If you are a OneDrive user who has come across the error recently and doesn’t know how to get rid of it, then this is the post for you! In this one, let us try to identify the core factors that play a role in this error and how to resolve them. Make sure you read it thoroughly as this can help you get rid of the error almost instantly!

Without further ado, let’s get started!

The File or Folder Already Exists in OneDrive – What Does it Mean?

As the error description suggests, the error usually occurs when a file or folder with the same name already exists in the OneDrive cloud storage or local directory. The issue is easy to fix considering renaming the file or folder before saving it can do the job for you. However, the error can turn into a headache when you are unable to find a pre-saved file with the same name. 

Yes, sometimes the error appears out of nowhere. This means even when there is no already saved file, you may come across the file or folder that already exists in OneDrive error out of nowhere. This can happen due to the following reasons:- 

• Sync conflicts due to changes on multiple devices.
• Temporary glitches or cache corruption.
• Improper configuration of OneDrive settings.
• Server errors on OneDrive.
• Other operational errors from Microsoft’s end.

Either way, the error can cause trouble for a user. Fortunately, there are several ways to resolve the error, irrespective of how it appears. Check out the next section to find the solutions!

How to Fix The File or Folder Already Exists in OneDrive Error on Windows

Before we begin with the troubleshooting, make sure that – 

• Your PC has seamless internet connectivity. 
• The version you are using is up to date. 
• You have all the access rights on your PC. 

After ensuring that all the above requirements are met, try the following methods until one of them helps you fix the OneDrive error.

1. Restart the OneDrive App

One of the first things that you should do is restart the OneDrive application on your PC. Restarting the OneDrive app can help resolve temporary glitches which are often the core reason for this error popping up. 

To restart the drive, simply – 

Step 1 – Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar.Step 2- Select Close OneDrive or Exit.
Step 3- Open the Start menu and search for “OneDrive.”

Step 4- Click the app to relaunch it and check if the issue persists.

After the app restarts, check if the error appears again while copying a file. In case it does, try the next fix. Also, if it is possible, quickly restart your PC too.

Read Also: Fix – Computer Stuck on Restarting

 2. Check File Permissions

Permission to access the files is also a major factor that often triggers the error. Incorrect file permissions can prevent synchronization and cause errors. To manage permissions and ensure that they are not the reason behind the problem, all you need to do is – 

Step 1 – Open File Explorer and navigate to the file or folder.
Step 2 – Right-click the item and select Properties.
Step 3 – Go to the Security tab.

Step 4 – Ensure your account has full access. If not, click edit and adjust the permissions.

Make sure you have all the correct permissions to manage, access, and modify the files. While the error message file or folder already exists may not directly imply an issue with the permissions, sometimes inconsistencies can cause the error to pop up!

3. Clear OneDrive Cache

Corrupted cache files can interfere with the syncing process. Clearing the cache often resolves these issues.

Step 1 – Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and select Pause syncing.

Step 2 – Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\[Yourusername]\AppData\Local\OneDrive\cache` (or the respective folder for your configuration).

Step 3 – Delete the cache files.
Step 4 – Relaunch the OneDrive app and allow it to rebuild the cache.

Start using the app again and the cache will be generated. If the issue is related to a corrupt cache, this method will surely get the job done. However, if the error persists, check out the next fix!

4. Manually Force a Sync

Sometimes the error may appear due to sync errors. For instance, you had deleted a previous version from the drive to move to a new one but since the sync is not completed properly, the deleted file still shows in the directory and does not allow your newer file to be copied. The easiest way to do so is to manually force a sync. However, to force the sync, you are required to restart the process. Here’s how you do it – 

Step 1 – Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar.
Step 2 – Select Pause syncing and then choose a duration (e.g., 2 hours).

Step 3 – Resume syncing after a minute.

Once the sync restarts, simply wait for some time and then try copying the file again. Only this time, the error should not appear on your PC!

5. Additional Preventive Measures

Other than the above-mentioned methods, make sure that you take the following measures to avoid/fix the error – 

• Find & Delete Duplicate File
• Update OneDrive 
• Update Windows 
• Reset OneDrive 
• Reinstall OneDrive 

You can use Duplicate Files Fixer to find and delete duplicate files from different devices. Download the tool, and remove all the similar files/folders.

Trying all these methods is easy and can be done simply from your desktop. Needless to say, the error can be resolved easily provided you understand the core reason behind it. 

The “The file or folder already exists in OneDrive” error, though frustrating, is manageable with the right troubleshooting steps. By systematically addressing duplicates, resetting configurations, and ensuring up-to-date software, you can restore seamless syncing.

If you’re still encountering issues after trying these steps, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for additional assistance. OneDrive remains a powerful tool for managing your digital life, and resolving these occasional hiccups ensures it continues to serve you effectively.

The post [FIXED] OneDrive Error: The File or Folder Already Exists in OneDrive appeared first on .

What is this issue? How does it appear? And more importantly, what can be done about it? These are some basic but crucial questions we will answer by the end of this post. 

Duplicate Save File Issue in Elden Ring: What is It?

The error usually appears when there are two or more save files for the game on your PC. Elden Ring uses a save file stored in your Documents library as the ultimate file to fetch the current progress of your game. If this file is unavailable, the game will keep loading from the beginning every time you launch. 

