I've been using it to back up my data for more than 10 years now. I use versioning rather than the recycle bin. That means I can restore back in time if needed. Only problem is you have to manually manage how long you keep versions.
Never used this one. But will take a look. Thank you. 🙂
I’m surprised you haven’t used old dos/ Unix commands in a batch files to run file date comparison. I’ve used something similar to delete older files as a clean up tool.
Been using this software for years. You have no idea how powerful and feature rich it is. It is my goto for many functions. I recommend all users to drop those guys a contribution. The more I use it the more I learn of it's rich feature set. What I love is it sends you a detailed log report. Thanks Brian
Yeah, its a great bit of software, I see you are a 8 year subscriber. Thanks for the support over the years.
I've used FreeFileSync for my backups for years. It's much better than most conventional backup software as it gives you a ready to use backup image of your drive or selected folders. Compression isn't really necessary these days as hard drives are so cheap. It also lets you copy files that are locked and in use if necessary. The only slight issue is that "Two Way" is the default setting, but it really probably should be "Mirror" for safety and normal backup purposes. For less computer literate friends, I've set up the batch jobs on their desktop so they can plug in their external drive and run a backup whenever they choose. The exclusion filtering is also very useful. It lets you selectively exclude stuff from the backup that you don't really need to back up, such as browser cache files, etc.
Yeah, its a great program
used it about 10-12 years myself. its rock solid, cant think of one time that its failed me
Wow I had forgot about this software had it maybe about 10 years ago not sure why I stopped using it have 2 re download it
This is a fantastic automated backup solution. I did a video on this about 6 years ago as well. The real time sync option is a great way to utilize this software at boot so that you can just set and forget and it will always do it's thing. I used this for many years to sync to an external backup source. Later switching to Rsync and Deltacopy with a unix based NAS4free storage solution. I may have to revisit this software to see what updates have been implemented in the past few years though. Nicely done video my friend :)
You're welcome
The time I spent finding and learning this software will easily be regained by all of the time saved in the future. I'm actually going to enjoy the process of backing up my files now!!!
Use it every day. Save me several times. Really great. Thanks!
You're welcome!
I've been using Karen's Replicator for 30 years because of the Job Creation feature. FreeFileSync is sssooo much faster!!! Thank you so much for this post!!
Nice to see another program I use! It is very handy to make my data backup and very powerful for a free software. It really deserves a donation!
Totally agree!
Been looking for a decent backup software for a while so I'll try this out
Give it a try
I recommend it, used it for years. It copies only the new stuff to your backup, saving you a big time!
Thank you so much for this video Brian! This looks like something I need, I have been having issues with Acronis and traditional back up software. This should make it so much easier.
Nice! Thank you Brian! 👍🏻
I looked at FFS when it first came out and used it for a while - but being limited to only scheduled tasks it didn't quite fit with my workflow at the time.
I switched to GoodSync and have used it for many years now for copying data from my PC to my Nas. I chose GoodSync because it runs as a background daemon in Windows so I have it set to activate when it detects any type of change in any of the source folders.
It works well for me because I created a mirrored destination folder structure on my NAS which matches the one on my PC.
This means that by running GoodSync on the top level folder in the source tree - any file additions or any change to any file within any folder in the source tree automatically propagates to same folder on the NAS as soon as I save it.
Cheers... 😊
GoodSync video is coming soon
It's much for muchness on Windows (FFS vs Goodsync) as both work pretty well. Unfortunately in Linux, Goodsync is only command line. Whereas FFS is pretty much the same GUI on either platform. I like to try and use the same free software where I can - regardless of OS.
Thankyou for always doing a fantastic job with all of your videos keep up the good work
WOW amazing, well explained very thankful I found you.
Not super easy, but very well done. Thank you. Automation is grand.
Been using FileSync for about six months now and it works great.
Yeah, very nice software
One of the best programs for doing the same is the commercial" Directory Opus," its been around now for about 30 years in one form or another, but a really great program
I have been using this for about 3 years already, its great software and gets frequent updates
I have been using Microsoft SyncToy since Windows XP days, and it still works perfectly with Windows 11 and 10. 😉
I have used this for years. The "Donation edition" have more "tools" and it's worth it.
This way I get the extra tools, and at the same time, I supporting a super tool.
I use it, on my Windows and Linux machines+NAS
I agree, worth buying
Glad you use it as well, I keep two thumb drives in sync with Windows based software,Great stuff.
I love it!
I use Total Commander from Ghisler and it does pretty much the same thing with different features as well. Great info you presented Thanks
I just tried it. This is excellent software. Thanks very much.
If you're willing to pay, SmartSync Pro does the same but includes scheduling so no need to mess about with batch files and Task Scheduler. That said, this FFS is a good free option.
