How to search for duplicates in file explorer

Duplicate files are the silent clutter that slowly but steadily eat away at your system’s storage, bog down performance, and make data organization increasingly frustrating. From accidentally downloading the same file twice to unintentional backups, or even system-level processes creating file copies—duplicate files are a common issue on any Windows computer.

If you’re finding your drive filling up faster than expected or if you’re simply trying to get better organized, locating and removing these duplicate files can be a major win. You might assume that File Explorer, Windows’ built-in file navigation tool, would offer a straightforward way to identify and remove these duplicates. Unfortunately, File Explorer doesn’t include a native “Find Duplicates” feature—but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.

1. Duplicate Files 

Duplicate files refer to files that are identical or nearly identical in content. They can:

Have the same name and content in different folders

Have different names but the same content

Exist as multiple downloaded versions of the same file

Appear as photo copies, music duplicates, or document revisions

These files often occupy precious disk space and can lead to confusion when trying to find the “right” version of a file.

2. Can File Explorer Detect Duplicates? 

No, File Explorer cannot automatically identify duplicate files. It lacks native capabilities like hash comparison or content scanning. However, you can use manual search techniques and sorting features to find likely duplicates based on file name, size, type, or date.

3. Manual Duplicate Detection Techniques in File Explorer 

To get started, follow these basic steps:

Step 1: Open File Explorer

Navigate to the drive or folder you want to check (e.g., “Documents” or “Downloads”).

Step 2: Enable Detailed View

Click View > Details so you can see columns like file name, type, size, and date modified.

Step 3: Add Useful Columns

Right-click the column bar, then enable:

Size

Date created

Path

This gives you better visibility when comparing files.

Step 4: Sort and Analyze

Sort files by Name or Size to manually spot duplicates.

4. Using File Explorer Search Operators 

Search filters help you narrow down results when scanning for duplicates.

A. Search by File Type

To find only specific file types:

markdown

CopyEdit

*.jpg *.docx *.mp3

B. Search by Size

arduino

CopyEdit

size:>1MB size:500KB..1MB

C. Search by Name

If you suspect files with similar names:

makefile

CopyEdit

name:report name:IMG*

D. Combine Filters

To search for JPG images over 1MB:

arduino

CopyEdit

*.jpg size:>1MB

Then sort by name or size to find matches.

5. Sort and Compare by File Name, Size, and Date 

Manual comparison is tedious but effective.

A. Sort by Name

Many duplicate files have the same name (e.g., IMG_001.jpg, IMG_001 (1).jpg).

B. Sort by Size

Files with identical sizes are often duplicates—especially for media or documents.

C. Sort by Date Modified

Check for files that were created or modified at similar times.

D. Compare with Thumbnails (Photos and Videos)

Change to Large icons view to visually inspect duplicates.

6. Using Windows PowerShell for Duplicate Detection 

Power users can use PowerShell scripts to detect duplicate files based on file hashes.

Step-by-Step: Use PowerShell to Find Duplicates

Open PowerShell as Administrator

Run this script:

powershell

CopyEdit

Get-ChildItem -Recurse -File “C:\Your\Folder\Path” | ForEach-Object { [PSCustomObject]@{ Name = $_.Name Hash = (Get-FileHash $_.FullName -Algorithm MD5).Hash Path = $_.FullName } } | Group-Object Hash | Where-Object { $_.Count -gt 1 } | ForEach-Object { $_.Group | Format-Table Name, Path }

What It Does:

Scans all files

Computes a content-based hash

Groups duplicates by identical hash

Lists file names and locations

This method is highly accurate and works well for advanced users.

7. Third-Party Tools to Find Duplicates

Since File Explorer lacks automation for duplicates, third-party tools fill the gap efficiently.

1. Duplicate Cleaner Free

Scan entire drives or folders

Match files by name, size, or content

Preview before deleting

2. CCleaner (with Duplicate Finder)

Easy interface

Can ignore system/hidden files

Filter by file type and size

3. Auslogics Duplicate File Finder

Excellent visual interface

Includes file preview and safe deletion

4. dupeGuru

Open-source and cross-platform

Music and picture mode for specialized detection

5. Wise Duplicate Finder

Lightweight

Auto and manual delete options

Tip: Always back up before using automated deletion tools.

8. Precautions Before Deleting Duplicates

A. Back Up First

Deleting the wrong file—especially in system folders—can cause irreversible problems.

B. Watch for Different File Versions

A file may look like a duplicate but may be an earlier or edited version.

C. Avoid Deleting OS or Application Files

Stay away from:

Windows folders

Program Files

AppData

These often contain legitimate file copies needed for functionality.

9. How to Prevent Duplicates in the Future

A. Organize Downloads

Regularly clean your Downloads folder or direct files to specific folders.

B. Use Unique Naming Conventions

Instead of saving everything as “file1.” use meaningful names with dates or versions.

C. Sync Cloud Services Carefully

Avoid syncing the same folders across multiple cloud platforms (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.).

D. Avoid Manual Copy-Paste Redundancy

Use shortcuts or symbolic links instead of duplicating large files.

E. Periodic Clean-Up

Use Task Scheduler or Reminders to do monthly file audits.

Although Windows File Explorer doesn’t natively support duplicate detection, it can be a valuable tool when combined with manual sorting, search filters, and logic. For users with basic needs, sorting files by name and size and using the built-in search tools may be sufficient. For more complex tasks, PowerShell scripts and third-party duplicate file finders provide efficient, reliable solutions.

Detecting and removing duplicates not only clears up valuable storage but also boosts performance and improves file management. With the strategies and tools outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to tame file chaos and maintain a well-organized digital environment.