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FileActivityWatch vs FSMonitor: catalog facts
FileActivityWatch	FSMonitor
Free Freeware from NirSoft with no paid tier.	Paid Paid app with a free 14-day trial.
Windows	macOS, Command line
Links each file operation to the process that made it Folder and drive summary modes	Captures creations, deletions, renames and attribute changes Filtering by path, event type or process
Requires running as Administrator Windows only	macOS only Paid after the trial
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License: Freeware	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 8, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.