On the other hand, if there are duplicate game files, and only one is loaded at a time, you may lose your progress when you start the game next. That is because if there are duplicate files, there is a high chance that the game will get confused while using a save file to initiate the game. Having multiple game files that are the same can be troublesome for the game to identify the last saved configuration.

Having duplicate save files on Elden Ring or any game for that reason can hamper your gaming experience.

Why Does the Duplicate Save File Issue in Elden Ring Appear?

It is usually not about the game but the OS and other factors that cause the duplicate save file issue on Windows. Every game that uses a game file may face a similar problem if you have duplicate save files for it. It is like creating two sources for a single destination. Either one will take you on the journey, but if you choose a different one in your next leg, you will have to start from the previous point. 

The error is clear; it appears because of the duplicate save files that exist for Elden Ring. What we should pay attention to is how these duplicates come into existence. Well, here are some possible reasons  – 

1. Moving your documents to create a backup can often result in the creation of another saved file. 
2. Having a virus attack that causes duplication of files unknowingly.
3. Running your game as soon as you install it and bringing your previous backup file into the existing documents folder can cause a similar problem. 

Duplicate Save Files Issue in Elden Ring: What Can Be Done?

Now that we have understood the issue, it is clear that unnecessary file duplication is the root cause of your issue. Hence, the solution is to eliminate the duplicate files and ensure that they do not reappear. 

Here are the fixes that can help you out – 

Fix 1 – Manually Find and Delete the Game File

As mentioned above, the game files you save usually exist in the Documents library of your PC. You may simply navigate to the documents folder, spot your Elden Rings folder inside it, and check if there are duplicate game files. 

In case you are unable to find the game files in the Documents folder, you may use the following path in the address bar of your Windows Explorer to open the folder – 

C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing

Please note that the file uses the extension .sl2. Simply open the above folder, and you may find the files. If you find a file with the same name and extension, that is your duplicate. Simply cut and paste one of them to your desktop for safekeeping, as you cannot just directly delete them. 

Launch the game to check from where it loads. If it works fine with the existing game file in the folder, simply go to your desktop and delete the duplicate file. However, if you find that the one you left in the folder is actually behind in progress, simply swap the places and do the needful.

Fix 2 – Get Rid of the Duplicate File Automatically

Another recommended way to eliminate the duplicate save file on Elden Ring is to use a dedicated tool that removes the duplicate file in minutes. You do not have to navigate through folders to find the file, nor do you need to check which file to delete. The tool automatically finds the file, compares it to the original, and shows you the comparison to make a decision. 

We recommend using Duplicate Files Fixer to get rid of such files. If your PC is affected by a virus attack or other issues, there are high chances of multiple duplicates, and the error is not limited to Elden Ring. 

Simply download the Duplicate Files Fixer and run it step by step to finish the process – 

Step 1 – Launch the application and select the folders to scan for duplicates. You can also drag and drop folders into the tool.

Step 2 – Click on Scan for Duplicates after choosing the folder.

Step 3 -Let the scan run, and it will analyze the files that exist for duplication.
Step 4 – After finding the files, you can easily compare them manually and check which file to keep. If the number of files is higher, you can use auto mark for the tool to select the files for removal automatically.

Step 5 – Click on Delete marked and finish the process. 

After running the tool, launch the Elden Ring, and you may find that the duplicate save file issue no longer exists. 

We highly recommend that you run a quick defender scan on your PC or run a virus scan if you use a dedicated antivirus program, as removal of the virus is equally crucial. 

With the help of these fixes, you can get rid of the Duplicate Save File issue in Elden Ring. Hope this post helps you out. Let us know if you face any errors in running the steps for the same. Thanks for reading. Good luck!

Recommended : 

How to fix Elden Ring crash on startup

The post How to Fix Duplicate Save File Issue in Elden Ring appeared first on .

This post explains the best way to find duplicate files with the same name and same content, as well as files with different names with similar content.

What are Duplicate Files And Issues Caused By Them?

Often, people ask what duplicate files are. The answer is simple: files with more than one reference are duplicates. These files can be created when you restore the same backup multiple times, or download the same file more than once, or while moving or deleting files, you accidentally use the copy option, which creates a copy of all selected files. 

When you know duplicates are created, you can undo the action, but when you aren’t aware, you are left with duplicate files on your device. These files can be as small as a Word file and as big as a video file. Whatever the case, when copies of files get stored on the device over time, unnecessary space is occupied, and you cannot manage data.

You can face several issues because of duplicate files. The most common ones are:

1. Redundant files get stored on the device. 
2. Duplicate files occupy unnecessary space. 
3. They clutter the data, making your PC slower due to a large number of extra files.
4. It is difficult to find the required data in a short time.

How to Find Duplicates with Different Names?

You can find duplicates with different names but the same content in two ways. 

The first one is time-consuming, requires patience, and is inefficient as you need to access each folder manually, look at the content, select files, and delete them. We know no one has this much time, and no one wants to risk deleting any important files due to this. 

In contrast, the second method, where you use Duplicate Files Fixer, an excellent app that finds duplicates from different storage devices and allows cleaning them, is much easier. 

Manual Method To Clean Duplicate Files with Different Names

There is no specific manual method to compare, identify, and delete duplicates. You have to do it manually by following the below-mentioned generic steps.

