WinDataReflector: keep folders in sync with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, FTP and SFTP

2026-10-09

WinDataReflector is a free Windows app that keeps two folders identical. Each side can be a local folder, a network share or a cloud folder, and it supports Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, FTP and SFTP. Here's what it's good for and how to set it up safely.

Typical uses

• Back up a work folder to the cloud — a local folder mirrored to OneDrive or Google Drive.
• Keep two cloud accounts in step — for example Dropbox and Google Drive.
• Back up to a USB drive automatically — WinDataReflector recognises external disks and flash drives by their volume label, not their drive letter, and can start a task as soon as the drive is plugged in.
• Copy to a server — over FTP or SFTP.

One-way or two-way

By default, changes made on either side are mirrored to the other. You can also set rules so only certain changes are passed on, for example "copy new files, but never delete".

Settings that protect your files

• Deletion: out of the box, WinDataReflector never deletes files. You can change this to move deleted files to the Recycle Bin or delete permanently. We recommend the Recycle Bin option until you trust your setup.
• Keep old versions: it can keep a copy of a file before replacing it with a newer one, so an accidental overwrite isn't final.
• Verify copies: besides comparing timestamps and sizes, it can compare files using CRC checksums and verify them after copying.
• NTFS permissions: file security information and access rights can be copied too.

Automation

• Built-in scheduler — run a task at set times, on set days or at fixed intervals.
• Real-time sync — changes are copied as they happen.
• Several tasks at once, each in its own tab.
• Filters — exclude folders, file names or extensions, or use regular expressions.
• Before and after commands — run a program or batch file before or after a task, for example to stop a database before backing it up.

Getting started

1. Download WinDataReflector (Windows, free).

2. Create a task, and pick the left and right folders.

3. Leave the deletion setting on never delete for the first run.

4. Run the task once by hand and check the result.

5. Then turn on the schedule or real-time sync.