fileWATCH for Windows

Name: fileWATCH
Rating: 3.8 (12 reviews)
Author: Kevin Gearhart

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Editors’ Review

Download.com staffFebruary 26, 2026

FileWatch provides comprehensive tracking of file system and registry modifications. It monitors your system for additions, deletions, and changes, cataloging all items.

Top Recommended Alternative

QFXtoQIF

Free

Pros
- Catalogs all files, folders, and registry items.
- Reports duplicate files.
- Identifies changed, extra, and missing files.
- Monitors program installations and system changes.
- Uses saved catalog files for tracking.
Cons
- No mention of real-time monitoring.
- No indication of user interface details.
- Lacks information on performance impact.
- No details on historical data retention.
- Absence of automated alerts or notifications.

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: July 11, 2005

Latest update: February 26, 2026

Version: 5.01

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 95
Windows ME
Windows 98
Windows XP
Windows 10
Windows NT
Windows 2000

Additional Requirements: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 32,061

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.8/5

12 User Votes

easy to install and use
awostMarch 16, 2010
Pros
Still works on Windows 2000
Cons
Hard to remember the name of it sometimes.
Summary
Simple installation and user interface, includes instructions on the main screen to get started fast.
NOT FREE LIMITED
poseidaonFebruary 20, 2008
Pros
Cons
it is not free limited to 10 line info !!!!
Summary
don't leave home without it!
gearhartgwJuly 14, 2007
Pros
I work in the IT department for a major cable company and filewatch is a must have tool for monitoring what my users are installing on their machines.
Cons
Summary
No update required for Vista.
007wildApril 2, 2007
Pros
I just upgraded to Windows Vista and filewatch works great. I installed something last year with a trojan in it and was able to track it down using filewatch, so I'm glad it still works with Vista!
Cons
Summary
Catches EVERYTHING
PMOSTApril 27, 2006
Pros
Seems like I have been using filewatch for 10 years now. It is in my arsenal of must have debug tools for Windows.
Cons
Summary
Can't get a license key
BollinggApril 19, 2006
Pros
Gives all changes in an easy to use format.
Cons
I paid for the license 4 days ago and still don't have it. No response to any e-mails. Doesn't really supply any information without the license.
Summary
better safe than sorry
10101September 9, 2005
Pros
I never consider installing new soft without running it 1rst; <p>small footprint; never failed.
Cons
faithful registered users would welcome an active forum & frequent updates
Summary
Thanks
May 1, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
for providing this tool!
Awesome
October 25, 2002
Pros
Cons
Summary
Very helpful app! Installs fine if you have the Windows Installer engine... Kevin's got a link to it on the program download page.
Worth a fortune
September 12, 2002
Pros
Cons
Summary
It is the best file watcher I've ever used and it is really very effective

Developer’s Description

By Kevin Gearhart

Keep track of all additions, deletions, and other changes in your file system.

File monitor and registry monitor. Track file system and registry changes. Monitors the changes in the hard drive(s) and registry on your system using saved catalog files. Use it to monitor actions such as program installations to see how files are scattered or tampered with over time. Key features: catalogs all files, folders, and registry items on your system, reports duplicate files, reports changed, extra, and missing files.

fileWATCH for Windows

Editors’ Review

Top Recommended Alternative

QFXtoQIF

Pros

Cons