1.Press the Windows + E keys to launch the File Explorer window.
2. Check each folder for duplicate files. You will have to open each file to view the content and compare it.

3. In case of images, you can click on the View tab and select Extra large icons.
4. There is the Sort By icon where you can select Date, Type, etc, to sort the images.

Smart Way to Identify and Remove Duplicate Files with Different Names

Designed by Systweak Software, Duplicate Files Fixer app tracks down duplicates saved on your device. Whether they are saved with the same name or different, the app scans duplicates based on content, not on name. However, you can enable more settings and find duplicates as it offers different customization options.

Another benefit of using this app is that it allows you to auto-select duplicates. This means you can save time, and duplicates will be selected automatically, leaving one in each group unmarked. The program also doesn’t permanently delete files. It moves them to the Recycle Bin, allowing users to restore them if the incorrect file is accidentally deleted. 

How can the best duplicate file finder be used to find and delete duplicate files with different names?

Here you go if you are wondering how to use Duplicate Files Fixer, an excellent app compatible with Windows and Mac. 

1. Download, install, and run the best duplicate file finder and removal tool.

2. From the Scan Mode, select the storage device you want to scan. If you want to scan internal storage, select PC. For cloud storage, select from the given options. In addition, you can even scan for connected smartphones, duplicate emails, and even empty folders. Select the option as per the requirement.

3. Next, to customize scan settings, click the Settings option > select Settings > click Advanced Scan Settings.

4. Make changes as per requirements.
5. In addition, if you want to make changes to search options, click Search Options and select options as per the requirements.

6. Once all the changes are done, close the settings window.
7. To start the scanning process, click Scan for Duplicates and wait for the scan to finish.

If scanning cloud storage, you must select the account and grant permissions. Also, as the tool scans for RAW images, it will ask permission to scan them. If you are okay with it, click Yes. The program will install the required components and scan for all duplicates, including RAW images.

8. Once the scan ends, you will be prompted to select files manually or automatically. If you want to review scan results and then move forward, click Select Manually.

9. You will now see the scan result is divided into different categories. You can either jump from one tab to another or view them all under the All Files tab.

10. To preview the file, click on any scan result, and you can see the preview on the right side of the application.
11. Now, you can check each file manually and select them, or you can use the Automark feature to auto-select duplicates, leaving one in each group unmarked.

12. After the selection, and you are sure to proceed, click Delete Marked.
13. Duplicate Files Fixer will now move selected files to the Recycle Bin and show the action’s summary. 

You can eliminate duplicates with the same content but different names. 

The Final Verdict – Remove Duplicate Files With Different Names Easily

Identifying and managing duplicate files with different names is crucial in maintaining an organized and efficient computer system. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can reclaim valuable storage space, improve system performance, and ensure your files are organized and easily accessible. Regularly perform these checks to keep your computer running smoothly and clutter-free. 

Keep scanning your PC and cloud storage regularly with Duplicate Files Fixer, and keep the storage devices duplicate-free. We hope you found the information useful and will use it to clean duplicates, recover space, and boost PC performance. Please share your feedback in the comments section. 

FAQs:

Q. 1  Does the name matter in identifying duplicate files?

Ans  – When using a duplicate file finder tool, like Duplicate Files Fixer, you need not worry about duplicate files with different names. These tools identify the file content and compare the files rather than comparing them on name, date, and size.

Q. 2  Will renaming a file prevent it from being detected as a duplicate?

Ans  –  No, any sort of renaming will not protect the file from being detected as duplicate provided the content is the same.

Q. 3  Do duplicate file finders compare content or just names?

Ans –  Most advanced duplicate file finder tools identify and compare the content of a file and not just the name, or size of the file.

Recommended :

[Important] 10 Things to Keep in Mind While Removing Duplicate Files
Duplicate Files: A Study of their Detection and Management

The post How to Find And Delete Duplicate Files with Different Names appeared first on .

Duplicate file finder is a software application (Tool) designed to find and remove duplicate files from the user’s PC. Several duplicate cleanup tools are available in the market. Unlike other tools, Duplicate File Finder Software can scan folders or drives for identical files (by file name, size, or content) including external, internal, and cloud storage like Google Drive and Dropbox for duplicates. It can scan for duplicate EML files, scan mobile phones, and clean empty folders. Also, these duplicate file finder tools provide trial and paid versions, allowing users to test them before paying.

How Do Duplicate File Finder and Remover Tools Work on Windows PC?

Before we learn about these tools, let’s understand what is a duplicate file finder tool and how it works.

Duplicate file finder tools do not rely on CRC or MD5 checksums. These tools use optimized byte-to-byte comparisons and an intelligent algorithm to identify duplicate files based on content properties and attributes. These tools check the content, file format, size, and other parameters to mark them duplicates. They show a preview after the scan, allowing users to decide what to keep and delete.

A comprehensive list of the 15 best duplicate file finder tools will help you accurately find and remove duplicate files from Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. The most important part of the deduplication process is finding the right tool for the job.

Have you ever encountered a situation where you wanted to save an important document or program and received a “low storage” message? Seeing such pop-up messages is annoying and frustrating. But you can’t delete just any file to get rid of it, right? Then what do you do?

