Forum Discussion
How can I find and remove duplicate files on Windows 10/11?
I was organizing my computer recently and found a lot of duplicate files. I don't know how to deal with them. I use Windows 10 and want to find a simple way to find and remove duplicate files. Is there any recommended software or steps? I hope to find all the duplicate files at once, clean them up quickly, and free up some space. Thank you for your help!
I’ve used AnyDupeCleaner myself, and it saved me tons of time—just scanned, picked the dupes, and deleted them in seconds! Super handy if you’ve got messy folders like I did.
Check this tutorial: https://www.pcfixtips.com/find-and-remove-duplicate-files
Definitely worth a try!
21 Replies
I recommend: Directory Report
It can find duplicates based on the same name, size, CRC and/or comparing byte-byte-byte
You can open duplicate files withing the tool to verify if they are really duplicates (photos)
It has extensive filtering so you can skip Windows directories (Program Files)
Website has videos to show you how
I’ve used AnyDupeCleaner myself, and it saved me tons of time—just scanned, picked the dupes, and deleted them in seconds! Super handy if you’ve got messy folders like I did.
Check this tutorial: https://www.pcfixtips.com/find-and-remove-duplicate-files
Definitely worth a try!
- Manually hunting down duplicate files using Windows' File Explorer can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially if you've got a mess of files stored on your computer. Trust me, I've been there—spending too much time clicking through folders, and it can get a bit maddening. This method can eat up a ton of time. I once decided to tackle my Downloads folder, thinking it wouldn't take long.
QuinnQuinn Unfortunately, Windows 11 does not have a duplicate file remover designed for finding and removing duplicate files. While Windows 11 includes tools like Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup to help manage disk space by deleting temporary files and unnecessary system files, these tools do not target duplicate files.
To find and remove duplicate files on Windows 11, you'll need to use third-party duplicate file remover software specifically designed for this task.
- Finding and removing duplicate files using the Command Prompt or PowerShell on Windows 11 can be a big one. When you're manually fiddling around in the Command Prompt, there's always a chance you might accidentally delete something important. I've had my heart drop when I realized I removed a duplicate that wasn't a duplicate after all because I wasn't careful enough. Having to recover lost files can be a total headache!
If you want to go a simpler route without extra software to find and remove duplicate files, you can manually search for duplicates by using Windows' built-in search feature, although this method is more tedious:
- File Explorer: Open File Explorer.
- Search: Navigate to a folder where you suspect duplicates live, like Downloads or Documents.
- Search Bar: In the search bar, type the name of the file you think may be duplicated.
- Sort and Compare: Sort the results by name or size and manually review the files.
This method is harder and takes more time, especially if you have many files.
Sadly didn't work for me, could't find any after trying this method :(
See if Wildcard Batch File Renaming tool from Microsoft store is an option. Not free but something to have a look.
Steps to Use a Duplicate File Finder to find and remove duplicate files on Windows 10/11:
- Download and Install: Choose one of the tools above, download it, and install it on your computer. Launch the duplicate file finder you installed.
- Select the Folders to Scan: Choose the folders or drives you want to check for duplicates. You can scan specific folders like Documents, Downloads, or Pictures, or scan your entire disk. Adjust the settings if necessary. For example, you might want to search for exact duplicates (same file name and size) or similar files (with minor differences).
- Run the Scan: Start the scanning process. Depending on how many files you have, this might take a little while. Once the scan is complete, the software will show you a list of duplicate files. Take a moment to review them. Most tools will let you preview the files, which is great for ensuring you don't delete something important!
- Select and Remove: Choose the duplicates you want to delete. You can usually select them all at once or pick specific ones. Once you've made your selection, hit the delete button. After deleting the duplicates, don't forget to empty your Recycle Bin to free up that space!
- While Storage Sense is a super handy tool for finding and remove duplicate files on Windows 11, it's not really designed for hunting down and deleting duplicate files specifically. Unlike specialized duplicate file finders, Storage Sense doesn't have the smarts to decide which duplicate to keep and which to toss. It's just cleaning up what it thinks is junk, which could lead to you losing important files if you're not careful.
Wemaiah While Storage Sense is the default duplicate file remover for Windows 11 and is great for managing disk space by removing old or temporary files, it doesn’t scan for or remove duplicate files. If your primary goal is to find and delete duplicates, you’ll need to use a third-party duplicate file finder tool, as Storage Sense won't specifically target duplicate files.
To effectively find and remove duplicate files on Windows 11, consider using third-party free duplicate file remover for PC, which are specifically designed for this purpose. These tools will scan your system for duplicates based on criteria such as file name, size, and content, and allow you to safely remove them.
