How to compare two files with Command Prompt on Windows 10

Do you need to compare similar files for changes? Here’s how on Windows 10 without third-party tools.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

OnWindows 10, “fc” is a command-line tool that comes built-in to the system, and it allows you to compare two similar files to determine how they changed over time. Usually, fc will be helpful for comparing simple text files, determining the changes made to a script, detecting if a file has been modified, and similar scenarios.

The tool can compare two similar files or the newest version against all the other files in the same location. And it includes options to examine the changes at the text level, or in Unicode, ASCII, or binary mode.

In this Windows 10 guide, you will learn steps to use the fc tool to compare files with Command Prompt.

How to compare files with the fc command on Windows 10

To compare files with the fc command tool, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, you will be able to see the difference between two similar files.

While the tool allows you to compare files, remember that this is a basic tool meant to use it with text files and extensions like .exe, .com, .sys, .obj, .lib, or .bin. You may be able to compare files like those from Microsoft Office or images, but you can only compare them at the binary level.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

Get the Windows Central Newsletter

All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.