Duplicate file finders search your hard drive for duplicated files and assist you in removing them, freeing up space. Here are our recommendations for the finest duplicate file finders, whether you want something simple to use, an application you may already have installed, or a complex tool with the most extensive filters.
These programs should not be used to delete duplicate files discovered in system directories such as the Windows and Program Files folders. These duplicate files in separate locations may be required by Windows and the apps you use to work properly.
Duplicate Cleaner Pro
If you’re serious about locating and eliminating duplicate files, Duplicate Cleaner Pro is your best choice. It boasts an exceptionally easy interface and strong capabilities for deleting duplicate files. This program isn’t free, however, they do provide a free trial for you to see whether you like it. You also won’t have to worry about adware or malware.
Auslogics Duplicate File Finder
Many duplicate file finders are rather complicated, with a plethora of settings. Auslogics Duplicate File Finder is unlike others in that it has a straightforward interface that guides you through the procedure. It also offers other useful features that everyone should appreciate, such as a built-in preview window that lets you examine photographs, listen to audio files, and watch movies before deleting them.
Auslogics has been chastised in several evaluations for bundling extra junkware with this product, however, they have improved their practices significantly since then. When we installed the duplicate file finder, the installer did offer to install Auslogics Driver Updater. You don’t need a driver updater, therefore uncheck any additional software given during the installation procedure.
This application has sensible default settings offers a simple wizard that will walk you through the process. It will search non-system folders on all connected drives by default, but you can easily select which drives and folders you want to search in the sidebar. By default, it will search for images, audio files, video files, archives, and applications, but you can select only one type of file or have it look for all file types. You can easily tell it to search for files with a specific word or bit of text in their name if you’re looking for a specific file.
Once you’ve performed a search, you’ll see a list of duplicate files and you can easily view previews of them and other information. Or, to further narrow things down, you can click the “Filter” button and filter by date, size, or file type. Select the files you want to delete and click the “Delete Selected Files” button to send them to the Recycle Bin.
CCleaner
Because CCleaner is such a popular utility, chances are you already have it installed. The major feature of CCleaner is its junk file remover, which frees up hard disk space by deleting superfluous temporary files, but it also contains a number of other built-in utilities, including a duplicate file finder.
To access this function, launch CCleaner and navigate to Tools > Duplicate Finder. It’s accessible on all CCleaner editions, so you don’t have to pay for CCleaner Pro to utilize it.
The default settings of CCleaner are reasonable, allowing you to search for duplicate files on your C: disk while disregarding system and hidden files. You might also search for a specific directory by choosing it and clicking the “Add” button in the Include pane. When creating a new folder, be sure to check the “Include files and subfolders” box to ensure that CCleaner scans any directories within the folder you provide as well.
The UI for examining duplicate files in this utility isn’t beautiful, and it doesn’t have all of the preview options that Auslogics Duplicate File Finder has. It does, however, enable you simply pick which files to remove and even save the list of duplicates to a text file. However, it is a simple interface that allows you to choose which files to remove and even save the list of duplicate files to a text file. If you wish to see a file on your system, right-click it in the list and choose “Open enclosing folder.”
SearchMyFiles
SearchMyFiles is a more sophisticated software with more adjustable filters. It can, for example, look for files that were created, updated, or accessed exclusively during the dates and hours you specify.
NirSoft built this utility, as well as many other important free tools that never have bundled junkware. It’s a portable program, like many other NirSoft applications.
When you launch it, you’ll get a complicated-looking search window. Select “Duplicates Search” in the Search Mode box at the top of the window, and then browse for folders to search for by clicking the “Browse” button to the right of Base Folders. You might, for example, pick C: to search your whole C: drive for duplicates. Configure any additional options you like, then click “Start Search” to look for duplicate files. You’ll see a list of duplicate files organized into groups, and you can choose which ones to delete.