The best way to make space on your computer is to find and remove duplicate files that unnecessarily take up unwanted space. But can you find them manually? Certainly not, because no one has this much free time to sift through hundreds and thousands of duplicate files. This is why we have enlisted the top 15 duplicate file remover tools that you can use to detect and clean duplicate files from your PC.

Must Read: Duplicate Files: A Study of their Detection and Management

List of Best Duplicate File Finder & Remover Tools for Windows PC

1. Systweak Duplicate Files Fixer

Best for – Find and remove duplicate files from PC, external storage, Google Drive, and Dropbox and removing Empty folders and duplicate emails. 

Rating – 10

Latest Version –  1.2.1.964

Price – $39.95 per year

Trial Version – Yes

Money Back Guarantee – Yes 60-days

File Size – 16 MB

First on our list of best duplicate file finder software for Windows is Duplicate Files Fixer. Developed and designed by Systweak Software, the tool helps detect duplicate files, photos, videos, music, and other file types from PCs, Google Drive, Dropbox, connected mobile devices, and external devices. Moreover, it helps delete empty folders and scans for duplicate EML files. You can even use it to perform custom scans and see the space you can recover after cleaning duplicates. It even allows the automatic marking of duplicate files, leaving one in each group unchecked, which helps save time and avoids frustration.

Key Features:

• One-click scanning and auto-marking duplicates.
• Scan PC, external storage, Google Drive, Dropbox, and duplicate EML files. 
• Delete empty folders.

Pros –

• Preview scan results. 
• Different scanning and viewing options.

Cons –

• The trial version does not allow cleaning all duplicates. It is limited to cleaning 15 files.
  

Read a complete review of Duplicate Files Fixer

2. Auslogics Duplicate File Finder

Best for –  scanning external drives for duplicates and cleaning them for free.

Rating – 9.0

Latest Version – 11.0.0.0

Price – Free version with limited functionality.

Trial Version – Yes

File Size – 17.2 MB

Visit the official website to download

If you are looking for the best duplicate file remover tool to detect the same files, Auslogics Duplicate File Finder is just the try tool. The software gives you complete control over the file types you are looking for. You can quickly sift through the search results and delete copies of the files. The software compares the file content and uses the MD 5 engine to show accurate results. You can send the duplicates to the Recycle Bin or delete them permanently to restore storage space and make data easily accessible. The tool is an easy-to-use identical file finder.

Key Features:

• Customize scanning using filters. 
• Multi-lingual 
• Check for executable duplicate files.

Pros –

• Freely available.
• Rescue center to restore files.

Cons –

• A deep scan is missing, making the tool miss out on some duplicates. 

3. CCleaner

Best for –  PC optimization and cleaning duplicate files.

Rating – 8.5

Latest Version – 6.33.11465

Price – $ 29.95

Trial Version – Yes

Money Back Guarantee – 30 days

File Size – 80.1 MB

Visit the official website to download

Number three on our list of duplicate finder tool is CCleaner. Although the product gained bad press a few years ago, the company has always worked to make the best product in the industry. CCleaner is a PC optimization tool with a module to clean duplicate files. You can use the software to perform different operations. Regarding identifying and cleaning duplicate files, the duplicate cleaner detects duplicate pictures, videos, docs, and other file types. It even finds similar photos and shows a preview of each detected file. 

Key Features:

• Three different options to remove duplicates. 
• Detects duplicates from PC, external driver, SD card, etc. 
• Scans for duplicate files by content or name

Pros –

• The software receives regular updates.
• Customizable scanning. 

Cons –

• The free version has ads.

4. Easy duplicate file finder

Best for –  finding and removing duplicates without wasting memory resources.

Rating – 8.0

Latest Version – 7.24.0.43

Price – $39.95

Trial Version – Yes

Money Back Guarantee – 30 days

File Size – 30.6 MB

Visit the official website to download

Easy Duplicate Finder by WebMinds is another top duplicate cleaner software. The tool gives you the option to include and exclude folders. You can choose from different scan modes to scan OneDrive, Google Drive, external hard drives, and internal hard drives. Also, you can set file size limits, preview scan results, see the amount of space you can recover after cleaning duplicates, and organize your files. Moreover, it can decide whether to move duplicates to the Recycle Bin or permanently delete them. Using the trial version, you can remove only 10 duplicates.

Key Features:

• Undo feature to undelete files. (The action can be performed only during the current session). 
• Compare two duplicate folders. 
• Duplicate email scanning.

Pros –

• Save scan results and use them later. 
• Multiple scan modes and different methods to remove duplicates. 

Cons –

• Previewing is limited, and the app also crashes sometimes.

5. AllDup

Best for –  finding duplicates for free

Rating – 8.0

Latest Version – 4.5.62

Price – Free

Trial Version – N/A

Money Back Guarantee – N/A

File Size – 21.11 MB

Visit the official website to download

This professional duplicate finder and cleaner software look for duplicates saved on your hard drive. You can customize scanning to search for duplicates using the file name, extension, size, or content. Moreover, you can scan for similar pictures, music files, and file names using this excellent duplicate finder and preview the scan results to check the content of files before you delete them from the PC. Also, you can perform a search for duplicate files inside archives. 

Key Features:

• Exclude entire folders or specific files from the search. 
• Save and restore search results.
• Moves files to Recycle Bin for safety.

