Odd problem ever since I installed 14.12. I'll open up a saved FFS job but FFS cannot find the machine from which it is configured to sync. I have discovered that all I have to do to resolve the issue is to open File Explorer and to then click on "Network". I do not even need to select the machine that I am trying to sync from, it just the act of going into "Network" within File Explorer. Once I do this, then if I click on "Retry" in FFS it will find the other machine with no further problems.
All systems in my environment are running Windows 11 26H2. I never encountered this issue in previous versions of FFS but it happens frequently in 14.12.
Is this a known issue? If so, any resolution available?
NOTE: I am currently using the free version of FFS although I also have the donation edition. I have not tested the donation edition.
FFS 14.12 unable to connect to another until browse the network with File Explorer
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What error message is FreeFileSync showing? Maybe it could detect this.
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Hi,
The problem you're encountering might be related to Windows 11 and the network not remaining active and alive. When you go into File Explorer and click on the network, it wakes up the network a little bit and forces Windows to send out a broadcast for the machines that are nearby and that it knows about and is connecting to.
In the meantime and perhaps permanently, I would recommend switching your connection to SFTP. SFTP comes with Microsoft Windows 11. It's just disabled by default. You can go into Settings and enable SSH > Open SSH Server and then all you need to do is put in the computer's IP address, username, and password. It will connect immediately every time.
Here are the instructions for setting everything up.
I wrote these instructions in a program that uses Markdown text formatting. I'm not sure if this forum supports that or not so you might see some Markdown formatting code.
# Installing OpenSSH Server on Windows 11 and Connecting with FreeFileSync
These instructions explain how to install Microsoft OpenSSH Server on Windows 11 and configure FreeFileSync to securely synchronize files between two computers.
**FreeFileSync is assumed to be already installed.**
## What You'll Be Setting Up
You will have two computers:
- **Computer 1 (Remote Computer):** The Windows 11 computer containing the files you want to access. This computer will run OpenSSH Server.
- **Computer 2 (Your Computer):** The computer running FreeFileSync. It will connect to Computer 1 using SFTP, a secure file transfer protocol included with OpenSSH.
Both computers should initially be connected to the same local network.
## Step 1 — Install OpenSSH Server on Windows 11
On Computer 1:
1. Click **Start** and open **Settings**.
2. Select **System**, then **Optional features**. On some Windows 11 versions, Optional features is under **Apps**.
3. Click **View features** or **Add an optional feature**.
4. Search for `OpenSSH Server`.
5. Select **OpenSSH Server** and click **Next**, then **Install**.
6. Wait for installation to finish.
OpenSSH Server is a Microsoft-supported Windows feature. You do not need to download it from a third-party website.
## Step 2 — Start OpenSSH Server Automatically
1. Press **Windows + R**.
2. Type `services.msc` and press **Enter**.
3. Scroll down to **OpenSSH SSH Server**.
4. Double-click the service.
5. Change **Startup type** to **Automatic**.
6. Click **Apply**.
7. Click **Start** if the service is not running.
8. Click **OK**.
The SSH server will now start automatically whenever Windows starts.
## Step 3 — Check the Windows Firewall
OpenSSH Server normally uses **TCP port 22**.
Windows usually creates the necessary firewall rule automatically.
To verify:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for **Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security**.
3. Click **Inbound Rules**.
4. Look for **OpenSSH SSH Server (sshd)**.
5. Make sure the rule is enabled.
If the rule is enabled and permits TCP port 22, you should not need to make any changes.
If the rule is missing, an administrator will need to create an inbound rule allowing TCP port 22, preferably limited to the trusted local network.
## Step 4 — Find the Remote Computer's IP Address
On Computer 1:
1. Press **Windows + R**.
2. Type `cmd` and press **Enter**.
3. Type:
`ipconfig`
4. Look for the **IPv4 Address** under the active Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection.
For example:
`IPv4 Address . . . . . : 192.168.1.105`
Write down the IP address. You will need it when configuring FreeFileSync.
## Step 5 — Find Your Windows Username and Password
You need the username and password of a Windows account on Computer 1.
