---
id: bridge-devices.what-happens-when-both-macs-change-the-same-file
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-happens-when-both-macs-change-the-same-file
category: "Bridge & your devices"
subcategory: "Collab Sync"
question: "What happens in Collab Sync when both Macs change the same file?"
alt_questions:
  - "Collab Sync conflict"
  - "Which version wins in Collab Sync?"
  - "Files changed on both Macs"
  - "Restore the other version Collab Sync"
  - "Conflict copy in synced folder"
short_answer: "The newer version wins and the other is kept beside it with “conflict” in its name, so nothing is lost. Review the “Files changed on both Macs” note and click Restore to keep the other version instead."
tags: ["collab sync", "conflicts"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-does-in-use-by-mean-in-collab-sync", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-is-collab-sync"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What happens in Collab Sync when both Macs change the same file?

The newer version is kept, and the other is saved right beside it with “conflict” in its name — nothing is lost. You'll get a notification and a **Files changed on both Macs** note.

Open Collab Sync and **Review** the note to see each file; if you'd rather keep the other version, click **Restore** and it syncs back across.

Times are compared carefully, so a Mac with a wrong clock can't quietly win; if a clock looks wrong, Storage Studio tells you to check it.

- [“In use by …”](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-does-in-use-by-mean-in-collab-sync)