Beyond Compare: Download & Installation for Windows (Students)

This article covers how CSUF students can download, install and activate Beyond Compare

Step 1: Remove Previous Versions of Beyond Compare

If you do not have a previous version of Beyond Compare installed, proceed to Get a Personal Beyond Compare License

If you have an older version of Beyond Compare on your device, you will need to remove it before installing the newest version.

This will help avoid potential clashes between multiple versions.  

1. Open the Settings

Windows start menu

2. Click on Apps

Windows Settings

3. Select Beyond Compare from the list and click uninstall twice

Apps and features screen

4. Restart you computer

restart computer

Warning: You will need to restart your computer to complete the uninstall process.

Step 2: Get a Personal Beyond Compare License

1. Open your browser to the Beyond Compare Software Page and click "Get a Personal Beyond Compare License"

a. Go to the Beyond Compare Software Page

b. Click on "Get A Personal IBM SPSS License"

CSUF Beyond Compare website

2. Login using your Portal Username & Password

CSUF portal login

3. You'll be prompted to authenticate with Duo.

Duo two-factor authentication prompt

Remember you can use Other options to choose another way to authenticate with Duo.

4. Read and accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) then click on "Get Beyond Compare License Key"

End User License Agreement

Tip: Save this serial number or keep this tab open, you will need it later to activated Beyond Compare

Step 3: Download the Software

Alert: You are downloading the trial version that needs to be activated with the license key received in the previous step.

1. Open your browser to the Beyond Compare Software Page and click "Download Beyond Compare"

a. Go to the Beyond Compare Software Page

b. Click on "Download Beyond Compare"

CSUF Beyond Compare website

2. Select the operating system that the software will be installed on. For this guide, click on PC (Windows)

choose operating system

3. Click on "Download" then "Direct Download"

direct download from Dropbox

Tip: The download button is located in the top right of the web page.

Warning: The file download time may vary based on the device and internet connection.

Alert: The Installation file will be saved to your computer as a .zip file.

Step 4: Install the Software

1. Open the installation file you downloaded, "Run" the file, and click Next>

Beyond compare setup wizard

Note: The installation file should have gone to the "Downloads" folder by default, unless changed

2. Select your installation preference then click Next>

Note: By default, it is set to "Install for all users"

installation type

3. Select “I accept the agreement” to accept the terms of the End User License Agreement (EULA) then click Next>

accept end user license agreement

4. Optional: Set your installation path, then click Next>

Tip: It is recommended you leave the default path

destination location for installation

5. Optional: Configure your shortcuts in the Start Menu folder, then click Next>

start menu shortcut

6. Optional: Configure your additional shortcuts for Beyond Compare

additional shortcuts

7. Click Install

ready to install

8. Once installed, select "Launch Beyond Compare 4" then click Finish

setup wizard complete
Step 5: Activate the Software

1. Launch Beyond Compare and click on "Enter your version 4 license key" on the bottom right corner of the app

Tip: Your license key was provided in Step 2

beyond compare dashboard

2. Enter the license key that you previously obtained, then click OK

register beyond compare

3. Note the "Thanks for registering!" information box, click OK

registration complete

Beyond Compare is now Installed & Activated

Where is Beyond Compare Located?

- Select the Start Button (Apps will be in alphabetical order)

- Go to the “B” Section and you’ll find a “Beyond Compare” Folder

- Open the folder to find "Beyond Compare"

Windows start menu app list
Need help using Beyond Compare?

LinkedIn Learning is available to all currently enrolled CSUF Students

- Contains over 13,000 courses taught by real-world experts and a library that is constantly up-to-date

- On the Student Portal, search for "Linkedin Learning" to get started

Need technical assistance?

Contact the Student IT Help Desk at (657) 278-8888 or [email protected]

Visit the Student Genius Center on the first floor of the Pollak Library North. Go to the SGC website for walk-in hours: http://sts.fullerton.edu/sgc.

The Student IT Help Desk and Student Genius Center can assist with:

  • Issues with obtaining the License Code
  • Issues with installing Beyond Compare
  • Issues with activating Beyond Compare