Comparing two folders in Windows 10 can be a tedious task, especially when you have a large number of files. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can quickly compare two folders and identify the differences between them. In this article, we will guide you through the process of comparing two folders in Windows 10.
Using the Built-in File Explorer Tool
The easiest way to compare two folders in Windows 10 is to use the built-in File Explorer tool. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the two folders you want to compare.
- Select the first folder and right-click on it.
- Click on “Add to archive…” from the context menu.
- In the “Archive name” field, enter a name for the archive and select “ZIP” as the archive format.
- Click on “OK” to create the archive.
- Select the second folder and repeat steps 2-5 to create another archive.
- Extract the contents of both archives to separate folders.
- Open the two folders and select the “View” tab in File Explorer.
- Click on “Options” and select “Change folder and search options”.
- Select the “View” tab and enable the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option.
- Click on “Apply” and then “OK”.
- Select both folders and right-click on them.
- Click on “Compare” from the context menu.
The comparison tool will analyze the contents of both folders and highlight the differences between them. You can then take the necessary action to reconcile the differences.
Using Third-Party Folder Comparison Tools
If you’re not satisfied with the built-in File Explorer tool, you can use third-party folder comparison tools. These tools offer more advanced features and options to compare two folders. Here are some popular folder comparison tools:
- Beyond Compare
- WinMerge
- ExamDiff Pro
- Araxis Merge
These tools are not free, but they offer a free trial period. You can download and use them for a specific period to compare two folders in Windows 10.
Conclusion
Comparing two folders in Windows 10 is not a difficult task if you have the right tools and techniques. You can use the built-in File Explorer tool or third-party folder comparison tools to compare two folders and identify the differences between them. We hope this guide has helped you in comparing two folders in Windows 10.