How to Quickly Find and Delete Duplicate Files on Windows

It can be time-consuming and frustrating task to find and delete duplicate files from your Windows computer. If you have a lot of files stored in different folders it can be difficult to locate and remove duplicates manually.

Over time, these duplicate files take up valuable storage space and may even slow down your computer’s performance. Removing them can help free up space and keep your system running smoothly.

Fortunately, Microsoft’s PC Manager software makes it simple and quick to find and remove duplicate files. You can eliminate superfluous files with a few clicks and avoid the trouble of going through each folder individually.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Using PC Manager to Find and Delete Duplicate Files

PC Manager is one of the greatest third-party programs for identifying duplicate files on your Windows 10 or 11 computer for a few reasons. It is dependable, free, and created by Microsoft. It also comes with additional useful utilities to maintain the smooth operation of your computer.

If you haven’t already, download the PC Manager program from the Microsoft Store to begin. To identify and remove duplicate files after installation, simply follow these steps:

1. Open the PC Manager app on your Windows computer.
2. Go to the Storage tab on the left, then click Duplicate files. This will open the Duplicate files window.
3. Wait for the app to scan your system for duplicate files. Once it’s done, it will list all duplicate files, along with the total storage space they occupy at the top.
4. Use the filters at the top to find specific types of duplicate files, such as pictures, videos, or documents. You can also sort files by size by clicking the Size header.
5. Use the checkboxes to select the duplicate files you want to delete. If you want to select all duplicate files, click the Smart select option at the top.
6. Click the Permanently delete button at the bottom-right corner.
7. Click Permanently delete again to confirm.

PC Manager will now remove the selected duplicate files. Since these files are permanently deleted, there’s no need to empty the Recycle Bin afterward. This will free up valuable storage space on your PC, allowing you to make the most of your storage.

No matter how careful you are, your PC will likely accumulate duplicate files over time. Luckily, PC Manager makes it incredibly easy to remove these unnecessary files and reclaim valuable storage space on your Windows PC with just a few clicks.

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FAQ

1. Is PC Manager free to use?
Yes, PC Manager is completely free and developed by Microsoft. You can download and use it without any cost.

2. Will PC Manager remove all types of duplicate files?
Yes, PC Manager can find and delete various types of duplicate files, including pictures, videos, documents, and more. You can use filters to target specific file types.

3. How does PC Manager identify duplicate files?
PC Manager scans your computer for duplicate files based on file names, sizes, and content, ensuring that only identical files are flagged as duplicates.

4. Do I need to empty the Recycle Bin after deleting duplicate files?
No, since PC Manager permanently deletes duplicate files, there’s no need to empty the Recycle Bin afterward.

5. Can PC Manager affect my system’s performance?
No, using PC Manager to delete duplicate files will actually help improve your system’s performance by freeing up storage space and removing unnecessary files.

6. Can I undo the deletion of duplicate files in PC Manager?
No, once you permanently delete duplicate files using PC Manager, they cannot be undone. It’s recommended to review the selected files carefully before confirming the deletion.

7. Is PC Manager compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, PC Manager is compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11, making it a great tool for users of either version.