Sync files as backups is the "only" way to go. I use AOMEI Backupper. Absolutly invisible to the user in action no delay no stops, no slow downs. Just set auto sync of any file that is worked on and saved and its automatic, even set the duplicate to be duplicated elsewhere. Its great for photo editing, every save is duplicated. when used with dpwnloads or documents every action on a file is instantly duplicated to the backup folder. Also with AOMEI I can also do normal backups as well if I want to at any time scheduled or unscheduled.
Great video! Would love to see a video on RealTimeSync as well! Thanks!
Really useful! Great video Brian!
Glad it was helpful!
I've been using FFS for years because it's easy to use and it works great regardless of platform (I use it on Linux too). Mirroring is a great option - IF you're only doing a backup with one computer. When you have two or more computers syncronising, its best to run the compare first and manually select directions etc.
RealTimeSync (which will also be installed) can sync in real time (although it is a little hard to setup). This is what I used up until I tried QNAPs Qsync for a little while when I bought a new QNAP. It had great potential - if it actually worked LOL. I backup up to another source anyway, but with Qsync it was near impossible to get two computers to sync to the server without it either not syncronising correctly, deleting files you didn't want it to, deleted local files because it got confused and only kept the cloud version and file permission nightmares. Their Linux version is worse than the Windows version.
So I went back to FFS. Its much easier to use and when using Compare can manually select direction to copy, delete or exclude whole directories (such as tmp files or etc) when there's a conflict. If you right click on the source or destination attributes (size/relative path), you can select other options there too (I recommend turning date on so its easy to see which is newer).
Awesome 💯
Not bad at all thanks; but Brian in Task Scheduler shouldn't Configure be set to Window 10 and not Windows vista Windows sever...I payed attention on the Tutorial you did on Task Scheduler ???? I'm ya Boy just asking !!!
Yeah, minor mistake. You are correct.
This is basically an alternative to Synctoy which is free from Microsoft, which I have been using for nearly 20 years. The only difference is that Synctoy requires a password if you want to have it automated. But I'll give it a try just for fun 🙂. Thanks Brian!!!
Love Synctoy!
I used to use a DOS batch file and XCopy, then Synctoy, then I moved on to this, about 7-8 years ago. This is by far the best option.
I started with Synctoy many years ago but dropped it because it was no longer being supported my MS. Also there was no versioning feature in Synctoy.
@@kado897 I hear you, but it still meets all my needs to this day as I don't have anything too complicated to backup. Cheers!
Nice to know about this program. I've been using Allway Sync which is very similar but the free version has some limitations. I'll try this one. By the way, what's the name of the hardware monitor widget you have on the desktop and system tray?
this is a good backup sulution for PC. are there any good ones for android->PC backup/sync sulution?
I always used Cobian Backup.
I use this software as my default file backup and for my windows backup of the os I use windows built in option because it is a surface computer and I will not mess with settings to restore my computer from and if my computer is super bad like it was I use the surface stock image that is easy and will I say 99% to fix your surface computer.
Nice wallpapers..
Glad you like them!
If your files aren't backed up at least two places and two locations(online or another building), then the files aren't really backed up.
I agree, that is why 321 plan is important
That is true for an enterprise environment which it is critical, but for the average Joe, that would be overkill. I back up my files on a daily basis and do a full disk image backup weekly to an external SSD, which is also copied to an external HDD drive for good measure. I carry my external SSD wherever I go, so if my place goes up in flames, I'm still good to go.
@@claudest-gelais8456 would it not easier to place it by your parents or siblings or friends or even a rented storage box by a bank or so? 🤔
@@WaschyNumber1 Nope, I have nothing that is so important to loose that would make me paranoid about it. 🙂
can i transfert files by ethernet??? from pc to pc? or usb c?
Is it a freeware?
thankyou mate
You're welcome!
nice app very useful..more apps pls
Can this be used for an image backup of my PC?
I’m currently using Syncback Pro , I would like to know if you ever tested that one and if so , what’s your opinion on that one ? Thanks :)
I love it
Hello
Do the Donation Edition Version looses there portable, parallel file copy and silent installation Functions after the Donation Period is running out? 🤔
Hi! How is this software better than backing up with automatic sync in the cloud using OneDrive or Google Drive?
Choose your poison and stick with it
Can this software work with steam games transfering from drive c: to drive d:?
amazing be sure u chose mirror....
Interesting tool. Could you just double click on the batch file to run the file synchronisation without manually opening the program and then running the batch file?
I wrote a script to do something similar to this program but with the addition of a log so I could see it ran and what was copied. The limitation is there isn't a gui and to change the paths you have to edit the script.
