How To Compare Files From Two Different Folders On Windows?

To compare files from two different folders on Windows, you can use the built-in fc (File Compare) command through the Command Prompt or the open-source GUI-based utility called WinMerge.

For comparing files with the fc command:

Using Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Navigate to the directory containing the files you want to compare using the cd command.

3. To compare two similar files, type the following command and press Enter:

   fc [file1] [file2]
   

   Replace [file1] and [file2] with the actual file names.

   For example, to compare file1.txt and file2.txt, type:

   fc file1.txt file2.txt
   

   Here are additional fc command options you might find helpful:

   • To compare files in ASCII mode, press Enter after this command:

     fc /L [file1] [file2]
     

   • To compare files, highlighting the first line that is different, use:

     fc /a [file1] [file2]
     

   • To compare files in Unicode mode:

     fc /u [file1] [file2]
     

   • To compare files in binary mode:

     fc /b [file1] [file2]
     

   Using WinMerge:

   Install WinMerge (available at https://winmerge.org) and follow these steps:

   1. Launch WinMerge.
   2. Select "Folder Compare" or "Folder Diff" to analyze two different folders.
   3. Select "File Compare" or "File Diff" to analyze and compare specific files.
   4. Use the GUI to navigate and select the files or folders you wish to compare.

   WinMerge provides a visual user interface that highlights differences between files or directories for a more comprehensive comparison experience.

   For more information on the fc command options, see the Command Prompt help documentation by typing fc /? in Command Prompt. For further assistance with WinMerge, visit its documentation or the official WinMerge support resources.