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How best to sync a USB flash/thumb drive with folder on my laptop?

I need to be able to work off a flash drive when at work or traveling, and I want to sync that (only the changes) with a folder on my home PC. I need it to sync both ways so that if changes are made in the home C folder it is transferred to the USB drive (once it is inserted), and vice versa.  I'm using Windows 10, and everything important is on OneDrive.  I've read that synctoy is not a good option with Windows 10, and really isn't even compatible  ALSO, once I have syncing of the flash drive set up I think I can sync the PC folder to OneDrive...and then if I make changes to a document on OneDrive through the internet, those changes should sync with the home PC folder, which will sync with the removable flash drive....or the other way...changes done to documents on the flash drive will be synced with the hoe PC folder then synced with OneDrive.  First though, what is the best option, software, or whatever to sync that portable thumb drive with a folder on my pc? If you can offer advice on the whole thumb drive to OneDrive setup that would be great too. Thanks!

The best software I have found is called Sync toys (from Microsoft).  It can be set up any way you like to sync both ways give priorities, what to do with duplicates, etc.

It is free and you can get it here

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=15155

Cat herder
Windows Insider MVP
MVP-Windows and Devices for IT
http://www.zigzag3143.com/

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Is there a version of Sync Toys that is compatible with Windows 10?

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Steven

The version on the link works fine on win 10 (I am using it atm).  They just did not update the web page I suspect.

Cat herder
Windows Insider MVP
MVP-Windows and Devices for IT
http://www.zigzag3143.com/

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Interesting. I have used the SyncToy 2.1 with the laptop running Windows 7. Upgraded to Windows 10 and it ran fine. Now I got a new Microsoft Windows Surface Book and downloaded SyncToy and it didn't work. Installation says that you need .NET of certain build and computer spits message that it is already installed. I would look for alternatives (I am looking myself).

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EG

If you do not have the net framework installed or if it is corrupted I would remove and re-install it.  Sync toys definitely works.

I would remove Sync toys, any and all Visual ++ installs, run a system file check then try it again

Cat herder
Windows Insider MVP
MVP-Windows and Devices for IT
http://www.zigzag3143.com/

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Thank you for advice. I did remove the Visual ++ from the system. Tried to install SynToy 2.1 and still got the message that I need .NET 2.x version. I have tried to install the .NET version 6.x and it says that I already have it on the system. How do I remove it and re-install it? Alternatively, is there another program that does the sam thing that SyncToy does without the pain of installation/

Thank you for your advice once again.

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I use the SyncBackFree from http://www.2brightsparks.com/

Highly configurable and very light weight.

Takes some getting used to, so be careful at first... maybe experiment on a folder.  I use newest file updates older files.   Sort of back up OneDrive to a router attached SSD so I don't need to fiddle around nor download onedrive on my slow 15mb/s dsl every time I install windows fresh, plus it updates when I dual boot insider with same one drive... my wifi drive is much faster than dsl .. 450mbit/s.. sometimes I wonder why I need OneDrive.

~
Microsoft Bob came back after a 20 year makeover, and with a new name. Cortana!

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aside from sync toy which is very good, try briefcase

more info here.

https://www.techmesto.com/how-to-enable-briefcase-feature-in-windows-10/

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I've just tried SyncToy in my old Windows XP computer and works like a charm! Two thumbs up! :) 

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Last updated April 15, 2024 Views 63,136 Applies to: