{"id":33073,"date":"2025-06-11T21:05:58","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T21:05:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/?p=33073"},"modified":"2025-10-18T23:28:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T23:28:36","slug":"how-to-find-and-remove-duplicate-files-in-windows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-find-and-remove-duplicate-files-in-windows\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find Duplicate Files and Photos and Delete Them on Windows 10\/11"},"content":{"rendered":"

Duplicated files and photos do nothing but take up space, slow down your computer<\/a>, and make it harder to find the originals when you need them. While a few extra files may seem harmless, duplicated items can pile up over time and cause storage issues.<\/p>\n

I take a lot of screenshots as a tech writer, and I used to ignore them too. But eventually, those seemingly small 500 KB images, along with other large files, turned organizing my PC into a chore.<\/p>\n

If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—I’m not here to judge. Instead, I’ll show you how to easily find and delete duplicate files, including photos, so you can free up space and keep your system clutter-free.<\/p>\n

Let’s begin.<\/p>\n

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TL;DR: Quick summary<\/div>\r\n\t
<\/p>\n

✅ Fastest & easiest:<\/b> Use third-party tools like Auslogics Duplicate File Finder or dupeGuru for automatic, safe cleanup.
\n✅ Built-in options:<\/b> You can also use Windows File Explorer, Microsoft PC Manager, or the Photos app—but be prepared for more manual work.
\n✅ Cloud storage?<\/b> Many duplicate file finders can scan cloud folders too<\/a>.
\n✅ Bonus:<\/b> Less clutter = faster PC, quicker backups, and fewer headaches when managing files.<\/p>\n

➡️ Bottom line:<\/b> If you want to keep your PC running smooth and organized, clearing out duplicates is a great place to start. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n

How to Find Duplicate Files and Photos and Delete Them on Windows 10\/11<\/h2>\n

\nIn this section, I’ll walk you through ways to find duplicates and remove them, starting from the easiest to the more techy method.<\/p>\n

But first, here’s an overview of the methods:\n<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Method<\/th>\nHow it works<\/th>\nEffectiveness<\/th>\nConsiderations<\/th>\nLevel of difficulty<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Using third-party tools<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nDownload and run reputable third-party programs designed to safely find and remove duplicates<\/td>\nEffective<\/td>\nUsing the right program is crucial, as some apps may come with limitations<\/td>\nEasy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Using Windows File Explorer<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nInvolves using different search parameters to call up files with the same names and formats<\/td>\nLimited results<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • File Explorer cannot help you find every duplicate file, especially items that do not have similar names<\/li>\n
  • Searches may run for too long, especially when using HDDs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     <\/td>\n

Can be time-consuming<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Using Microsoft PC Manager<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nGo to Storage > Duplicate Files <\/i> in the PC Manager app, select duplicate files, and then click Delete <\/i><\/td>\nBetter than File Explorer but exempts smaller files<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • You must select the files you want to delete manually, which can take time<\/li>\n
  • Lacks folder exclusion options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     <\/td>\n

Manual process can be labor-intensive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Using the Photos app<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nUse the Filter <\/i>and Sort <\/i> menus in the Photos app to rearrange photos and videos and remove duplicates<\/td>\nFalls short outside photo and video duplicates<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Does not work for file formats apart from photos and videos<\/li>\n
  • Does not cover every folder by default<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     <\/td>\n

Can be time-consuming and stressful<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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\r\n \"IMG\"\r\n <\/div>\r\n
Method 1: Use third-party software to remove duplicate files<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Pros:<\/div>\r\n