How to Compare Two Folders in Windows 10

If your work requires you to constantly check and follow up with numerous folders then imagine what a relief it can be to have a digital weighing scale to effortlessly compare them together. The good news is that you can easily do so from your desktop. So, how can one compare two folders in their Windows 10 PC? The answer lies below!

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How to Compare Two Folders in Windows 10

Whether you wish to check out the contents between two folders or compare the differences, it takes just a few clicks to do so. Keep reading several ways you can compare folders.

Method 1: Via Properties

If you wish to compare the size, date of creation, or number of files between two folders, accessing their Properties is easy to follow. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on the folder of your choice and select Properties from the drop-down menu list.

2. Follow the same procedure for the second folder.

3. Drag the Properties window of both folders side by side to compare.

With these easy steps, you can compare not only two folders but also two directories in Windows 10.

Method 2: Via Command Prompt

You can also use the command prompt to check the major differences between the two folders. Follow the steps mentioned below to see how:

1. Right-click on the first folder, select Copy as path from the context menu, and save the data on a Notepad.

2. Repeat Step 1 for the second folder you want to compare.

3. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

4. Type in robocopy, press the Spacebar, copy the path to the first folder from the notepad, and enter it.

5. Press Space again and enter the path to the second folder.

For example: robocopy “D:\HP Downloads” “D:\Old Downloads”

6. Enter Space once again and type /L /NJH /NJS /NP /NS to complete the command.

7. Hit Enter.

This way you will be able to compare all new, old, or extra files present in both folders.

Here’s how you can understand the comparison:

*EXTRA File: Present in the second folder but not the first one.
New File: Present in the first folder but not the second.
Older: Same file in both folders, but was created earlier in the first folder and later in the second one.
Newer: Same file in both folders, but was first created in the second folder and then in the first folder.

Method 3: Via PowerShell

Another way to compare folders is by using PowerShell on your desktop. Check out the steps mentioned below:

1. Type in Powershell in the search bar and click on Open.

2. Enter the command $fso = Get-ChildItem -Recurse -path “Folder 1”. Here, you have to enter the location path of the first folder.

3. The, enter the command $fsoBU = Get-ChildItem -Recurse -path “Folder 2”. Similarly, enter the location path of the second folder.

4. Lastly, enter the command Compare-Object -ReferenceObject $fso -DifferenceObject $fsoBU.

Now you will be able to view and compare files present in both folders.

=> SideIndicator shows files in the second folder but not in the first and <= SideIndicator shows files only in the first folder.

Method 4: Via Third-Party App

Many third-party apps and websites are available that can quickly compare any contents between two folders. However, make sure you use a trusted external software like WinMerge to do the same.

1. Visit the official website of WinMerge and click on Download Now! from the home page.

2. After the installation is complete, open the app on your desktop.

3. Click on the File located at the top left corner of the app and select Open…

4. Click Browse… and select the folder from your desktop under the first file or folder.

5. Follow the same step under the second file or folder.

Note: You can also copy the location path and paste them.

6. Click on Compare.