Synchronize Dialog

Enter root directories for the synchronization into Local directory and Remote directory boxes. By default the current working directories will be used. In the Explorer-like interface, where there is no local working directory, it will be the last local directory used.

Use options Both, Remote or Local to select your preferred synchronization mode.

The Synchronize timestamps only, not files checkbox makes WinSCP just update timestamps of existing files. It will not do any transfers, nor delete anything. Simply, whenever it finds the same file in both directories it updates the timestamp of target file to match the one of source file. In Both mode it always updates the older timestamp. With the option set, no other option can be configured.

The Delete files checkbox makes WinSCP delete files and subdirectories in target directory that are not present in a source directory. The option is not available for Both mode, because in the mode such files and subdirectories are always considered as new and transfered into the opposite directory (unless Existing files only is checked). Deleted local files are moved to recycle bin if preference option Delete local files to recycle bin is enabled only.

The Existing files only checkbox makes WinSCP not to consider files and subdirectories not existing in an opposite directory as new. Such files and subdirectories will be ignored.

The Preview changes checkbox makes WinSCP request confirmation from you before each change it makes. The No confirmations checkbox suppresses some confirmations, like overwrite and resume confirmations. Note that even if the option is not selected you may not see the confirmations, when they are suppressed in global preferences.

The section defines criteria for determining whether two files (local and remote) are the same or not.

With Modification time checked (default) two files are considered different when they have different timestamps.

With File size checked two files are considered different when they have different sizes. The option is not available for Both mode.

Note that while you can check both options, you cannot uncheck both. When both options are checked, Modification time has higher priority. As a consequence, file is not considered updated, despite having different size, if it is older.

In Both mode, Modification time is always checked and File size unchecked.

Transfer settings box shows current transfer settings.

To change the settings, use Transfer settings button. It will reveal drop down menu with list of configured presets. Use special command Custom to configure ad hoc transfer settings (alternatively you may double-click Transfer settings box). Command Configure opens Preferences dialog on Presets tab.

You may want to change transfer settings particularly to exclude certain files and subdirectories from synchronization.

Check Use same options next time if you want to make your options be default next time you use function Synchronize. Note that this will affect function Keep remote directory up to date as well.

In Explorer-like interface synchronization mode is saved too.

In Norton Commander interface the mode is initially autoselected based on the currently active file panel. To disable autoselection you need to select different mode than autoselected, check Use same options next time and then confirm that you really want to make the new mode default. Note that there is no way to revert back to autoselection.