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Duplicate files pile up on your PC as you download, copy, or transfer files, clogging up your disk and slowing you down. When that happens, you need to know how to find and remove duplicate files to keep your computer streamlined. We’ve put together a roundup of the best duplicate file finders for Windows. And use a computer optimization tool to keep junk off your system and your machine running smoothly.
Duplicate file finders locate and remove multiple copies of the same file on a device, freeing up disk space and keeping files organized. Some duplicate file finders can even find near-duplicate files with different names, file types, sizes, or other slightly different characteristics and identify those for deletion.
It’s easy to find several copies of the same file littering various corners of your hard drive. Over time, your computer gets clogged up with redundant data and duplicate files that slow down your system. Windows 10 doesn’t have a built-in duplicate file finder, so getting a third-party program to find duplicate files will save you a lot of frustration, while reclaiming valuable disk space.
After choosing the Windows duplicate file finder that’s right for you, all you need to do is run a scan to identify unnecessary duplicates and get rid of any junk you don’t need. Check for duplicate files every few months, and don’t forget to password protect files and folders on Windows that you want to keep safe.
Deleting duplicates is a good place to start, but there are other ways to clean up your PC too. Defragging your hard drive tidies up your disk configuration, while deleting temporary files can free up gigabytes of storage. Pesky files you think have been deleted may still be hanging around, so see how to permanently delete files and make sure they’re gone for good.
Deleting duplicate files and other junk helps streamline your machine.
Let’s take a look at the best duplicate file finders for Windows:
Here are the best duplicate file finders for Windows:
The best duplicate file finder depends on your particular requirements and tastes. If you just want to free up disk space quickly, some duplicate file finders can delete all dupes on your device automatically. More specialist programs can help you shred files or fix 100% disk usage and other specific issues. Meanwhile, the best PC cleaner software features a suite of clean up tools bundled together.
And it’s not just PCs that suffer from duplicates cluttering up storage. Mac users also need cleaning software for MacOS that can help permanently delete files on a Macbook. Phones also get littered with multiple copies of files in various locations, so take steps to keep your Android phone clean or your iPhone free from digital junk.
CCleaner lives up to its reputation for quality and efficiency. Along with scanning your entire PC for duplicate files, the utility includes a suite of powerful cleaning tools to get rid of bloatware and other digital trash. CCleaner can search and sort files by name, content, size, or date modified, and it can even identify and remove edited versions of original music files in Windows 10.
ProsLightweight, quick, and easy to use
Lots of custom search options
Different pricing tiers
Reliable app with years of industry experience
Updates regularly
ConsAds on free version
Cost$29.95 with a 30-day trial
CompatibilityTop-notch duplicate file finder for Windows 10, 8, and 7
Easy Duplicate File Finder by WebMinds is one of the best programs to find duplicate files. You have the option of automatic deletion or reviewing the findings yourself. If you like visuals and comprehensive reporting, such as data on which duplicate files were most common, this simple yet effective program might be the best duplicate files finder for you.
ProsHighly accurate
Removes all duplicates at once
Visual interface with charts and graphs
Support through a web form
ConsExpensive
Slow scans
Cost$39.95 per device
CompatibilityWindows XP onwards
SearchMyFiles by NirSoft is freeware that offers lots of search flexibility in a convenient package. With no installation required, SearchMyFiles lets you run a standard search along with looking for duplicates. With lots of search filters and no virtual footprint, this handy app is many techies go-to answer to what is the best free duplicate file finder.
ProsCan run from USB
Tons of search options and advanced filters
No installation
ConsConfusing interface
Technical details may overwhelm casual users
CostFree — no paid premium version
CompatibilityWindows 2000 and onwards
XYplorer is a Windows duplicate file finder that packs a strong punch. For a small program that doesn’t require installation, the amount of options available in this versatile file manager are considerable. XYplorer can scan for duplicate files by using MD5, which is like a file’s version of a fingerprint.
ProsDeep custom options
Fast scans
Supports multiple profiles
Comprehensive file manager
ConsComplicated
No plug-in support
Poor touchscreen support
Cost$39.95 after a 30-day free trial
CompatibilityWindows 10, 8, or 7, XP, or Vista
Duplicate Sweeper is a nifty duplicate file fixer that sniffs out surplus documents, pictures, video, and audio and removes them in one fell swoop. Duplicate sweeper can also search services such as Google Drive and Dropbox for any extraneous files cluttering your cloud storage.