Pros –

• Search an unlimited number of folders and files for duplicates. 
• Export search results to CSV format. 

Cons –

• Scanning is sometimes slow.

6. dupeGuru

Best for –  searching duplicates based on different parameters.

Rating – 7.5

Latest Version – 4.3.1

Price – Free

Trial Version – N/A

Money Back Guarantee – N/A

File Size – 30.8 MB

Visit the official website to download

Another free tool that helps find duplicate files is dupeGuru. This advanced duplicate file finder helps customize parameters and detect file copies. Its advanced features allow you to find duplicate music, files, and similar pictures. The software is easy, fast, and efficient to use. You can detect duplicates with similar filenames or content and do whatever you want with duplicate files. The software finds duplicate files and allows moving or copying the data to a different location. You can sort results in multiple ways to avoid false positives. 

Key Features:

• Special music mode to filter out duplicate music files. 
• Find duplicates even when filenames are not the same. 
• A special duplicate removal safety mechanism ensures you do not unintentionally delete any file.

Pros –

• Cross-platform GUI tool to detect duplicates. 
• Customizable duplicate cleaner

Cons –

• Beginners sometimes find the tool difficult. 

7. Wise Duplicate Finder

Best for –  comparing files and finding duplicates.

Rating – 7.7

Latest Version – 2.1.3

Price – $ 19.95

Trial Version – Yes

Money Back Guarantee – 60 days

File Size – 9.55 MB

Visit the official website to download

As time passes, we fill the hard drive with different file types without realizing we are cluttering it with duplicate files. With Wise Duplicate Finder, you can locate and remove these unnecessary files and free up disk space. The duplicate file cleaner scans the PC for duplicate files, groups them, and gives you the control to remove them. You can analyze the result and then decide whether to delete the copies. Also, you can use the backup and restore feature if anything goes wrong.

Must Read: How to Avoid Duplicate Files While Creating a Backup

Key Features:

• Find similar and duplicate docs, photos, videos, and other duplicates. 
• Scan PC, SD card, cloud storage, etc. 
• Customize selection using the 8 rules. 

Pros –

• Three different comparison modes for accurate results. 
• Detects duplicates based on MD 5 and matching file content. 

Cons –

• When using the Exact Match mode, the scanning speed declines.

8. Cisdem duplicate finder

Best for –  accurately finding duplicates.

Rating – 7.5 

Latest Version – 3.0.2

Price – $ 19.99

Trial Version – Yes

Money Back Guarantee – 30 days 

File Size – 32.9 MB

Visit the official website to download

When you want to find duplicate files with identical content irrespective of name, Cisdem Duplicate Finder is the tool for you. This best duplicate file finder tool with 100% accuracy finds and helps delete exact duplicates. You can scan for specific file types or sizes and set up an exclusion list to avoid scanning specific files and folders. Moreover, you can scan external and network volumes for duplicates. 

Key Features:

• Detect and remove similar images. 
• Grouped results to easily clean duplicates. 
• Auto-select duplicates. 

Pros –

• Scan external and cloud storage. 
• Customizable and easy to use. 

Cons –

• Scan results are unclear, and the preview is not up to the mark.

9. CloneSpy

Best for –  recovering space and deleting duplicate files

Rating – 7.0

Latest Version – 3.43

Price – Free

Trial Version –  N/A

Money Back Guarantee – N/A

File Size – 4.55 MB

Visit the official website to download

When struggling with space issues on your Windows PC, use CloneSpy, the free duplicate file removal tool. The software detects duplicate files, photos, videos, etc, and helps clean them effortlessly. Using it, you can look for duplicates with identical names, similarity only in the name, and zero-byte documents. Moreover, it allows erasing copies of repetitive documents, moving them to a specific folder, and more. Also, you can fabricate checksum documents using it and check the PC for duplicates. 

Key Features:

• Find zero-byte files. 
• Look for duplicates with similar names, titles, and sizes. 
• Move unnecessary files to a specific location.

Pros –

• Quick scan results. 
• Different filtration options to identify duplicates accurately. 

Cons –

• The interface is complicated. 
• No update support for the app for the past few years.

10. SearchMyFiles

Best for –  searching and removing duplicates

Rating – 6.7

Latest Version – 3.25

Price – Free

Trial Version – N/A

Money Back Guarantee – N/A

File Size – 148 KB (zipped file)

Visit the official website to download

An alternative to file searching on Windows, SearchMyFiles is another easy way to find duplicates on Windows. To use, you need to change the Search Mode to Duplicate search and then set preferences to find duplicates. You can search for files based on file wildcard, modify/created/last accessed time, and other attributes. The tool performs the search in 2 stages. Stage 1 scans the files and folders according to the settings, and in stage 2, the scanned files are compared to show accurate duplicates. Each group of duplicates is marked with a different color, and you can also see the number of files detected.

Key Features:

• Criteria-based scanning for duplicates.
• Grouped results. 
• Portable duplicate file cleaner. 

Pros –

• Free duplicate finder and cleaner.
• Different search options.  

Cons –

• Not user-friendly 

11. Ashisoft Duplicate File Finder

Best for –  Thoroughly searching storage devices & comparing files to find duplicates accurately. 

