How to Search Folder for Duplicate Files? – Easy Way

Considering the current age of data explosion, managing the data has been a crucial factor. Due to this, a common issue arises i.e. an ever-increasing file volume of duplicate files and photos on our Windows 10/11 and Mac OS. In the long run, this occupied space of similar copies could lead to cluttered storage, system inefficiency, and complex file structure. Thus, whether you are a casual user or a professional, accounting this need to search for and delete duplicate files is the need of the hour. Now, let’s get into the depth of the topic – how to search folder for duplicate files on a PC.

Quick Method to Search Folder for Duplicate Files

• Download and run the SysTools Duplicate File Finder on your system.
• Next, select the folder that contains duplicate files using Add Folder button.
• Opt for the needful scanning configurations. Then, press on Continue.
• Finally, click on Delete button to erase duplicate files on Windows 10/11 & Mac.

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Windows

How to Search for Duplicates in File Explorer?

One of the fundamental tools that Windows comes with is called File Explorer. It helps users to navigate through their files and manage them with ease. It becomes easy to identify duplicate files if they are arranged according to their names, sizes, or dates. However, this method may take time for small directories or if you opt to do it manually. Before deleting it, you have to be sure about its precautionary measure.

• Open File Explorer: Press Win + E to get hold of the interface.
• Navigate to the Folder: Move towards where one wants to look for duplicates.
• Sort Files: Click on the >>“View” ?  “Details” <<.
• Afterward, pick any column header such as “Name,” “Size,” or “Date Modified.” All duplicate items will appear together when sorted like this.
• Manually Identify Duplicates: Look for files with identical names, sizes as well as types. One can get rid of such duplicates by right-clicking upon them and choosing ‘Delete’.

How to Search Folder for Duplicate Files using Command Prompt?

Command Prompt provides a more technical way of identifying duplicates. You can quickly spot potential duplicates by listing files according to their sizes. This method works particularly for experts in using command-line tools. It is most useful when handling large directories as it allows you to inspect the contents of the files without using additional programs.

To open Command Prompt, press Win + R, type in cmd, then hit Enter.

To get to the folder use, the cd command to take you to where you want to look for your duplicates. For instance:

cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\Folder

To get files listed out according to their sizes that help find duplicates enter:

dir /S /O:S /P

Compare files that are listed manually by looking at those that have the same size.

How to Search Duplicate Files through Windows PowerShell?

The implementation of file hashes in PowerShell stands out as one of the most effective methods for identifying duplicate files. Indeed, this method is more precise than just comparing file sizes or names due to its ability to penetrate the contents of the files. However, this technique requires some technological expertise but it is quite time-saving especially when managing extensively-sized and more professional files so that no duplicates are ignored.

• Open PowerShell: Press Win + X and select “Windows PowerShell.”
• Go to Folder: Make use of the cd command wisely to navigate to the desired directory.
• Identify Duplicate Files: Run the following command to identify duplicates based on file hash (an exclusive identifier):

Get-ChildItem -Recurse | Get-FileHash | Group-Object Hash | Where-Object { $_.Count -gt 1 } | ForEach-Object { $_.Group | Select-Object -Skip 1 }

• Manual Review: PowerShell will present you with a list of possible duplicate items which you have to go through and remove them yourself.

Mac

How to Find Duplicate Files Using Finder?

Finder’s got your back when it comes to file management on a Mac like nothing else does. It helps you sort them out under different standards hence allowing for easy searching of duplicates. While this process is intuitive, it does not require automation because of Finder’s user-oriented approach. This makes it a dependable option for an average user who needs well-arranged folders.

Mac’s default file manager i.e. Finder, is widely recognized as an essential tool for file transportation and placing them in the right places throughout computer systems. By loosening the files one by one it is easy to discover if there are copies or not without any problem at all. Just like few people know how to operate with a tablet or any other electronic device from our collection, this approach utilizes Finder’s simplicity. 

• Launch Finder: Click on the >> Finder << icon in the dock.
• Folder Navigation: Head towards the folder where you wish to check for duplicates.

File Sorting:

• Select “List” from the “View” menu.
• Then, click on column headers such as “Name,” “Size,” or “Date Modified” to arrange files accordingly; This method makes it easier for the identification of duplicates.
• Manually Spotting Copies: Look out for those computer files that share the same name, size, and format. Then remove these duplicate items manually by dragging them into the trash bin.

How to Search Folder for Duplicate Files via Terminal?

For individuals who possess adequate knowledge about command line tools upon Mac, terminal make it easier to find duplicates. It is particularly applicable among technical individuals handling large file volumes. Besides this, you can also use the Applescript for finding duplicate images. The command line mode of access is more controlled and flexible than others which are often preferred by those seeking higher precision at the expense of convenience.

Open Terminal: Press Command + Space, type in Terminal then press Enter.

Navigate to The Folder: Use cd command to enter into the directory where you wish to look for duplicate files for instance:

cd /Users/YourUsername/Documents/Folder

List Files By Size: Type this command in order to list files according to their sizes:

ls -lS | more

Compare Files: Manually compare files that have similar sizes.

How to Use Smart Folders for Duplicate Files?

Smart folders on macOS stand out as file organizers based on standards noted therein that often change when used. The creation of a smart folder dedicated to identifying probable copies permits till now watching through the years it would be easier to manage and delete occasional records. Thus, this method happens to fit best those who prefer an active mode of working; it is effective and automatic in function.

To create a new smart folder:

Open Finder then go to file > new smart folder.

This includes clicking on the ‘+’ button at the top right corner.

Search based on names, dates, or sizes since they are the criteria for search.

You can start reviewing results manually as during this process the smart folder conducts real-time updates which will show files meeting your selection only available for deletion from your part or otherwise just ignoring them at first instance.

Such manual ways need precision since they depend on you spotting name size or type similarities to remove any duplication.

Master Unlock to Search Folder for Duplicate Files for Both Windows 10/11 & Mac

Searching similar files in a directory through manual methods can sometimes take time and effort. Therefore, it is best to use the Duplicate File Finder software when dealing with such kinds of identical files. Let’s delve into some of its features:

• The duplicates finder helps delete/move duplicates.
• All subfolders and folders can be scanned.
• It supports 70-plus types of files like images, videos, and documents.
• Ability to restrict scans down to particular folders or sub-folders.
• Multiple moving or deleting choices for a chosen file or group chosen by you.
• It can also be used for both normal and recursive scanning purposes as well.
• The GUI has indicators for the folder, duplicate, and file.
• It shows the number of duplicates, along with their size
• The folder save feature avoids re-scanning larger folders
• Either use the file name or content for scanning
• Built-in support for Windows 11 as well as 10.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Duplicate Photo Finder tools

Final Takeaway

From the above discussion, you will come to know how to search folder for duplicate files in Windows and Mac OS. By following these solutions, you will find similar copies of the original files. However, these methods are hefty to operate and most of the time end up in confusion and data loss. Due to this, we suggest you a professional guide to remove the duplicates available on your PC.