How to Compare Two Folders in Windows 10

A digital weight scale can be a great help when you have multiple folders to review and follow up on for work. Thus, how can a user compare two directories on a Windows 10 computer? The solution is provided below!

How to Use Windows 10 to Compare Two Folders
A few clicks will allow you to compare the differences or view what’s inside both folders. Continue reading for several folder comparison techniques.

How to Compare Two Folders in Windows 10?

A few clicks will allow you to compare differences or view what’s inside both folders. Continue reading for several folder comparison techniques.

Method 1: Using Properties

Accessing the Properties of two folders and comparing their sizes, creation dates, and file counts is simple. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use the drop-down menu list to pick Properties when you right-click on the folder of your choice.
2. Proceed with the second folder in the same manner.
3. To compare, drag the Properties windows of the two folders next to one another.

Method 2: Using a Command Prompt

To discover how to take the actions listed below:

1. Use the context menu to right-click the first folder, choose Copy as the path, and save the contents to a notepad.
2. To compare the second folder, repeat Step 1.
3. Start the Command Prompt in administrator mode.
4. Enter robocop, hit the Spacebar, copy the path from the notepad to the first folder, and then type it back in.
5. Input the path to the following folder by pressing Space again
6. For instance, robocop D:\Old Downloads” and “D:\HP Downloads”
7. To finish the command, enter Space again and type /L /NJH /NJS /NP /NS.
8. Press Enter
9. In this manner, you can compare the new, old, or extra files found in both folders.

This is how the comparison makes sense:

*EXTRA File: This is not present in the first folder but present in the second.

New File: It is not in the second folder but in the first.

Older: The identical file exists in both files, but it was added to the first and then to the second.

More recent: Identical files in both files were initially generated in the second folder before moving to the first folder.

Method 3: Using PowerShell

You may also use PowerShell on your desktop to compare directories. Examine the actions listed below:

1. Type “Power shell” in the search bar and select “Open.”
2. Run $fso = Get-Child Item -Re curse -path “Folder 1” as the second command. This is where you enter the first folder’s location path.
3. Next, type $fsoBU = Get-Child Item -Re curse -path “Folder 2” into the console.
4. Put in the following command: Compare-Object -distinction Object $fsoBU -Reference Object $fso.

You can now examine and contrast the files that are in both folders.

=> SideIndicator only displays files in the first folder; it does not display files in the following folder.

Method 4:Using a Third-Party App

Many websites and third-party applications can easily compare data between two folders. To accomplish this, a third-party program like WinMerge is required.

1. Go to WinMerge’s official website and select Download Now! from the home page.
2. Open the application on your desktop after it has finished installing.
3. Select Open by clicking on the File icon in the upper left corner of the application.
4. Under the first file or folder, click Browse and choose the folder from your desktop.
5. Take the identical action beneath the second folder or file.
6. Select Compare.

You can now compare two folders on your Windows 10 desktop using one of the methods described in this post.

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