Rating – 6.7

Latest Version – 1.7.0.1

Price – $32.95

Trial Version – Yes 

Money Back Guarantee – No

File Size – 2.9 MB

Visit the official website to download

When you have hundreds and thousands of duplicates saved on your system, falling short of space is bound to happen. The best way to deal with this situation is to use Ashisoft’s Duplicate File Finder tool, which performs byte-level comparisons, making dealing with duplicates easy. The tool’s intelligent algorithm allows you to identify duplicates regardless of name and file format. Also, you can clean duplicates from cloud storage, protect important files, view photos, and scan results side by side using the built-in viewer, cleaning the system of unneeded duplicates in no time.

Key Features:

• Find and remove duplicate photos, videos, and songs. 
• Compare folders.
• Scan Google Drive and Dropbox for duplicates.

Pros –

• Protect and exclude folders from scanning. 
• Different filters to effectively scan storage drives. 

Cons –

• Cannot scan subfolders. You need to add them for manual scanning. 

12. XYplorer

Best for – managing files but has some capabilities for comparing files.

Rating – 6

Latest Version – 26.30.0000

Price – $34.95

Trial Version – Yes

Money Back Guarantee – No

File Size – 5.3 MB

Visit the official website to download

Although a Windows file manager, XYplorer has made its way to this list of best duplicate finder and remover tools because of its ability to find duplicates accurately. Using its duplicate finder feature, you can thoroughly search for duplicates and easily remove them to free up space and manage data. You can even group different types of duplicates and optionally ignore serial numbers and strings. When this option is enabled, files like test.txt, test(1).txt, test(2), and test – copy (3).txt, and so on will be identified as duplicates. 

Key Features:

• Animated GIF preview 
• Auto-rotated image preview 
• Scriptable and portable file manager

Pros –

• Configurable, fast, and effective tool.
• Frequent and regular updates.

Cons –

• Dedicated File Explorer, not exactly a duplicate remover.

13. Duplicate Cleaner Pro

Best for –  Tidying up music collection, photos, and other files.
Rating – 6

Latest Version – 5.22.0.0.

Price – $ 39.00

Trial Version – Yes

Money Back Guarantee – N/A

File Size – 62.6

Visit the official website to download

Manually finding duplicates is time-consuming, but with the best duplicate file finder tool, Duplicate Cleaner Pro, you can quickly sort your files, images collection, and music files. The tool helps find duplicates saved within zip files, virtual folders, snapshots, etc. It comes with a built-in image browser that allows you to preview pictures side by side for comparison. Also, it lists details of all audio files, including length, bit rate, and sample rate. To delete these files, you can simplify the task using Selection Assistance. 

Key Features:

• Four scanning modes to detect duplicates. 
• Drive and folder comparison
• Scan portable media devices like smartphones and MP3 players. 

Pros –

• Easy to use
• Accurately find duplicate music, photos, and documents. 

Cons –

• The trial expires in just 7 days
  

14. Fast Duplicate File Finder

Best for –  finding and clearing duplicates from PC for Free.

Rating – 6

Latest Version – 6.5.0.3

Price – $39.99

Trial Version – Available (Basic)

Money Back Guarantee – N/A

File Size – 10.7 MB

Visit the official website to download

This duplicate cleaner is available in two versions. If you want, you can use the free version. However, if you want to enjoy the advanced features, you can upgrade to the Professional version, which will cost you $39.95. Like other duplicate removal tools, this allows you to preview scan results, auto-check duplicates, locate files in File Explorer, save and load projects, and do more. Unlike the free version of CCleaner, which has ads, Fast Duplicate File Finder does not show ads or spam the PC. You can save and analyze the search results later to decide what to keep and delete.

Key Features:

• Find duplicates saved in different locations. 
• Run a scan in the background. 
• Search for duplicates based on content. 

Pros –

• Safe to use. It does not scan system files or folders. 
• No limitation on the number of files, folders, and drives you can scan.

Cons –

• Quite an old user interface. 

15. Duplicate File Detective

Best for –  cleaning duplicates from network-enabled devices

Rating – 5.5

Latest Version – 7.2.69.0

Price – $ 60.00

Trial Version – Yes

Money Back Guarantee – No

File Size – 25.0

Visit the official website to download

While going through the data saved on your PC, if you find several duplicate files taking up storage space, the best way to deal with them is to use a duplicate cleaner. Duplicate File Detector is a duplicate remover tool that helps find and delete copies of files without any problem. You can search for duplicate music files, photos, documents, and archives using it. 

Key Features:

• Find exact duplicates. 
• Built-in scheduler for scheduled scanning. 
• File hash cashing for quick folder comparison

Pros –

• Remove empty folders.
• Replace duplicates with hard links or shells. 

Cons –

• The command line interface is a bit complicated to use. 

Why use a tool to remove duplicate files?

The primary reason is that Windows does not have a built-in tool to detect and clean tools. In addition, duplicates must be removed to boost system performance, free up space, and keep data organized. 

As time passes and you keep using the PC, it gets slower. This may be partly related to hardware upgrades, but another primary reason is cluttered hard drives. Too many files on your drive make the system run out of disk space and resources. Due to this, it takes time to perform a job and costs you time, leading to frustration. 

But are all files important? Not all, and you can only understand it when you run a scan for duplicates. Once you perform a scan, you will be shocked to see the results and the number of duplicate files on your hard drive. To prevent such issues and to save time, avoid deleting incorrect files, and keep the system optimized using a duplicate file cleaner to remove duplicate videos, photos, music, and files is required. 

