Windows · Developer Tools
Watchman - A file watching service
Watches files and records, or triggers actions, when they change
Version 2025.2.24 · by Facebook
Official site: facebook.github.io
About Watchman - A file watching service
Watchman exists to watch files and record when they change. It can also trigger actions (such as
rebuilding assets) when matching files change.
## Features
* Watchman can recursively watch one or more directory trees (they are called roots)
* Watchman does not follow symlinks. It knows they exist, but they show up the same as any other file in its reporting
* Watchman waits for a root to settle down before it will start to trigger notifications or command execution
* Watchman is conservative, preferring to err on the side of caution; it considers files to be freshly changed when you start to watch them or when it is unsure
* You can query a root for file changes since you last checked, or the current state of the tree
* You can subscribe to file changes that occur in a root

## Notes
* This package is automatically updated using the [Chocolatey Automatic Package Update Model (AU)](https://github.com/majkinetor/au/blob/master/README.md).
If you find it is out of date by more than a day or two, please contact the maintainer(s) and let them know the package is no longer updating correctly.
How to install Watchman - A file watching service
- Click Download — the developer's official website opens in a new tab.
- Download the latest version there and run it. Choose Custom/Advanced where offered, and skip any bundled extras.
- Prefer the command line? With Chocolatey you can install and update it with: choco install watchman-a-file-watching-service
- Open Watchman - A file watching service once it finishes installing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Watchman - A file watching service free to download?
Yes. The Download button sends you to facebook.github.io, the developer's official site, where Watchman - A file watching service is available to download. Grabware doesn't host or modify any files.
What is the latest version of Watchman - A file watching service?
The version listed here is 2025.2.24, published /Date(1740. The developer's site always has the newest release.
How do I install Watchman - A file watching service from the command line?
With Chocolatey, run: choco install watchman-a-file-watching-service. This installs it from the official source and keeps it updated.
Is Watchman - A file watching service safe?
Watchman - A file watching service downloads directly from the developer. As always, scan the installer with your antivirus and choose Custom setup to skip any bundled extras.
Alternatives to Watchman - A file watching service
More
March 2014 servicing stack update for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB2919442)The update fixes some issues in the servicing stack of Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2.Chocolatey Compatibility ExtensionExtension package to provide compatibility with older versions of Chocolatey
Update for Universal C Runtime in Windows (KB2999226)Update for Universal C Runtime (CRT) in Windows. Before you install this update, check out the prerequisites section.