To find the username, open Command Prompt and enter:
`whoami`
For example, Windows might display:
`DESKTOP-ABC123\john`
In this example, `john` is the username.
You will also need the actual Windows account password. **A Windows Hello PIN generally cannot be used to authenticate an SFTP connection.**
If the computer uses a Microsoft account rather than a local Windows account, the username may be different from the name displayed on the Windows sign-in screen.
## Step 6 — Configure FreeFileSync to Connect Using SFTP
FreeFileSync includes built-in support for SFTP, so no additional file transfer software is required.
On Computer 2:
1. Open **FreeFileSync**.
2. On the left side, click **Browse** and select the local folder you want to synchronize.
3. On the right side, click the small **cloud icon** next to the folder selection area.
4. In the window that opens, select **SFTP**.
5. Enter the connection information shown below.
| Setting | Example |
|---|---|
| Protocol | SFTP |
| Server name | `192.168.1.105` |
| Port | `22` |
| Username | `john` |
| Password | Your Windows account password |
6. Leave the advanced settings at their defaults.
7. Click **Browse** in the SFTP connection window to select the folder on the remote computer.
8. Choose the remote folder you want to synchronize, such as the user's Documents folder.
9. Click **OK** to save the connection.
The first time you connect, FreeFileSync may ask you to confirm the remote computer's SSH identity. Verify that it is the intended computer before accepting.
If the connection succeeds, FreeFileSync can access the remote folder.
**Tip:** For the first test, create a small folder named `SFTP-Test` on the remote computer and use it instead of important documents.
## Step 7 — Choose How FreeFileSync Should Synchronize Files
FreeFileSync provides several synchronization methods.
| Method | What it does |
|---|---|
| **Two Way** | Synchronizes changes in both directions. |
| **Mirror** | Makes the right folder match the left folder, including deletions. |
| **Update** | Copies new and changed files from left to right without deleting extra files on the right. |
For someone getting started, **Update** is often the safest choice when the goal is to copy files from one computer to another without deleting files from the destination.
If the goal is to keep two working folders synchronized in both directions, select **Two Way** instead.
**Be careful with Mirror:** It can delete files from the destination if those files no longer exist in the source.
## Step 8 — Run Your First Synchronization
1. Make sure the correct local and remote folders are selected.
2. Click **Compare** at the top of FreeFileSync.
3. Wait while FreeFileSync compares the two folders.
4. Review the list of files and the arrows indicating what will happen.
5. Make sure the synchronization method is correct.
6. Click **Synchronize**.
7. Confirm the operation when prompted.
FreeFileSync will begin transferring files securely over the SSH connection.
For your first synchronization, use a few test files and verify that they arrive in the correct destination folder.
## Step 9 — Save the FreeFileSync Configuration
Once everything is working:
1. Click **File → Save As** in FreeFileSync, or use the Save configuration button.
2. Give the configuration a descriptive name, such as `Remote Computer Sync`.
3. Save the configuration.
The configuration is saved as a `.ffs_gui` file.
The next time you want to synchronize, open this saved configuration rather than entering all the settings again.
FreeFileSync also supports batch jobs that can be run automatically using Windows Task Scheduler, if needed later.
## Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Cannot connect to server | Verify the IP address and that OpenSSH SSH Server is running. |
| Connection refused | Check TCP port 22 and the Windows Firewall. |
| Authentication failed | Check the Windows username and account password. |
| Remote folder not found | Use FreeFileSync's SFTP Browse button to locate the folder. |
| Permission denied when copying | Make sure the Windows account has permission to read or write the remote folder. |
| Connection previously worked but now fails | Check whether the remote computer's IP address has changed. |
## Important Security Notes
- Use a strong password for the Windows account.
- Do not expose SSH port 22 directly to the Internet unless you understand the security implications.
- For connections between computers at different locations, consider using a private VPN such as Tailscale.
- Always review the proposed file changes before running a Mirror or Two Way synchronization.
- Remember that synchronization is not the same as a versioned backup. Accidental changes and deletions can be propagated.
