Branch & release diffs
Compare source trees across branches, spot moved lines, and merge selected hunks before you commit.
Windows · GPLv2 · Volunteer-built
See every change.Merge with confidence.
WinMerge is a free visual diff and merge console for Windows. Compare files and folders side by side, resolve conflicts, and sync trees with clarity instead of guesswork.
Inline map
Moved lines & word-level hits
Live compare surface
Folder radar
Recursive tree status
32K+Downloads each week
4.8Community rating
GPLv2Source beside binaries
x64ARM64 & x86 packs too
Floating intel
Three orbits of day-to-day power
Hover the panels. Each one maps to a real WinMerge workflow you can open in minutes.
Config & deploy sync
Diff configuration folders between servers, filter noise with regex, and confirm binaries inside archives.
Everyday file hygiene
Spot duplicate folders, compare CSV exports in table mode, or overlay screenshots in image compare.
Signal timeline
From open to merge in four beats
A short path from install to a confident merge decision.
-
Pick the architecture pack
Grab x64, ARM64, or x86 from the Install page. Prefer SHA-256 verification before you run Setup.
-
Select paths or Explorer items
Use the Select Files or Folders dialog, or shell integration so the right-clicked item becomes the left pane.
-
Read the visual delta
Side-by-side panes, in-line highlights, difference pane, and location map keep large files navigable.
-
Merge, patch, or sync
Apply hunks, create Normal/Context/Unified patches, or drive folder sync with filters and 3-way views.
Capability mesh
Animated feature lattice
A denser map of what ships in the stable line.
Image & table compare
Block and overlay image diffs. CSV/TSV table view with per-column wrapping for export reviews.
Patches
Normal, Context, and Unified output for review and sharing.
Shell
64-bit Explorer menus with predictable left/right order.
Archives & plugins
7-Zip browsing with signature detection for packages like .jar and OpenOffice. Plugin unpackers and a localizable UI.
Performance levers
Fast size/date folder passes, Quick Contents thresholds for large files, and rescan delay while you type.
Positioning
How WinMerge sits among diff tools
A quick read of license, depth, and what you pay to start.
| Capability | WinMerge | Typical commercial | Generic free |
|---|---|---|---|
| License model | GPLv2 · free | Paid license | GPL / free |
| Native Windows focus | Yes (Win32 · shell · x64/ARM64) | Yes | Varies |
| 3-way compare | File & folder | Strong suite | Limited |
| Image / table compare | Built-in | Often add-on | Rare |
| Typical cost to start | $0 | Paid | $0 |
Ready for the stable build?
WinMerge 2.16.56.2 · x64, ARM64, and x86 installers plus portable ZIP packages on winmerge.co.