There are several methods for finding and deleting duplicate files on Windows.
The most straightforward method is to use Windows’ native search window. To open the search window, go to the Start menu and type “Search” into the search field. The search window should appear. Select the Details tab, then click on the More Options button. Click on the Search tab, which will allow you to search for duplicates. You can enter a file name and/or a search term to locate possible duplicates. When you have your search results, you can select files and delete them.
Another option is to use a third-party tool specifically designed to search for and delete duplicate files. These programs typically have more powerful search options and can quickly scan your entire hard drive or specific folders for duplicates. Once their scan is complete, they will display a list of possible duplicate files so that you can review and delete them.
You can also use Windows File Explorer to find and delete duplicates. Select the files that you want to review, then right-click on one of them and select Properties. In the Properties window, select the Details tab and look at the “File size” field. If the file sizes match up, then you likely have a duplicate file. Once you have identified the duplicate(s), you can delete them by selecting them and pressing the Delete key.
If you have a large number of files to delete — say over 2000 — then you may want to consider using a batch processing program. These programs are designed to automate repetitive processes, such as finding and deleting duplicates. They can scan through large numbers of files quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for those who have a lot of duplicate files.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to remember that deleting duplicate files can be dangerous and should only be done with caution. Before deleting any files, be sure to back up your system to protect your data in case something goes wrong.