How to Download and Install Syncplay 1.7.6

Updated

Syncplay 1.7.6 is available as a free download for Windows, Linux, and macOS (version 15+), with the source code on GitHub. Pick the package that matches your operating system: Windows users choose between an installer (settings stored in %APPDATA%) and a portable build (settings stored in the Syncplay folder); Linux users choose between a Deb package, a server-only Deb package, and a tarball; macOS users download a disk image. All packages are listed on the release page at https://syncplay.pl/syncplay-1-7-6-release/.

Before you start

  • Syncplay synchronises playback across media players, so everyone in a room needs the same video file. For best compatibility, the project recommends using it with mpv (or mpv.net on Windows). Supported players in 1.7.6 are mpv, mpv.net, MPC-BE, MPC-HC, VLC 3, IINA, and memento.
  • Syncplay is free software under the Apache 2.0 licence. The site lists PayPal among its payment platforms, but that is for donations — the download itself is free.
  • You will also need a server to connect to. Official public servers are listed on the site (hosted in France): syncplay.pl:8995 through syncplay.pl:8999. Alternatively, you can run your own server.

Windows

  1. Go to the release page and choose one of the two Windows builds:
    • Windows installer — stores settings in %APPDATA%.
    • Windows portable — stores settings inside the Syncplay folder, which suits running from a USB drive or keeping everything self-contained.
  2. Run the downloaded file and follow the installer prompts (or unpack the portable build).
  3. Do not run Syncplay as Administrator on Windows 11 — the project warns this can cause UI issues (referenced as issues #623 and #634).
  4. If Syncplay does not load, install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable Package, specifically the 32-bit version (vc_redist.x86.exe). As an alternative, you can use the command-line console version, SyncplayConsole.exe.

Verify it works: launch Syncplay, open the server list, and connect to one of the public servers above. If the client window opens and shows a server connection, the install is sound.

Linux

Three options are offered:

Package Use it when
Linux Deb Package You are on a Debian-based distribution and want the client
Linux Deb Server-only Package You only need to host a room, not watch
Linux Tarball Your distribution does not use Deb packages, or you prefer building from source

For the tarball, the site points to its installation instructions if you are unsure how to sudo make install. Follow those instructions rather than guessing at paths.

Verify it works: start the client from your application menu or terminal, then connect to a public server or your own.

macOS

Download the macOS disk image from the release page. Note the requirement: macOS version 15 or later. Open the disk image and drag the app into Applications as usual, then launch it and connect to a server to confirm it runs.

Source code and bug reports

  • Source code: https://github.com/Syncplay/syncplay
  • Bug reports: https://github.com/Syncplay/syncplay/issues — the project asks you to check the Support section of the site first in case the problem is already covered. You can also email [email protected].

Common snags

  • Nothing happens on Windows launch: install the 32-bit Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable, or try SyncplayConsole.exe to see whether the issue is the GUI or the program itself.
  • Strange UI behaviour on Windows 11: check that you are not running the app as Administrator.
  • macOS install refused: confirm your macOS version is 15 or newer.
  • Everyone drifts out of sync: this is usually a player mismatch or different files. Standardise on mpv/mpv.net where possible and confirm all participants have the identical video file.

Once installed, the remaining setup is joining or hosting a room and pairing Syncplay with a voice client such as Mumble or Skype, since Syncplay handles pausing, unpausing, and seeking but not voice chat.