You can pick any of the tools from the list above. However, if you are looking for our recommendation, the number 1 tool on the list, Duplicate Files Fixer, is our pick. Try it and let us know how it performed in the comments section. However, if you selected another tool, let us know why and what you like in the software. 

We hope you enjoyed reading this post and are now clear about which duplicate file finder is best to keep your Windows optimized and duplicate-free.

Read Also :

[Important] 10 Things to Keep in Mind While Removing Duplicate Files

The post 15 Best Duplicate File Finder Tools For Windows In 2025 [ Updated ] appeared first on .

However, there are times when users start deleting files thinking that they are duplicates, while they are not. This happens majorly while removing duplicates manually, i.e., without set criteria.

Every game has rules; deleting clone files to filter out originals is no less. One mistake and you may lose crucial files, and if done correctly, you get efficient file management and extra storage space as the ultimate prize. 

So how to remove duplicate files properly? Well, there are certainly a few things that can help you make the best choices. By the end of this post, you’ll find 10 important factors to take care of while dealing with duplicate files. 

So without any delay, let’s jump straight to the essential things one must remember before removing duplicate files.

10 Must-Know Things Before You Start Removing Duplicates Files on a PC

1. Files Saved at Different Locations in the Same PC Do Not Count as Backup Files

Many users keep multiple copies of their documents, files, etc., to ensure they do not lose them. There’s nothing wrong with keeping backups, as it is one of the best practices for anyone dealing with data.

However, keeping the backup files on the same PC as the original data makes no sense. If you are doing so, you are extending the number of duplicates on your PC on purpose. It is better to use the 3-2-1 rule of backing up your files if you have crucial data that you want to protect. According to the rule, you should –

– Create 3 copies of your data,
– Save 2 backup copies on different storage devices, and
– Store 1 backup away from other backups.

2. Sorting is Not Always the Best Way to Filter Duplicate Files

Many users simply go to the folder with duplicate files and use the sorting filters in File Explorer. While these filters are good at grouping files and delivering a sorted view of all the files, they are not efficient in highlighting or sorting duplicate files.

Sure, if you mistakenly copied files multiple times while trying the drag and drop, sorting by name or by time may help you get a better view to removing duplicates. However, that is it. That is where the potential of sorting ends. You can learn which files were created later. However, what if they were opened later?

Identifying which one is original is still a big question that sorting cannot answer. Hence, you should not simply depend on using it as your primary strategy.

3. Duplicate Files Can Exist in Multiple Formats

The best example of these factors can be a song or a picture. Your PC may have a song in the MP3 format and simultaneously have it in WAV or aac.3 formats for editing purposes, similar is the case with images. You can have a simple JPEG, and then there are advanced RAW formats for editing.

While these have different formats, they are the same files. It happens a lot with musicians and photographers as the first file they create is an original heavy version in the raw format, while the final product is more usable and shareable. So what do you do in that case?

Removing derived files is always a better choice than removing the original. However, it depends on your usage and your choice.

4. Not all Duplicate Files are Bad

As shared in the above point, sometimes you need to decide on your own. Not all duplicate files are harmful to your PC. Always keep in mind that it is the excess of anything that causes damage. When you have a controlled number of duplicates and know they exist, you have nothing to worry about.

Duplicate files used by the system, such as DirectX archives and other crucial documents, should not be removed. Hence, it is better to understand a file’s severity and remove it accordingly.

5. It is Not Necessary that Duplicates Exist at the Same Location

When you are trying to remove duplicate files, you must keep in mind that duplicates don’t need to exist at the same location. The best example of such files is game files in the game directory (local folder) and the source folder (from where the game was installed).

Duplicate files may exist anywhere on your PC. Hence you may need to search for them multiple times. Sure, you can opt for a duplicate files finder tool that searches your entire PC, but then again, you need an efficient tool as a regular application may take a lot of time and even skip a few folders.

6. Removing Duplicate Files is a Lot More Than Just Recovering Storage

For many users, removing duplicate files is a regular practice they prefer whenever they need storage space for other files. The thinking is apt, too, considering duplicate files take up a lot of storage. However, sometimes, when the number of duplicates or the size of similar files is not substantial enough to free up space, users tend to ignore them. This is wrong!

You see, files that may harm your PC need not be heavy. A file whose size is in bytes can cause havoc on the system. Hence, you should permanently remove duplicates, no matter if their size is significant or not, as removing duplicate files is not just about freeing up storage. It’s a lot more than that!

7. Manually Removing Duplicate Files is a Time-Consuming Process

If you plan to remove duplicate files from your entire PC manually, you need a lot of free time on your hands. Finding duplicates, shortlisting the ones to delete and keep, checking the selected file, and removing it appears to be a 4-step process but takes a lot of time.

Sometimes you have to search for the lengths of a drive just to realize there are no duplicates. All the time spent finding these files for removal is significantly more than you should have. However, that is a manual process. Your best bet is to use an automated tool like Duplicate Files Fixer. Here’s how it works –

– Download the application from the link below

– Scan your PC for duplicate files using the tool. You can choose formats accordingly or simply go for a complete scan.

