WinMerge for Windows

Used WinMerge for Windows?

WinMerge Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 23, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

WinMerge is a free and open-source file comparison tool designed for Windows users. This productivity software allows users to identify differences between files and folders efficiently. Its primary features include a visual text comparison interface, syntax highlighting for various programming languages, and the ability to merge changes easily. WinMerge supports various file formats, making it suitable for developers and anyone needing to track changes in documents or code.

Top Recommended Alternative

Microsoft Office

Trial version

The software is lightweight and compatible with older versions of Windows, starting from Windows 98. Its user-friendly interface and powerful comparison features have contributed to its popularity in multiple countries, including India and the United States. Although the last update was in 2009, WinMerge remains a useful tool for those looking to compare and merge files without incurring costs.

WinMerge for Windows

Used WinMerge for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: September 4, 2020

Latest update: June 23, 2026

Version: 2.16.56.2

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System: Windows 11

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 104,222

Downloads Last Week: 5

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.6/5

26 User Votes

Adware! Installs 4 additional apps
tonic2August 12, 2014
Pros
Nil. Didn't bother as I don't trust it
Cons
Installs 4 additional applications, some to startup and some as browser plugins. (Enterprise 1.1, SaveSense, KNCTR, Reimage Repair).
Summary
Adware. How rude :(
Functional and fast
jkballApril 2, 2012
Pros
It's free and open source. It has plugin support. With the xdocdiff plugin you can quickly compare MS Word and Excel documents (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx) as plain text. Integrates well with Tortoise CVS/SVN. Excellent performance.
Cons
Plugins are disabled by default. xdocdiff plugin is a separate download. UI is a bit dated. No support for 3-way compare/merge operations.
Summary
An invaluable tool once you have it set up the way you want it. Take a look at KDiff3 if you need to do 3-way merges.
awesome, reliable, better than my IDE
alexx.stehmanNovember 30, 2011
Pros
This tool provides a FAST, easy-to-use, friendly interface for diffing files. Additionally, it has never failed me. It has never crashed and/or corrupted my files.
Cons
There are none that come to mind.
Summary
Highly recommend this tool anytime you need a GUI diff tool.
Love! This software is a gem!
LahodawebNovember 16, 2011
Pros
If you have to compare text files you reached the realm. Easy to use. Nice visuals.
Cons
Why do I need to enter 10 chars minimum of cons if there aren't any?
Summary
A well designed tool.
Performs as promised, easy to use, very fast
silviu.zilbermanDecember 21, 2010
Pros
Marks differences between lines and in-line, user friendly
Cons
Wish it could compare similar directories and mark files that are changed.
Summary
Highly recommended.
This tool is a must have if you develop websites
coachgm41November 19, 2010
Pros
I have to deal with 100s of files for the websites I build and this utility is one of my most important. The keyboard commands make this better than most merge utilities.
Cons
Nothing. I love this software. And its free! Its a crime. I would pay good money for this tool.
Summary
A friend showed me this tool a few years ago and I owe him big. It has saved my tail so many times I can't say. I certainly like the diff tool that comes with SVN but every time I use it I say "dang I need to take two minutes to config SVN to use winmerge instead!". I love this tool!
Wonderful, fantastic, helpful, nice, ..... etc
armorjanSeptember 20, 2010
Pros
Added to the context menu Supports dragging and dropping Very nice GUI
Cons
Nothing, Nothing
Summary
An invaluable tool to merge & match files & folders.
jamie_stephensonSeptember 7, 2010
Pros
Gives lots of control - you can move all or some changes in either direction
Cons
Filters are a bit fiddly to set up. (Hopefully someone has already done the ground work for you)
Summary
Fantastic!
punchupAugust 13, 2010
Pros
Great for comparing two files that are similar. Perfect for CSS style sheets that have slight differences and are messing up your site.
Cons
None. More than I expected.
Summary
User friendky and very simple for a lay man like me.
balatv44August 18, 2009
Pros
I am using thins kind of software. It is really very good. Could understand easly and use it. The programme has been developed for every need of al the people. Thanks to Cnet for allowing us to download.
Cons
Nothing to add.
Summary

Developer’s Description

By WinMerge

Observe, determine, and merge changes for files, folders, or directories in visually appealing text format.