WinMerge is a free Windows application for comparing files and folders and viewing differences to help with merging. It can work as a standalone tool or as an external differencing and merge application. File comparison includes three-way views, syntax highlighting, word wrap, and detection of moved lines. Folder comparisons can include subfolders, apply regular-expression file filters, and compare files by size and date. WinMerge can also compare images using difference blocks or overlays, and show CSV and TSV data in columns with wrapped text. It can create patch files and resolve conflict files. Windows shell integration, 7-Zip archive support, and plugins are available. The listed requirements are Windows XP SP3 or newer for the 32-bit installer and Windows 7 or newer for the 64-bit installer. Version 2.16.58.2 is listed as the current release, dated 2026-08-27. WinMerge is open source under the GNU General Public License and is maintained by volunteers. Support is directed through discussion forums.
Who it is for
WinMerge suits Windows users who need to compare files, folders, images, or tabular data and work through merges or conflict files. Its standalone and external-tool options serve different comparison workflows.
What is good
- Free and open source under the GNU General Public License.
- Supports three-way file comparisons.
- Folder comparisons can include subfolders and filters.
- Can compare images and display CSV and TSV data.
- Creates patch files and resolves conflict files.
What to know first
- Listed installers support Windows only.
- 32-bit installer requires Windows XP SP3 or newer.
- 64-bit installer requires Windows 7 or newer.
- Distributed without warranty, including implied warranties.
Verdict
WinMerge covers file, folder, image, and table comparisons, with merge-related tools and Windows integrations. It is free, but users should check the installer requirements and note that the license provides no warranty.
WinMerge plans and pricing
All plansCompared on diff and merge tools
- Free plan
- Yes
- Three-way merge
- Yes
- Folder comparison
- Yes
- Git integration
- Yes
- Syntax highlighting
- Yes
- Platform support
- desktop
- Merge scope
- three_way
