Simple program to sync a folder across two PCs (not using cloud!!)

[Sumanji]

Hi All,

I'm looking for a simple program that will keep a folder of personal documents synced across my Desktop and Laptop.

I do NOT want to use any cloud based solutions - just a simple program I can manually run every few days / weeks to sync the folder (and check before files are overwritten etc.).

Right now I just manually copy files between the two using a USB...!

Any suggestions please?

Thanks,

Su

 

[Axman]

What about a NAS?

 

[Dreamerbydesign]

A program to sync over LAN?

Rsync can do that for free. It does take a little bit of reading to get it setup, but it’s handy, works well and is free.

 

[Dreamerbydesign]

What about a NAS?

Synology NAS and Synology drive could do this. But that’s an expensive option.

 

[Sumanji]

Not looking for a NAS or anything complex like that.

It's just for a folder of private documents that I don't want in the cloud, but I do want the same folder to be periodically mirrored across my laptop and desktop.

Right now I just manually copy files between the two using a USB...!

 

[uOpt]

rsync

 

[Sumanji]

Hmm, looks like there are many incarnations of rsync, but mainly Linux focused...?

 

[notarat]

You could find a power shell script for that

 

[modi123]

I use Puresync for general backups. I would imagine you could make that work in your situation.

 

[mwroobel]

I use FreeFileSync for tasks such as this, it is great! Very reliable, full featured and FREE. They have Windows, MacOS & Linux apps.

 

[LukeTbk]

Both machine are windows ?

You can use it but less straight forward than if you are on linux... but if you want a GUI, there is many option:

https://github.com/syncthing/syncthing or the puresync above and many others.

I also used in the past:
https://github.com/hkneptune/FreeFileSync/releases

Really easy to use over your local network

 

[Sniper|3d-R|]

Pathsymc https://www.cockos.com/pathsync/

Old, but works..

 

[pendragon1]

i could have sworn that windows could do this on its own but it looks like you now have to use one of those suggestions ^^^

 

[Sumanji]

Thanks for the suggestions - will check them out!

 

[Nobu]

I've been using "foldersync" on android, think I have syncthing set up on my pc but not sure.

Foldersync works well, but takes a bit of learning. rsync (and programs/scripts which use it) is probably more robust.

 

[Zepher]

There was an MS app called SyncToy that does what you need, should still be available.
Looks like MS took down the download link but here is alternative download,
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/microsoft_synctoy_for_windows_xp.html

 

[LukeTbk]

SyncToy

It is now the sync center post XP ?:
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-sync-center
https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/sync-center.html

never used it.

 

[pendragon1]

It is now the sync center post XP ?:
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-sync-center
https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/sync-center.html

never used it.

i think that or the old one may be what i was thinking of. i just clicked on search and "sync" pulls it right up. i was on my work macbook earlier so couldnt check...

 

[bigdogchris]

I use Allway Sync 'n' Go to run offline backups of my user data. Could be used to sync files (has a 1 way and 2 way option).

 

[applegrcoug]

Syncthing is what I use. Super easy.