How to Delete Duplicate Files on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 4, 2025

Have you noticed your PC running low on storage even though you don’t recall saving that much data? One common culprit is duplicate files. Over time, Windows 11 systems accumulate duplicate photos, documents, videos, and music files scattered across folders.

The good news? You can delete duplicate files on Windows 11 quickly and safely, freeing up valuable disk space and making your computer more organized. In this guide, we’ll cover everything — from why duplicates happen to step-by-step methods using both built-in features and third-party tools.

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Duplicate files take up unnecessary space and slow down your PC.

  • Windows 11 doesn’t have a native duplicate file remover, but you can find them manually.

  • Tools like CCleaner, Duplicate Cleaner Free, and Auslogics Duplicate File Finder make the process much easier.

  • Always review duplicates before deletion to avoid losing important data.

  • Regular cleanup improves performance and storage management.

Why Do Duplicate Files Exist on Windows 11?

Before deleting them, it’s useful to know why duplicates occur:

  • Accidental Copies – Copying/pasting files multiple times.

  • File Downloads – Downloading the same file repeatedly.

  • Cloud Sync Issues – OneDrive or Google Drive creating multiple versions.

  • Photo Backups – Smartphones often sync the same image to multiple folders.

  • Software Errors – Some apps save multiple cache or log files.

Think of it like having multiple photocopies of the same document lying around — clutter without purpose.

Problems Caused by Duplicate Files

  • Wasted storage space.

  • Slower search and indexing in File Explorer.

  • Confusion when editing documents — which version is the latest?

  • Cluttered photo/music libraries.

How to Delete Duplicate Files on Windows 11 (4 Proven Methods)

Now let’s dive into the step-by-step methods.

Method 1: Manually Find and Delete Duplicate Files

If you don’t want to install extra software, you can find duplicates manually.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).

  2. Search for a file type using filters:

    • Example: *.jpg for images, *.mp3 for music.

  3. Sort results by Name, Size, or Date Modified.

  4. Compare files manually and delete duplicates.

👉 Best for: Small-scale duplicate removal.
⚠️ Limitation: Time-consuming and error-prone for large folders.

Method 2: Use Windows PowerShell to Find Duplicates

Power users can leverage PowerShell.

Example Script:

Get-ChildItem -Path "C:\Users\YourName\Documents" -Recurse |
Get-FileHash |
Group-Object -Property Hash |
Where-Object { $_.Count -gt 1 } |
ForEach-Object { $_.Group | Select-Object Path }

This scans the folder, groups files by their hash, and shows duplicates.

👉 Best for: Tech-savvy users.
⚠️ Limitation: Requires scripting knowledge and manual deletion afterward.

Method 3: Use Built-in Storage Sense (Partial Help)

Windows 11 includes Storage Sense, but it doesn’t fully detect duplicates — it only removes temporary and unused files.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → System → Storage.

  2. Enable Storage Sense.

  3. Configure it to run automatically.

👉 Best for: General cleanup, not actual duplicates.

Method 4: Use Third-Party Duplicate File Finder Tools

The easiest and most efficient way is to use specialized software.

Recommended Tools

  1. CCleaner – Simple duplicate file finder with filters.

  2. Auslogics Duplicate File Finder – Free, user-friendly, safe.

  3. Duplicate Cleaner Free – Advanced scanning, great for large libraries.

  4. Wise Duplicate Finder – Lightweight and efficient.

Example: Using Auslogics Duplicate File Finder

  1. Download and Install – Get it from the official Auslogics site.

  2. Launch the Tool – Choose the folders you want to scan.

  3. Set Filters – Choose by file type, size, or name.

  4. Scan for Duplicates – Wait for results.

  5. Review and Delete – Carefully select duplicates and remove them.

👉 Pro tip: Always keep one copy of important files.

Comparison: Manual vs. Software Methods

Method Difficulty Accuracy Best For
Manual Search Easy Low Few duplicates
PowerShell Script Medium High Tech users
Storage Sense Easy Low General cleanup
Third-Party Tools Easy Very High Large libraries, beginners

Best Practices Before Deleting Duplicate Files

  • Backup your data first.

  • Always review detected duplicates — don’t blindly delete.

  • Exclude system folders to avoid breaking apps.

  • Use filters (like file type or size) to refine results.

After Deleting: How to Keep Windows 11 Duplicate-Free

  • Enable Storage Sense for automatic cleaning.

  • Organize files into dedicated folders.

  • Use cloud sync carefully — avoid uploading the same files multiple times.

  • Run duplicate file scans every few months.

Conclusion

Deleting duplicate files on Windows 11 is one of the simplest ways to free up space and speed up your PC.

  • For small cleanups → Manual search works.

  • For advanced users → PowerShell offers precision.

  • For most users → Third-party tools are the safest and fastest.

No matter which method you choose, always back up and double-check before deleting. A cleaner, faster Windows 11 experience is just a few clicks away!

❓ FAQs About Deleting Duplicate Files on Windows 11

1. Does Windows 11 have a built-in duplicate file remover?
No, you’ll need to use manual methods or third-party software.

2. Are duplicate file finders safe?
Yes, if downloaded from official sources (CCleaner, Auslogics, AOMEI, etc.).

3. Can I recover accidentally deleted duplicates?
Yes, check the Recycle Bin or use recovery software like Recuva.

4. What’s the fastest way to remove duplicates?
Using dedicated tools like Auslogics or Duplicate Cleaner Free.

5. Will deleting duplicates speed up my PC?
Yes, it frees storage and can improve search, indexing, and overall performance.

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