WinMerge
WinMerge is a free Windows application for comparing files and folders, displaying differences visually for merging.
What WinMerge is
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.
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.
Watch out
- 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.
Who it suits
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.
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.
Plans and prices
From WinMerge's own pricing page, checked 2 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| WinMerge | Free | Open source under the GNU General Public License |
The facts
Each one read from WinMerge's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Current release
- Version 2.16.58.2 was released on 2026-08-27 and is identified as the current version.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Development
- WinMerge is maintained and developed by volunteers.checked 2 Oct 2026
- File comparison
- It supports three-way file comparisons, syntax highlighting, word wrap, and detection of moved lines.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Folder comparison
- Folder comparisons can use regular-expression file filters, compare files by size and date, and include subfolders.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Image comparison
- Image comparison can highlight differences with blocks and overlay images.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- WinMerge offers Windows shell integration, archive support using 7-Zip, and plugin support.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- WinMerge compares files and folders and presents differences visually for merging.checked 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.checked 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.checked 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.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Table comparison
- Table comparison displays CSV and TSV contents in columns and can wrap text in each column.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Use
- WinMerge can be used as a standalone application or as an external differencing and merging tool.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Version control
- WinMerge can create patch files and resolve conflict files.checked 2 Oct 2026
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