WinMerge

C
C tier on Diff and Merge ToolsScore 6.8 · #8 of 27
Android app
Not listed
Free plan
Yes
Runs on
Windows
winmerge.org
The WinMerge homepage

Summary

WinMerge is a free Windows application for comparing files and folders, displaying differences visually for merging. It can run on its own or work as an external differencing and merge tool. File comparisons include three-way views, syntax highlighting, word wrap, and moved-line detection. Folder comparisons can include subfolders, apply regular-expression filters, and compare files by size and date. The tool can compare images using difference blocks or overlays, and show CSV and TSV contents in columns with wrapped text. It can also create patch files and resolve conflict files. Windows shell integration, archive support using 7-Zip, and plugins are available. The download page lists Windows XP SP3 or newer for the 32-bit installer and Windows 7 or newer for the 64-bit installer. The current version is 2.16.58.2, released on 2026-08-27. WinMerge is open source under the GNU General Public License. The project is developed and maintained by volunteers; its support page directs users to discussion forums and asks bug reporters to include the version and, if possible, a configuration log.

Who it is for

WinMerge suits Windows users who need to inspect differences between files or folders and merge changes. Its three-way comparisons, patch creation, and conflict resolution also address version-control workflows.

What is good

  • Compares files and folders with visual differences.
  • Supports three-way file comparisons and moved-line detection.
  • Can compare images and display CSV or TSV data.
  • Creates patch files and resolves conflict files.
  • Open source under the GNU General Public License.

What to know first

  • The listed installers require Windows XP SP3 or newer for 32-bit.
  • The listed 64-bit installer requires Windows 7 or newer.
  • Distributed without warranty.

Verdict

WinMerge supports a range of comparison tasks, from source files and folders to images and tabular data. It is free and open source, with Windows-only platform support and no warranty.

WinMerge plans and pricing

All plans
WinMerge Free Open source under the GNU General Public License winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026

Compared on diff and merge tools

Free plan
Yeswinmerge.org
Three-way merge
Yeswinmerge.org
Folder comparison
Yeswinmerge.org
Git integration
Yeswinmerge.org
Syntax highlighting
Yeswinmerge.org
Platform support
desktopwinmerge.org
Merge scope
three_waywinmerge.org

Facts

Purpose
WinMerge compares files and folders and presents differences visually for merging.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026
Use
WinMerge can be used as a standalone application or as an external differencing and merging tool.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026
File comparison
It supports three-way file comparisons, syntax highlighting, word wrap, and detection of moved lines.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026
Image comparison
Image comparison can highlight differences with blocks and overlay images.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026
Table comparison
Table comparison displays CSV and TSV contents in columns and can wrap text in each column.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026
Version control
WinMerge can create patch files and resolve conflict files.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026
Integrations
WinMerge offers Windows shell integration, archive support using 7-Zip, and plugin support.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026
Requirements
The download page lists Windows XP SP3 or newer for the 32-bit installer and Windows 7 or newer for the 64-bit installer.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026
Current release
Version 2.16.58.2 was released on 2026-08-27 and is identified as the current version.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026
Support
The support page directs users to discussion forums and asks bug reporters to include the WinMerge version and, if possible, a configuration log.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026
Security and warranty
The license text says WinMerge is distributed without any warranty, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026
Development
WinMerge is maintained and developed by volunteers.winmerge.org · 2 Oct 2026

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