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Safe Merge guide

Merge folders once or keep them in sync?

A merge creates one combined folder at that moment. It does not copy later changes automatically. Use Safe Merge for a one-time combined result, and keep a separate backup for older file versions.

By Osenpa · Updated
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Before you start

  • A clear choice between a one-time combined result and ongoing synchronization.
  • For Safe Merge, Windows 11 24H2 or later, x64, with full Store access or a trial merge available; two distinct supported local NTFS source folders, with neither inside the other; and a separate folder to contain the result, outside both sources. Allow enough space for the new collection.

Using the free trial? It includes two qualifying merges in total, shared across windows and launches. A verified saved result counts even if optional recycling later stops. How the free trial works.

Follow these steps

  1. Choose the outcome you need

    For two photo collections or project folders that you want together, use a merge. If you need ongoing copies of later edits, do not expect the merged result to keep itself up to date.

  2. Set up the merge

    In Safe Merge, choose First folder and Second folder. Enter the result name under Merged folder and use Choose location to select the folder that will contain it, outside both sources.

    Safe Merge selects Laptop research and USB research, a separate Combined papers result, and Keep both, with recycling unchecked.
    Keep both preserves different files with matching names. Enlarge image.
    1. Keep both preserves both versions when their names match.

  3. Preserve the source collections

    Leave Keep both selected and Recycle originals after merging unchecked. Select Merge Folders.

  4. Check the result and choose where to work

    Open the merged folder and read Merge Summary. Choose which collection you will edit from now on. For example, adding a photo to a source folder tomorrow will not add it to this result.

    Safe Merge reports Merge complete for Combined papers and confirms that original files and folders were kept.
    Open the merged folder to inspect both papers. Enlarge image.

Check your result

  • The new result contains the intended combined collection.
  • You know which folder you will use for future work.
  • You understand that later changes in either source will not update the merged result.
If you need more help

Synchronization direction changes the outcome

Two-way synchronization can carry changes in both directions. Mirroring makes a target match a source and can remove target items that are absent from the source. These are different outcomes from making a separate combined collection.

A merged result is not a backup plan

A separate result can help you consolidate files, but Safe Merge does not schedule backups or retain earlier content versions. Keep an appropriate backup of the collection you continue working on.

Need the app?

Safe Merge. Check requirements and download options.

Safe Merge on Microsoft Store

Next steps