Yes, once you've saved a backup, you can save it as a batch file and run it by double clicking on it.
@@GaryB007 thanks, I thought that may be the case. That should also mean that you could run it direct from the scheduler rather than adding it to the arguments.
Useful
Glad you think so!
5:13 yes yes is it actually compare file that same name and is it actually same file with some dif like updated version and not just completely new file with same name. so you loose one file. its rewrite that backup file even image is completely different bcoz is same name. it wont do anything else than moving files. if file name content has diff size then it copy it over thats dumb back up xD
The default method of comparison is file time and size. You can change this to file content but that is much slower.
HI, BRIT, I HAVE A HP STREAM LAPTOP WITH WINDOWS 10. WHY DO WINDOWS 10 TAKES UP SO MUCH STORAGE? I HAVE ONLY 27.5 GB & 8GB MEMORY. HOW CAN I TAKE SOME WINDOWS PROGRAMS OFF.
I'm working on backing up my sd card with Disk Drill. It's taken almost 2 weeks to scan the entire sd card. It was corrupted somehow.
Reminds me of the old synctoy
good old synctoy
I just wrote a batch file that I run as a scheduled task. Weekly, I run a full data backup to a DVD.
Very nice.
Wow thanks a lot. but some files on the NAS cannot be mirrored because of permission issues? How to get by that?
Use the "Copy locked files" option. in Tools > Options.
It didn’t create a “wallpaper” folder in the backup !
I downloaded the file, after I installed my laptop it was infected with the ground.exe virus 😭
FFS can only be used for data backup, not a full system backup --- correct?
You can use it to copy system files, but it won't make a system image - to restore a complete system to a new drive after a drive failure for example. Best to use the Windows System Disk option for that.
how this compare to syncthing
I've been using it for a few years now.
Yeah, its been around for a long while
How we doing with the "how to" video for Win11 Lite? ... Is it still a work in progress ?
Its coming mate
Nice
Thanks
Here is my previous problems when using backup to an external hard disc drive. When ever it backs up, it makes a backup with the same name but it will say like
Medications, the medications (1) then give date and time and so on like (2), (3), and on and on.
Does this software do the same thing or does it just replace the original documents file?
Thank you 🙏!!!
It can do both. You can choose.
@@GaryB007 would love to see a video on how you just overwrite the original.
Thank you 🙏 you
@@vancecost It's quite simple, but probably not very intuitive. Once you've selected your folder pairs, go to Settings, then Synchronization Settings. In the middle you will see "Delete files" with three options: "Recycle bin", "Permanent" and "Versioning". If you select the "Delete" option, it will then overwrite each backup with the most recent version of the file from your source drive. That's exactly what I do for my backups and If I understand you correctly, that's what you are looking for. Just FYI, what I usually do when setting up a new backup is to use the "Recycle Bin" option just for the first couple of backups, in case I've set anything up wrong. Once I know all is well, then I change it to "Delete".
@@GaryB007 Thank you 😊
Does it compress the files it syncs or backs up?
No, it's disk mirroring software, so it makes an exact copy.
Please, real time sync from logon, automatically mirror.
Much more easier way, just copy/paste from one folder to another :)
But it don't keep it updated
@@Britec09 but I saw when you every time uploading something, you manually press sync button...so it is not automatically updating...or didn't understand something?
@@ssigitas69 You didn't understand something. This does far more than a simple copy/paste.
@@ssigitas69 you need to watch the video again, in its entirety.
You can set up real-time sync. It will automatically update your destination when there are changes in your source and it run in the background of your system.
👍
Dude's unironically using Win11
Yes sir, need to use it for content.
👍🏻
GUI looks like it’s from 1995
That is because its an old app
does it matter?
The author updates it regularly, but he's stuck with the dual window layout as it works well for what the program does.
Helpful - }≈╗
Disappearing Comments!
Not sure why, its a TH-cam thing, not me
@@Britec09 I know it's not you. Suspect it was because I used a naughty word by accident. Not a swear word, just one YT doesn't like. No idea now what it was, but it wasted a lot of my time drafting what was meant to be a helpful Comment about backing up, and the many threats to data that people often overlook.
@@keithharrison1453 All links and swear words will be blocked. Links are held for review by me
@@Britec09 Sorry if I wasn't clear, there were no swear words, and no Links. I meant I may have used some of the words that the YT political police automatically delete, but if I did, it was purely coincidental. They have a long list that might be used against their political allies, and so Comments get deleted if any of those words are used. The thing is, many have other meanings that have no political relevance.
watched as always i have never backed up anything ever so not for me
Most people only start backing up only after they lose their first chunk of data. That's what made me extra cautious.