Tools for Finding and Deleting Duplicate Files on Windows

 We have covered many ways in which you can save space in your storage units over the years, which most recently discussed how to manually pass large files and testing utilities, resetting Windows to your default status without losing your files , And the methods to eliminate the files. Windows.old Backup, in all scenarios that potentially claim several storage gigabytes in the process. Delete duplicate files on your system could easily be in cleaning that is similarly considerable if you are only some large files.

Windows does not facilitate the offer of duplicate files by itself. While there are many options to achieve this type of task with batch files or PowerShell scripts, we assume that most people would prefer something that does not imply a symbol of the system.

Without installing third-party software, your only option is running a search for a specific file through the Windows Explorer and manually eliminating the duplicates that appear. This is not useful, of course, if you do not know which files they have duplicates.

Those of you who use the powerful Alternative Total Commander file browser, already know that it includes the ability to search for duplicate files (is on the second search page) between the dozens of other functions that it provides through the directed Windows file browser Energy users.

If you prefer not to add any additional third-party software to your system or learn your way through a new file browser, it is worth mentioning that CCleaner has a built-in duplicate file search engine (tools> Finder duplicate), if you use that. However, we are not as fond of CCLEANER as we used to be and there are better alternatives these days.

Third party tools to find duplicate files

You're probably going to need one of these tools...

• CloneSpy
• Duplicate Cleaner Pro/Free (15 day trial)
• Wise Duplicate Finder
• Dupscout
• Advanced Duplicates Finder
• Duplicate Finder
• Auslogics Duplicate File Finder
• Fast Duplicate File Finder
• Anti-Duplicate

We have installed all the above and, unless it is after a specific feature, Clonespy obtains our recommendation to have a light, although somewhat messy interface. ClonesPy Displays enough options by default, you can also be managed and running in "Laptop" mode without being fully installed, which tend to like us for this type of utility.

For a more intuitive interface with simpler functionality than the above, we like Wise Duplicate Finder:

On the premium end of things, Duplicate Cleaner is easily the most popular duplicate tool in our download section, touting loads of features and displaying them in a modern-looking interface that is responsive and scales well with a custom Windows DPI.

If you only plan to run a few quick scans and then uninstall it, the software offers a 15 day trial but costs $29.95 for a lifetime license.

Although you have to uncheck crapware during its installation, Auslogics Duplicate File Finder is free and features a GUI that is about as modern feeling as Duplicate Cleaner yet walks you through the scanning process with a series of prompts instead of opening to a switchboard full of options.

As a final mention, DupScout seems like a decent alternative to CloneSpy if don't care about having a portable installation yet want a relatively clean interface that isn't quite as dated or barren (add a profile on the left to get started).

Visualize Those Large Files

Didn't free up as much space as you thought?
Try looking for large files with one of these drive visualization tools...

• SpaceSniffer
• WinDirStat
• TreeSize Free

Finding Duplicate Files on macOS

Duplicate File Finder Remover on the Mac App Store comes highly recommended, with a ton of features on top of a very intuitive UI. Some advanced features are available at a cost, but that's entirely optional.

Two more recommended apps for macOS users: Trend Micro's Dr. Cleaner is free and offers a disk cleaner and big file finder. While Disk Inventory X is a dedicated tool to show the sizes of files and folders in a treemap graph, similar to the Windows example above.