Hello, how are you? File synchronization is a convenient way to access information from anywhere. In fact, with only an internet connection is possible to access data, without being physically in front of the device. Additionally, technological giants such as Google and Microsoft offer their own tools for synchronizing files. However, an essential feature of secure synchronization is privacy. For this reason, some users are reluctant to trust their personal information to the servers of these companies. That´s why today we are going to talk about Syncthing. It is an OpenSource application that enables you to synchronize folders between different devices. In addition, it allows you to select folders to share and synchronize with other devices. Well, in this post we are going to see how to install Syncthing on Windows 10.
Prerequisites
In order to enjoy synchronization between two computers, it is imperative that both have the program installed. On the other hand, obviously, both computers must be turned on and connected to the network.
Downloading Sycthing.
As we mentioned earlier, this is a multiplatform program. Obviously, it also has its version for Windows. To download the latest version, please go to the download section of the official website:
Once downloaded the application, proceed to decompress the file. It then executes the executable file. Forthwith, a window will appear indicating that the program is being installed. Additionally, you will have to allow the connection of the program through the Windows Firewall.
After these initial settings, it is very likely that the program’s web interface will open. If not, manually enter this address in the web browser: http://localhost:8384/.
Configuring Sycthing
Once the program’s graphical web interface is opened, the wizard will ask for authorization to send anonymous statistics.
After completing the previous step, the program’s graphical web interface will appear. There you can see the address of the folder to share and its statistics. Also, at the moment this folder is not shared. On the other hand, the right menu shows the current device and remote devices.
Adding a remote device
We have commented that in order to synchronize two devices, it is necessary to have the program installed in both. Well, this connection is made through a unique network identifier, generated by the program. To display the device ID, please enter the action menu located in the upper right corner of the page.
The device identifier will then be displayed in numeric form and also as QR code.
After knowing the identifier of the device you want to add, please enter the menu Add a remote device.
Immediately a window will be displayed, where you have to enter the unique identifier generated. It is also possible to assign a name to the connected device. Press save to set the changes.
Back to the previous screen, the folder remains unshared and the remote device is unused. This happens because Sycthing has to be restarted in order to sync correctly. The program should do it automatically, otherwise force the restart manually. With this intention, go back to the actions menu and click on restart.
Please remember to repeat the same procedure on the remote device.
Sharing the folder.
Syncthing by default does not share folders. So in order to activate it, it is necessary to edit the parameters of the remote device. With this intention, press the Edit command. Then go to the Sharing tab and check the box corresponding to Sharing Folders with the Device. Click on save to set the changes and restart the program.
Once again repeat the same steps on the remote device.
After the servers are configured, then both the folder and the remote device are correctly updated.
Conclusion
In the end, we have seen how to install Syncthing on Windows 10. After configuring it correctly, you can now synchronize files safely. In addition, this program does not use external servers and provides data encryption. So it is an option for users. I say goodbye and invite you to review our post about Plesk on Windows Server 2019.
