WinMerge
WinMerge is an open-source differencing and merging tool for Windows. It provides a visual side-by-side comparison of text files, directories, and CSV data, making it straightforward to track modifications and resolve discrepancies across revisions.
github.com · Official website
- ✓ Official source (winget)
- ✓ SHA256 taken from the official repository
- ✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
- This is not a virus scan. Check on VirusTotal
- Version
- 2.16.60
- Release date
- Oct. 27, 2026
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Installer type
- inno
How do I use this?
Type Terminal in the Start menu and open it, paste the command (Ctrl+V or right-click) and press Enter. It uses winget, Windows' own package manager, to install the program from its official source.
winget install --id WinMerge.WinMerge -eSHA256 (file verification)
35217e6b3bb981e37b7ce3858e686e4ee3afe5cb7820ff5960258829fea0ba03We couldn't find a macOS version of WinMerge in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
We couldn't find a Linux version of WinMerge in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
We couldn't find a Android version of WinMerge in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
WinMerge 2.16.60: what's new?
Highlights
- Visual text comparison with inline character highlighting
- Recursive folder and directory comparison
- Support for CSV and tabular data diffing
- Syntax highlighting for multiple programming languages
- In-place text editing and two-way file merging
Who is it for?
Software developers, system administrators, and technical writers needing to review code changes, compare document versions, or sync folder contents.
Good to know before installing
- Available exclusively for the Windows operating system.
- The interface presents dense technical options that may require an initial learning curve.
How to install
Windows
- Click the official download button on this page to get the installer, or run 'winget install --id WinMerge.WinMerge -e' in your terminal.
- Launch the installer and accept the GPL-2.0 license agreement.
- Choose optional features, such as Windows Explorer context menu shortcuts, and complete the setup.
Alternatives
- Meld
- KDiff3
- DiffMerge
Frequently asked questions
Is WinMerge free for commercial use?
Yes, WinMerge is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL-2.0) and is entirely free for both personal and corporate use.
Can WinMerge compare entire folders?
Yes, it can perform recursive directory comparisons, identifying new, missing, and modified files across two locations.
Does WinMerge support binary file comparison?
Yes, WinMerge can detect differences in binary files, though deep viewing capabilities are primarily optimized for text and structured formats.