Quick Fixes to SyncToy Not Copying All Files in Windows 10 or 7

Facing SyncToy problems like not copying all files when set up folder pair to ECHO in Windows 10 or 7? Scroll down to get quick fixes to SyncToy not syncing all files.

By @Delia Last Updated December 25, 2024

Why is Synctoy not copying all files on Windows 10?

“As Dell are withdrawing their online Datasafe backup I've been looking at alternatives and SyncToy seems like a good solution. However when I tried backing up My Documents it backed up some sub folders but missed others. Am I doing something wrong or is this a problem with SyncToy. Thanks for any help.”

– Brooksy

SyncToy, a free sync tool from Microsoft, helps synchronize files and folders with a user-friendly interface, which is ideal for backups. However, users report issues such as SyncToy not copying all files, failing to reflect “moves” or “deletions” in ECHO mode, and being unable to select OneDrive folders. Common errors include “Failed to create folder pair” and “Failed to create the provider,” while WebDAV folders like those in Windows Mobile are also unsupported. To solve those annoying problems, here are some fixes you can try.

Common fixes to SyncToy not syncing all files

Now, let’s dive into the core of this guide. SyncToy may fail to sync all files due to various issues, but once you identify the problem, you can easily apply the appropriate fixes. These solutions are simple and consist of small, manageable steps—just follow them carefully to resolve the issue.

Fix 1: Create Another Folder Pair

If SyncToy isn’t syncing all files, follow these steps:

1. Check if the left folder contains subfolders.

2. If subfolders exist, create a new folder pair specifically for each subfolder.

3. Run the sync again to ensure all files are included.

Fix 2: Repair Using Microsoft Sync Framework

For errors like “Failed to create folder pair” or “Failed to create the provider,” follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel on your computer.

2. Go to Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features.

3. Locate Microsoft Sync Framework 2.0 Provider Services in the list.

4. Click on it and select the Repair option.

5. Once the repair process is complete, restart SyncToy.

6. Test the sync to confirm the issue is resolved.

While these fixes can resolve common SyncToy issues, they have some limitations:

❌ Warning:

Create Another Folder Pair: This solution works for subfolder-related sync problems, but managing multiple folder pairs can become tedious, especially if you have numerous subfolders to sync.

Repair Using Microsoft Sync Framework: Repairing the Sync Framework may not address deeper compatibility issues with newer operating systems or unsupported folder types, such as OneDrive or WebDAV folders. Additionally, this fix requires administrative access to your system.

If these methods don’t fully solve the issue, consider exploring alternative sync tools that may better meet your needs.

Best free SyncToy alternative

If none of that helps or you’re seeking more features in file/folder syncing, it is high time to turn to a SyncToy alternative for Windows 11/10/8/7. The Sync feature in AOMEI Backupper Standard is powerful in files and folder synchronizing, which helps you get out of SyncToy not copying subfolders trouble.

AOMEI Backupper
Easy Hard Drive and SSD Cloning Software
  • You can sync files/folders from one drive to another in Daily, Weekly, or Monthly mode.
  • Syncing from local drives to network locations like shared folders and NAS, or cloud drives like OneDrive/Google Drive/Dropbox desktop folder is available.
  • It ensures the integrity and accuracy of files during synchronization by thoroughly verifying their consistency.

 And it is free for PC users. Why don’t you free download and have a try?

Steps to copy all files and subfolders when syncing in Windows 10/7

Install and launch the free AOMEI Backupper on your computer. Connect the external storage to your PC if you’d like to sync files to the external drive.

1. In AOMEI Backupper, go to Sync and then select Basic Sync which is a one-way sync mode.

2. Click on Add Folder to add the folder you want to sync.

3. Click the second box to add the destination location.

4. (Optional) Click Options to set email notification if you want to. Click Schedule to set Daily, Weekly, Monthly.

5. Click Start Sync to sync files right now or at the next scheduled time.

🌟Tips:
  • You are allowed to manage all sync tasks in the Home tab.

  • To enjoy more advanced sync modes like Real-Time Sync and Two-Way Sync, please upgrade to the Professional edition.
  • It is not allowed to sync files or folders to CD/DVD/Blue-Ray.

  • If you want to sync files to a cloud drive and avoid malicious people changing it, try the Cloud Backup feature under the Backup tab and enjoy 1TB of free storage in 15 days.

Summary

The next time when you encounter SyncToy not copying all files problem, make sure there is no subfolder in the left folder. If SyncToy does not work simply, repair it and try again. However, a once-and-for-all solution is to find an all-around alternative to SyncToy in Windows 10/8/7.

Apart from the Sync feature, AOMEI Backupper also embeds with Backup features such as System Backup, File Backup, and Disk Backup; Cloning features such as System Clone, Disk Clone, and Partition/Volume Clone. Download to explore more.