## Summary
Once the initial setup is complete, using FreeFileSync is straightforward:
1. Start FreeFileSync on Computer 2.
2. Open the saved synchronization configuration.
3. Click **Compare**.
4. Review the proposed changes.
5. Click **Synchronize**.
OpenSSH Server runs automatically on Computer 1, and FreeFileSync connects securely using SFTP.
**No additional SSH server or file transfer program is needed.**
The problem you're encountering might be related to Windows 11 and the network not remaining active and alive. When you go into File Explorer and click on the network, it wakes up the network a little bit and forces Windows to send out a broadcast for the machines that are nearby and that it knows about and is connecting to.
In the meantime and perhaps permanently, I would recommend switching your connection to SFTP. SFTP comes with Microsoft Windows 11. It's just disabled by default. You can go into Settings and enable SSH > Open SSH Server and then all you need to do is put in the computer's IP address, username, and password. It will connect immediately every time.
Here are the instructions for setting everything up.
I wrote these instructions in a program that uses Markdown text formatting. I'm not sure if this forum supports that or not so you might see some Markdown formatting code.
# Installing OpenSSH Server on Windows 11 and Connecting with FreeFileSync
These instructions explain how to install Microsoft OpenSSH Server on Windows 11 and configure FreeFileSync to securely synchronize files between two computers.
**FreeFileSync is assumed to be already installed.**
## What You'll Be Setting Up
You will have two computers:
- **Computer 1 (Remote Computer):** The Windows 11 computer containing the files you want to access. This computer will run OpenSSH Server.
- **Computer 2 (Your Computer):** The computer running FreeFileSync. It will connect to Computer 1 using SFTP, a secure file transfer protocol included with OpenSSH.
Both computers should initially be connected to the same local network.
## Step 1 — Install OpenSSH Server on Windows 11
On Computer 1:
1. Click **Start** and open **Settings**.
2. Select **System**, then **Optional features**. On some Windows 11 versions, Optional features is under **Apps**.
3. Click **View features** or **Add an optional feature**.
4. Search for `OpenSSH Server`.
5. Select **OpenSSH Server** and click **Next**, then **Install**.
6. Wait for installation to finish.
OpenSSH Server is a Microsoft-supported Windows feature. You do not need to download it from a third-party website.
## Step 2 — Start OpenSSH Server Automatically
1. Press **Windows + R**.
2. Type `services.msc` and press **Enter**.
3. Scroll down to **OpenSSH SSH Server**.
4. Double-click the service.
5. Change **Startup type** to **Automatic**.
6. Click **Apply**.
7. Click **Start** if the service is not running.
8. Click **OK**.
The SSH server will now start automatically whenever Windows starts.
## Step 3 — Check the Windows Firewall
OpenSSH Server normally uses **TCP port 22**.
Windows usually creates the necessary firewall rule automatically.
To verify:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for **Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security**.
3. Click **Inbound Rules**.
4. Look for **OpenSSH SSH Server (sshd)**.
5. Make sure the rule is enabled.
If the rule is enabled and permits TCP port 22, you should not need to make any changes.
If the rule is missing, an administrator will need to create an inbound rule allowing TCP port 22, preferably limited to the trusted local network.
## Step 4 — Find the Remote Computer's IP Address
On Computer 1:
1. Press **Windows + R**.
2. Type `cmd` and press **Enter**.
3. Type:
`ipconfig`
4. Look for the **IPv4 Address** under the active Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection.
For example:
`IPv4 Address . . . . . : 192.168.1.105`
Write down the IP address. You will need it when configuring FreeFileSync.
## Step 5 — Find Your Windows Username and Password
You need the username and password of a Windows account on Computer 1.
To find the username, open Command Prompt and enter:
`whoami`
For example, Windows might display:
`DESKTOP-ABC123\john`
In this example, `john` is the username.
You will also need the actual Windows account password. **A Windows Hello PIN generally cannot be used to authenticate an SFTP connection.**
If the computer uses a Microsoft account rather than a local Windows account, the username may be different from the name displayed on the Windows sign-in screen.
