Install Syncthing on two computers, pair them securely, and synchronize selected folders without relying on cloud storage.
Two-way synchronization propagates changes and deletions. A synchronization tool is not a substitute for an independent backup.
Install **Syncthing** on both PCs, exchange device IDs, and share one folder. Confirm that a test file appears on the second computer before enabling automatic startup.
Open the official **Syncthing** downloads page and download the Windows 64-bit ZIP package. Extract the portable executable into a permanent folder on each computer.
Launch **Syncthing** on each PC using its extracted executable. Open the local web interface when prompted and verify that each installation reports its own device identity.
syncthing.exeOpen **Actions**, select **Settings**, and inspect **GUI**. Configure an authentication username and password, and keep the management interface restricted to the local computer.
127.0.0.1:8384Find the **Device ID** on the first PC and choose **Add Remote Device** on the second. Add the second PC's ID to the first computer as well, then accept the pairing requests.
Select **Add Folder** on the first PC, choose a dedicated test folder, and share it with the second device. Accept the folder-sharing request on the second PC and select its local destination.
Create a small text file inside the synchronized folder on the first PC. Confirm that it appears on the second PC, then create another file on the second PC and verify that it returns to the first.
Use the official Windows autostart instructions to configure **Syncthing** to launch at user sign-in. Verify that synchronization resumes after both machines are restarted.
shell:startup
--no-console --no-browserConfirm that **Syncthing** is running on both computers, the device IDs are correct, and the pairing was accepted. Check Windows Firewall and the network connection.
Confirm that both devices have accepted the same folder share, the destination folders are writable, and no folder errors are displayed in the web interface.
Check the Startup shortcut or scheduled task and ensure it points to the current executable location. Syncthing must be running to synchronize files.
No. It synchronizes between participating devices without storing your files in a conventional cloud account.
In a normal two-way folder, deletions can synchronize. Enable file versioning or maintain separate backups if recovery is important.
They must connect at some point to exchange pending changes. Changes can synchronize when both become available.
Stop synchronization on both computers. In the Syncthing interface, remove the shared folder configuration on each device without selecting any option that deletes the underlying files. Remove the paired devices, delete the automatic-start shortcuts or tasks, shut down Syncthing, and delete the extracted application folders. Remove its application data only if you also want to discard the device identity and configuration. Keep or delete synchronized files separately.
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