Projects / Syncthing

Syncthing

Files & Sync

Continuously synchronize selected folders between two or more devices, choosing which devices and directories can connect.

Use with conditions
Last updatedRelease 2026-09-08
Open source licenseMPL-2.0
PlatformsWindows · macOS · Linux
DeploymentDesktop

About this project

Syncthing continuously synchronizes files between two or more computers. Devices and shared folders are the main configuration objects: changes in a shared folder are transmitted between participating devices. Users choose the machines and storage locations involved, then decide which folders each device should share. This arrangement starts with explicit device relationships and directory selection.

Each device has an identifier, and both sides must add and approve the other. After folder sharing is configured, a file placed in one shared directory can be received by another device. The official introductory workflow uses a local web interface to inspect devices, folders, and synchronization status rather than uploading everything to one hosted account.

The program creates configuration files and keys when first run, and can operate in the background through system services or other integrations. The guide distinguishes core Syncthing from platform-specific wrappers. Synchronization depends on running programs and effective sharing configuration; installing it on only one computer without pairing or sharing a folder does not establish a working connection.

Decision guide
01

Why it is worth a look

  • User-configured device and folder sharing
  • Official program and getting-started guide
  • Start with two devices and one test folder
02

Before you use it

  • Both devices require installation and mutual device-ID confirmation
  • Include synchronized writes and deletions in a backup strategy; synchronization should not be the only backup
  • Mobile wrapper applications have different maintainers and are not equivalent to this core project
Manual setupModerate
With an AI agentLow
DeploymentDesktop
Additional requirementsNot verified

Use a supported operating system; Have permission to install local applications; Some requirements have not been verified. Check the official setup instructions.

03

What it can do

  • Multi-device folder synchronization
  • Device-ID pairing
  • Browser-based management interface
  • Continuous background operation
  • Signed releases and automatic updates on some channels

Who it fits

Good for

Keeping folders consistent across multiple devices; Willingness to manage pairing, running status, and backups

Not a fit

Only needing an occasional one-off file transfer; Having no independent backup and being unable to tolerate synchronization mistakes

Getting started

  1. Download and extract the appropriate official release on both devices
  2. Run the program and mutually add device IDs in the local browser management interface
  3. Share a dedicated test directory first and expand the scope only after verification

Alternatives to consider