## Step 6 — Configure FreeFileSync to Connect Using SFTP
FreeFileSync includes built-in support for SFTP, so no additional file transfer software is required.
On Computer 2:
1. Open **FreeFileSync**.
2. On the left side, click **Browse** and select the local folder you want to synchronize.
3. On the right side, click the small **cloud icon** next to the folder selection area.
4. In the window that opens, select **SFTP**.
5. Enter the connection information shown below.
| Setting | Example |
|---|---|
| Protocol | SFTP |
| Server name | `192.168.1.105` |
| Port | `22` |
| Username | `john` |
| Password | Your Windows account password |
6. Leave the advanced settings at their defaults.
7. Click **Browse** in the SFTP connection window to select the folder on the remote computer.
8. Choose the remote folder you want to synchronize, such as the user's Documents folder.
9. Click **OK** to save the connection.
The first time you connect, FreeFileSync may ask you to confirm the remote computer's SSH identity. Verify that it is the intended computer before accepting.
If the connection succeeds, FreeFileSync can access the remote folder.
**Tip:** For the first test, create a small folder named `SFTP-Test` on the remote computer and use it instead of important documents.
## Step 7 — Choose How FreeFileSync Should Synchronize Files
FreeFileSync provides several synchronization methods.
| Method | What it does |
|---|---|
| **Two Way** | Synchronizes changes in both directions. |
| **Mirror** | Makes the right folder match the left folder, including deletions. |
| **Update** | Copies new and changed files from left to right without deleting extra files on the right. |
For someone getting started, **Update** is often the safest choice when the goal is to copy files from one computer to another without deleting files from the destination.
If the goal is to keep two working folders synchronized in both directions, select **Two Way** instead.
**Be careful with Mirror:** It can delete files from the destination if those files no longer exist in the source.
## Step 8 — Run Your First Synchronization
1. Make sure the correct local and remote folders are selected.
2. Click **Compare** at the top of FreeFileSync.
3. Wait while FreeFileSync compares the two folders.
4. Review the list of files and the arrows indicating what will happen.
5. Make sure the synchronization method is correct.
6. Click **Synchronize**.
7. Confirm the operation when prompted.
FreeFileSync will begin transferring files securely over the SSH connection.
For your first synchronization, use a few test files and verify that they arrive in the correct destination folder.
## Step 9 — Save the FreeFileSync Configuration
Once everything is working:
1. Click **File → Save As** in FreeFileSync, or use the Save configuration button.
2. Give the configuration a descriptive name, such as `Remote Computer Sync`.
3. Save the configuration.
The configuration is saved as a `.ffs_gui` file.
The next time you want to synchronize, open this saved configuration rather than entering all the settings again.
FreeFileSync also supports batch jobs that can be run automatically using Windows Task Scheduler, if needed later.
## Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Cannot connect to server | Verify the IP address and that OpenSSH SSH Server is running. |
| Connection refused | Check TCP port 22 and the Windows Firewall. |
| Authentication failed | Check the Windows username and account password. |
| Remote folder not found | Use FreeFileSync's SFTP Browse button to locate the folder. |
| Permission denied when copying | Make sure the Windows account has permission to read or write the remote folder. |
| Connection previously worked but now fails | Check whether the remote computer's IP address has changed. |
## Important Security Notes
- Use a strong password for the Windows account.
- Do not expose SSH port 22 directly to the Internet unless you understand the security implications.
- For connections between computers at different locations, consider using a private VPN such as Tailscale.
- Always review the proposed file changes before running a Mirror or Two Way synchronization.
- Remember that synchronization is not the same as a versioned backup. Accidental changes and deletions can be propagated.
## Summary
Once the initial setup is complete, using FreeFileSync is straightforward:
1. Start FreeFileSync on Computer 2.
2. Open the saved synchronization configuration.
3. Click **Compare**.
4. Review the proposed changes.
5. Click **Synchronize**.
OpenSSH Server runs automatically on Computer 1, and FreeFileSync connects securely using SFTP.
**No additional SSH server or file transfer program is needed.**