How to Get Rid of Duplicate Files Windows 10 

Why need to get rid of duplicate files Windows 10?

Over time, the accumulation of duplicate files is inevitable due to activities such as downloading, copying and creating backups. These redundant files not only occupy valuable storage space but also seriously affect the overall performance of the system.

Additionally, the presence of duplicate files creates complications when searching for a specific version, making it difficult to find the version you want. Removing duplicate files helps create a more organized file system. Additionally, duplicate files can cause confusion, especially when only one version has changed and others have not. Therefore, it is imperative to find and get rid of duplicate files Windows 10/11 proactively.

How to get rid of duplicate files Windows 10 using built-in tools

Built-in tools in Windows 10 computers provide a convenient way to resolve duplicate file issues. Considering the extra space these redundant files consume, utilizing native tools to locate and delete them is a prudent option.

Not only does this open up space to store more data, but it also helps increase your computer's speed in the long run. File Explorer and Command Prompt are standard built-in tools designed to resolve duplicate file issues on Windows 10. Below, we outline the steps for using each tool.

Way 1. Using Indexing Options

Utilizing the Indexing Options to locate and remove duplicate files Windows 10 free involves a more intricate process. While the Indexing option is primarily designed to enhance file search speed by creating a content index, you can leverage it indirectly for identifying duplicates through advanced search filters.

Step 1. Open the search bar, type "Indexing Options", and select it from the search results.

Step 2. Click the "Modify" button and choose "Show all locations".

Step 3. Check each checkbox and click the "OK" button.

Step 4. Press "Win + E" to launch File Explorer and navigate to the drive or folder where you wish to search for duplicates.

Step 5. In the File Explorer search bar, input content: [search term]. Replace [search term] with a specific term or extension (e.g., *.txt, *.jpg) associated with the type of file you're seeking. File Explorer will present a list of files matching your search criteria.

Step 6. Click the column headings to sort files by name or size, facilitating the identification of duplicate items with similar names or sizes.

Step 7. Right-click on one of the selected files and choose "Delete" from the context menu.

Way 2. Using Command Prompt

Employing Command Prompt for the identification and deletion of duplicate files in Windows 10 necessitates a more advanced approach, utilizing built-in command-line tools for the task. Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Type "cmd" or "Command Prompt" in the search bar and select it from the results to open the Command Prompt.

Step 2. Use the cd command to navigate to the drive or folder where the duplicate file search is to be conducted. For instance, to access the Documents folder, input: cd Documents.

Step 3. Execute the following command to find and delete duplicate files within the current directory and its subdirectories:

for /f "delims=" %A in ('dir /b /s /a-d ^| sort') do @(

  if "%previous%"=="%~nA" (

    echo Duplicate: %~nA

    echo Deleting: %A

    del "%A%"

  ) else (

    set "previous=%~nA"

  )

)

Step 4. The command will display a list of duplicate files and prompt you to confirm their deletion. Thoroughly review the list before proceeding.

Step 5. Type "Y" and press Enter to confirm the deletion of each duplicate file.

This method leverages the capabilities of Command Prompt and its command-line tools to effectively identify and delete duplicate files Windows 10.

How to get rid of duplicate files Windows 10 using third-party software

Choosing third-party software to eliminate duplicate files on Windows 10 provides a powerful alternative to built-in tools. These external applications are usually very effective and efficient and can completely remove all duplicate files from your computer.

An exemplary third-party solution that is highly recommended is AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. This software is specially designed to find and remove duplicate files, helping to increase the overall speed of your computer. As with any third-party tool, the first step involves downloading and installing AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional on your computer. First, you can explore the demo version to get a trial experience.

Step 1. Click the "Free up" on the main tab and select "Duplicate Files Finder".

Step 2. Here, all the partitions on the computer are displayed. Click on "Scan" to start scanning. Also, if the partition is locked, the program will still scan it and display duplicate files on the partition.

Step 3. After the process is finished, all duplicate files that meet the conditions you set will be displayed. You can click the "Preview" to see the duplicate files.

Step 4. You can select the duplicate files you want to delete. Or, click "Smart Select" to automatically select duplicate files. Then, click "Move to folder".

Conclusion

You can get rid of duplicate files Windows 10 through a variety of methods, whether by utilizing built-in tools or opting for third-party applications. Native tools like File Explorer and Command Prompt provide basic yet practical ways to resolve duplicate files.

For a more powerful solution, consider using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional – a top-notch third-party software. The application streamlines the process by automatically scanning your entire computer, boasting 100% efficiency in detecting and removing all duplicate files.