How do I delete duplicate files

[Darshah]

I have changed 2 devices and I have just copied all of the files from both of them. Now I am at a problem where I likely have 300gb of duplicate files, most of it being photos and videos that. I just want to know whats a good and TRUSTED file deleting option before I have to manually delete them all. I also have duplicated windows Folder too and I am not sure if I should remove it or keep it as is.

Edited February 24, 2025 by Darshah

[NumLock21]

I don't think there are any software out there yet that can tell the same photo or video under 2 different file names. Your only option is to manually delete or start all over and organized them in a better way so you know whether there are duplicates or not. The other option is to get yourself another drive, so each are backup to their own dedicated drives.

[Darshah]

Just now, NumLock21 said:

I don't think there are any software out there yet that can tell the same photo or video under 2 different file names. Your only option is to manually delete or start all over and organized them in a better way so you know whether there are duplicates or not. The other option is to get yourself another drive, so each are backup to their own dedicated drives.

Sorry I didn't say this correctly. They all do have the same file names but just the location is in different places. I also just realized that I have duplicated Windows folder too. And I am not even sure if I should delete it. They both are about the same in terms of size

[Timme]

You can try using Wise Duplicate Finder.

[NumLock21]

4 minutes ago, Darshah said:

Sorry I didn't say this correctly. They all do have the same file names but just the location is in different places. I also just realized that I have duplicated Windows folder too. And I am not even sure if I should delete it. They both are about the same in terms of size

The windows.old folder is for your previous OS before it's updated to the latest version. It lets you downgrade back to the version you have before, if the current one has problems. System is working fine, then that folder can be deleted.

[Darshah]

1 minute ago, NumLock21 said:

The windows.old folder is for your previous OS before it's updated to the latest version. It lets you downgrade back to the version you have before, if the current one has problems. System is working fine, then that folder can be deleted.

So does the Windows.old get deleted on its own after few days? Or would I have to delete it myself if system is working fine after the latest update.

[mariushm]

I find dupeGURU easier to work with : https://dupeguru.voltaicideas.net/

 

You select a folder and mark it as primary (main) , then select the other folder and tell it to find duplicates.

 

You can then check all duplicates and delete them or move them to another folder.

[NumLock21]

4 minutes ago, Darshah said:

So does the Windows.old get deleted on its own after few days? Or would I have to delete it myself if system is working fine after the latest update.

I can't remember if it gets deleted automatically, but the downgrade option has a time limit, it's either 10, 30 or 60 days. After time is up, downgrade option is removed, so I would assume the folder is automatically deleted.

[Darshah]

1 minute ago, NumLock21 said:

I can't remember if it gets deleted automatically, but the downgrade option has a time limit, it's either 10, 30 or 60 days. After time is up, downgrade option is removed, so I would assume the folder is automatically deleted.

Thats good to know. In that case I will just leave the folder as is. I would rather have a little less space for few days rather than windows having problem and I can't do anything about it.

[Darshah]

9 minutes ago, mariushm said:

I find dupeGURU easier to work with : https://dupeguru.voltaicideas.net/

 

You select a folder and mark it as primary (main) , then select the other folder and tell it to find duplicates.

 

You can then check all duplicates and delete them or move them to another folder.

I am using dupeguru right now and I'll so how it works. It seems like it will take a little bit since I have so many files. 

[Darshah]

2 hours ago, mariushm said:

I find dupeGURU easier to work with : https://dupeguru.voltaicideas.net/

 

You select a folder and mark it as primary (main) , then select the other folder and tell it to find duplicates.

 

You can then check all duplicates and delete them or move them to another folder.

I went through the dupeguru and it helped quite a bit. I also took some time to figure out what kind of foldrs I had multiple of and Combined them or deleted them. Freed up about 150gb worth of space, I might be able to do more.