How to Find and Delete Duplicate Files in Windows
If you're like most people, your computer is probably full of duplicate files that take up unnecessary space on your hard drive. In this article, you will learn how to find and remove duplicate files in Windows quickly and easily. With a few simple steps, you can free up space and organize your system for better performance. Read on to discover the most effective methods to identify and get rid of those duplicate files that are slowing down your computer.
– Step by step -- How to Find and Delete Duplicate Files in Windows
- Open your File Explorer on your Windows computer.
- Click on “This PC” in the menu on the left.
- In the search bar, type "*.mp3" (or whatever type of file you want to search for) and press "Enter."
- select all files by pressing «Ctrl + A».
- Right click on the selected files and select “Properties”.
- In the Properties window, click the “Details” tab.
- Check the “Name”, “Modification Date” and “Size” fields to identify duplicate files.
- Flag duplicate files and press "Delete" to delete them.
- Go to the recycle bin and delete the files permanently.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Find and Delete Duplicate Files in Windows
1. How can I find duplicate files on my Windows computer?
1. Open Windows File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the location where you want to search for duplicate files.
3. Click the “Search” tab at the top of the Explorer window.
4. In the search box, type “*.extension” (replacing “extension” with the type of file you want to search for, such as “.jpg” or “.pdf”).
5. Select “This computer” from the drop-down menu to search your entire hard drive.
6. Press Enter to start the search.
2. How can I identify duplicate files I find?
1. Once the search is complete, click the “View” tab at the top of File Explorer.
2. Select “Details” to view additional information about the files.
3. Click the “Name” header to sort files by name and find duplicates more easily.
3. How do I remove duplicate files from my computer?
1. Select the duplicate files you want to remove.
2. Right-click and select “Delete.”
3. Confirm that you want to remove duplicate files.
4. What precautions should I take before deleting duplicate files?
1. Back up the files you are about to delete.
2. Make sure you check your files carefully so you don't delete something important by mistake.
5. Are there any applications or programs that make it easy to find and remove duplicate files in Windows?
1. Yes, there are several third-party programs that can help you find and remove duplicate files more efficiently.
2. Some examples are CCleaner, Duplicate Cleaner and Auslogics Duplicate File Finder.
6. How can I use a third-party program to remove duplicate files?
1. Download and install the program of your choice.
2. Open the program and follow the instructions to select the locations you want to scan for duplicate files.
3. Review the results and eliminate duplicate files according to the program's instructions.
7. What should I do if I have doubts about whether a file is really a duplicate?
1. If you are not sure whether a file is a duplicate, it is best not to delete it.
2. You can move the files to a separate folder and review them later before deciding what to do with them.
8. Is it advisable to delete all the duplicate files you find?
1. It is not always advisable to delete all duplicate files, as some might be necessary for certain programs to function.
2. It is important to carefully review files before deleting them to avoid unexpected problems.
9. Are there any options built into Windows to help manage duplicate files?
1. Yes, Windows 10 includes a feature called “Storage” in Settings that can help you sort and remove duplicate files.
2. You can access this feature and use it to free up space on your hard drive.
10. What is the importance of keeping my computer free of duplicate files?
1. Keeping your computer free of duplicate files helps save hard drive space.
2. It can also improve the overall performance of your computer by reducing the number of unnecessary files it needs to process.