– Once the scan is over, you can analyze the duplicate files.
– Check which ones to delete and remove them using the remove option.

The tool does all of it in a matter of minutes. Saving you a lot of time and effort, this application is surely the ultimate solution to all your duplicate file problems.

8. Files with the Same/Similar Names are not Always Duplicate

Keep in mind that if you plan to remove files based on the similarity of their names, you may be in for some trouble. Files with similar names are not always duplicates. If you have a lot of files of any format with a similar name, you must open and check them all before you start deleting them. That is because sometimes names can be similar, but the contents are not.

9. It is Always Better to Avoid Shift+Del While Removing Duplicate Files

If you habitually use Shift+Del as your go-to command for deleting files, avoid it while dealing with duplicate files. That is because the probability of removing a useful file is higher. When you are asked to make a choice, it is possible that you end up choosing the wrong file, and it is completely fine.

So, to avoid regretting what you have done, keep the option of restoring files from Recycle Bin open. The developers of Duplicate Files Fixer have thought this through as all the files you scan and remove through it first go to the recycle bin for you to have second thoughts about them.

10. A PC is Never Duplicate-Free on the First Attempt (Unless You Use a Tool)

You are wrong if you think spending a few hours removing duplicate files will get the job done. Duplicate files are termites. You need multiple layers of protection and treatment to eliminate them. Deleting files manually might not get the job done on the first attempt.

However, if you use the duplicate files finder tool, you have a chance. But that, too, depends on what sort of algorithm your tool uses. 

These 10 things indicate the general practices and things every individual must know before filtering similar files from the PC. 

Diligence & Intelligence is the Key to Removing Duplicate Files

For any user looking from a surface level, duplicate files are not an issue, considering they appear harmless when they have not exceeded a certain threshold. However, things start getting worse when these files start extending their presence. Things can get out of hand if such files are not properly removed. 

However, as you can see, when you try to get rid of duplicate files from your system, there are so many things you need to keep in mind. Hence, it is advised that you use your intelligence and let a tool, Duplicate Files Fixer, to be specific, simplify the entire process. 

Always remember, it is better to be diligent than to be sorry! Thanks for reading! Good luck.

The post [Important] 10 Things to Keep in Mind While Removing Duplicate Files appeared first on .

Usually operated by corporate employees as internal mail clients, these services allow saving emails on PC. However, when there are multiple copies of emails, they take up unnecessary storage space. Therefore, removing duplicate EML files on Windows is essential. Doing so helps eradicate and refine your emails and also assists in keeping PC storage optimized. Scanning PC for copies of EML files is a great idea for those who use such services. 

This post lets you quickly look at ways to remove duplicate EML files from your PC.

Why Remove Duplicate EML Files?

Removing duplicate emails is not a standard and regular practice. However, to avoid email confusion and maximize the available space and bandwidth, you should clear them.

Besides this, other crucial factors make removing duplicate EML files worthwhile- 

1. Removing duplicate EMLs reduces the overall backup size for your email client.
2. Fewer duplicates on your email mean a clearer and optimized version of your emails, reducing confusion. 
3. Removing duplicate files keeps storage usage limited. 
4. Considering you save your backups on a cloud wiping Eml files helps reduce cloud usage. A backup with no duplicates takes less space & can be easily managed. 

Besides these, removing duplicate EML files helps create a neat and sorted user experience when using email clients. 

Best Way to Remove Duplicate EML Files on Windows

If you are struggling with too many EML files, you might have already looked for ways to remove them. Sadly, there are no internal ways to do it, as sorting emails based on their headers and subject line hardly works.

The best way to handle your extensive collection of duplicate EML files is to use a third-party duplicate files remover tool. 

Duplicate Files Fixer is a unique duplicate files finder tool by Systweak Software that allows you to search for duplicate EML files on your PC!

That’s right; you no longer have to look for ways, as Duplicate Files Fixer can help remove EML files quickly. Here’s how it works – 

• Download the Application Setup to install it on your PC.

  

  

• Run the application to find a simple UI with all the available options.
• Choose EML mode from the scan mode dropdown and select the folder where your EMLs are stored.
• Start the scan for duplicates. The Duplicate Files Fixer algorithm will look for files on your PC, compare them, and group them for your review.
  
• As soon as the scan is over, you can move on to find the results. Since the EML files are in thousands, manually reviewing each group can be tricky. The best way is to use an auto mark.
• Let the auto-mark select your files properly. You should glance at the selected files and remove duplicate EML files with a click!

It’s this simple! Your investment in one such tool is worth it. Not only do you have an easy way to remove duplicate EML files, but you can also actually use the Duplicate Files Fixer to remove any type of duplicate file on your PC.

Remove EML Files to Keep Your Inbox Sorted!

Cleaning duplicate EML files is crucial to keep your experience sorted. Internal email clients for personal use often take up your precious storage space. The ideal way to handle the situation is by keeping your emails duplicate-free. 

If your PC has duplicate EML files, use Duplicate Files Fixer. Try it yourself and leave a line down about your experience with the tool. 

That’s all for this post. Good luck!

Recommended : 

How To Delete Duplicate Files Quickly From Google Drive
How to Delete Duplicate Photos In Google Photos
15 Best Duplicate File Finder Tools For Windows

The post How to Remove Duplicate EML Files on a Windows PC appeared first on .