ProsAffordable
You can preview files before deleting
Drag-and-drop search
ConsCan’t scan your whole drive at once
Not many options
Cost$20 lifetime fee
CompatibilityWindows 11, 10, 8, or 7 or Vista
Wise Duplicate File Finder by WiseCleaner earns its name with common sense features such as scanning for empty folders and files and a restore option. Scan for duplicate files by name, size, or content and delete them automatically or manually.
ProsScans for duplicate files and empty folders
Can restore files after deletion
Minimalist
ConsNo scan logs
No file preview
Cost$19.95 yearly subscription
CompatibilityWindows 11, 10, 8, and 7, and XP
CloneSpy is old-school duplicate software that still has some tricks up its sleeve. Though its interface is dated, CloneSpy can detect slightly different duplicate files that other programs may overlook. CloneSpy is free for Windows 8, 7, XP, Vista, and 2000.
ProsSmart scanning
Export or transfer files without deleting them
Free
ConsClunky interface
No support for Windows 10
CostFree — no paid premium version
CompatibilityWindows 8, 7, XP, Vista, and 2000 only
Fast Duplicate File Finder by MindGems features an advanced search algorithm. This clever dupe finder can dig deep into files to analyze multiple attributes in case a similar file is hiding on your PC. A duplicate file finder with a long reach, it can scan a folder, a computer, or an entire network.
ProsSorts older and smaller files for convenience
Compatible with all versions of Windows
File preview with lots of formats
Free and paid options
ConsFree version is limited
Cramped interface
CostFree — $39.95 premium version
CompatibilityWindows 2000 and onwards
Duplicate File Detective is a duplicate finder for Windows tailored to business environments. Duplicate File Detective can sweep all local or network paths in one go, and identify which files belong to which user. This program also offers some unique features, such as the ability to link from the deleted dupe to the original, mark files for future actions, and send email reports.
ProsMonitor multiple networks
Technical support
Export to HTML, PDF, XSL, CSV, and more
Two-week trial
ConsExpensive
Not useful for casual users
Cost$60.00 lifetime fee
CompatibilityWindows 10, 8, and 7, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2
With the ability to search the metadata of files, dupeGuru is one of the best free duplicate file finders around. And no dupeGuru review would be complete without mentioning the dedicated Music mode, which offers one of the best ways to remove duplicate music files.
ProsQuick and efficient
Picture mode to find similar pictures
Multiple languages
Cross-platform: supports Windows, OS X, Linux, and Ubuntu
ConsOld-school interface
Not as many features as professional programs
CostFree — no paid premium version
CompatibilityWindows 10, 8, or 7
AllDup is another effective duplicate file finder. AllDup can find duplicate MP3 files by their ID3 tags and delete them quickly. And it can also identify and get rid of photos with similar characteristics. AllDup is a no-frills duplicate file detector that removes duplicate files quickly.
ProsHighly configurable
Saves scan results
Backs up files
ConsClunky interface
Scans are sometimes slow
CostFree — no paid premium version
CompatibilityWindows 10, 8, 7, XP, and Vista
Auslogics Duplicate File Finder might be the best free duplicate file finder of the bunch. This generous program features a Rescue Center to restore mistakenly deleted files, regular software updates, and even a driver updater. Some reviews of Auslogics Duplicate File Finder have noted the lack of Vista and XP support, but it’s hard to fault new software for not supporting older operating systems.
ProsQuick and accurate scans
Can search in hidden folders
Uses MD5 checksum to find hidden file details
ConsNo real-time support
CostFree — no paid premium version
CompatibilityWindows 10, 8.1, and 7
After getting rid of duplicate files, you need to keep junk and other clutter off your system, so your computer remains clean and light. Avast Cleanup is comprehensive cleanup software that will free up tons of extra storage space by finding and deleting temp files, old installer files, browser cache files, and unwanted bloatware.
Avast Cleanup features a suite of tune up tools and maintenance facilities that will keep your PC sparkling clean, and running as fast and smooth as the day you got it. Remove years of grit and grime in a few clicks, and keep it that way — try Avast Cleanup for free today.
