Beyond Compare is the popular choice for data comparison. Compare folders, text files, images, and tables. Review differences efficiently and merge changes with confidence.
Publisher’s description
What is Beyond Compare 5?
Beyond Compare 5 is a proprietary program for Windows from Scooter Software.
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 64-bit and 32-bit as EXE (Inno Setup). The main installer is 28.9 MB. It can be installed for the current user only, without administrator rights. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation.
Updates and version history
The current version is 5.2.6.32774, released on September 24, 2026. 20 versions are listed since August 27, 2024, each with links to its own installer files. That is about 9.6 releases a year.
Popularity and file types
On Windows it registers 2 file types, including .bcpkg and .bcss.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Documented silent install
- Installs without administrator rights
- Frequent updates (about 9.6 a year)
Cons
- Proprietary licence: check the terms and price
- No native ARM64 build
In short: Beyond Compare 5 is a Windows tool for 64-bit and 32-bit PCs. It is actively maintained. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is Beyond Compare 5 safe to download?
- The file is served by scootersoftware.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
24C3DE17C47348FA088100B8C4CFAABFCCE7F149C741F3338BA8EC01C4E3E502· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 20 versions ›20 versions over 2 years · about 9.6 a year
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id ScooterSoftware.BeyondCompare.5 -eBCompare-cs-5.2.6.32774.exe /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /NORESTART /SP-Program files (.exe): bcomp.exe
Related guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- Scooter Software
- Licence
- Proprietary
- Price
- See the publisher’s site
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit
- Installer
- EXE (Inno Setup)
- Version
- 5.2.6.32774
- Released
- September 24, 2026
- Added to the catalogue
- October 17, 2024
- Versions listed
- 20
- Updates / year
- 9.6
- Website
- scootersoftware.com
- winget ID
- ScooterSoftware.BeyondCompare.5
File types it opens (2)
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beyond Compare 5 free?
Beyond Compare 5 is proprietary (closed-source) software (licence: Proprietary). Whether it costs money depends on the edition: check the publisher’s site for prices and free tiers.
Is Beyond Compare 5 safe to download?
The download comes from scootersoftware.com, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install Beyond Compare 5 with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can Beyond Compare 5 be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does Beyond Compare 5 run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit and 32-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of Beyond Compare 5?
The versions page lists all 20 versions with links to their official installer files, back to August 27, 2024.
Can I use Beyond Compare 5 without administrator rights?
Yes, there is a per-user installer that does not need administrator rights.