SyncToy

SyncToy is a freeware application developed by Microsoft for synchronizing files and folders between locations. It operates on Windows operating systems and provides a user-friendly graphical interface for managing synchronization tasks. SyncToy is designed to make it easy to create backup copies of important files, synchronize data between multiple computers, or mirror folders for redundancy.

SyncToy works by creating what it calls "folder pairs." A folder pair defines a source folder and a destination folder, along with a synchronization action. The available actions include:

• Synchronize: Changes made in either the left or right folder are copied to the other, ensuring both contain the latest version of all files. This is a two-way synchronization.
• Echo: Changes made in the left folder are copied to the right folder. Changes in the right folder are not copied to the left. This is a one-way synchronization, acting as a mirror or backup.
• Contribute: Similar to Echo, changes made in the left folder are copied to the right folder. However, if a file is deleted in the left folder, it is not deleted in the right folder; instead, it is archived or left untouched.

SyncToy supports a variety of file systems, including NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT. It handles file conflicts by providing options for renaming files, overwriting files, or skipping files. SyncToy also supports file versioning to some extent through its archiving functionality, depending on the chosen synchronization action.

The software can be scheduled to run automatically at specific times or intervals, allowing for unattended synchronization. SyncToy allows for the creation and management of multiple folder pairs, enabling users to customize synchronization settings for different sets of data.

While Microsoft no longer actively develops or supports SyncToy, it remains a useful tool for basic file synchronization tasks, particularly for users who prefer a simple and graphical interface. However, users should be aware that because development has ceased, it may not be compatible with future versions of Windows or handle very large file sets efficiently. Alternative synchronization solutions with ongoing support and development are available.