Windows: delete duplicate files

After a period of time, each hard drive is filled with unnecessary files. This practical tip shows you how to delete unnecessary duplicate files under Windows.

Delete duplicate files in Windows with Anti-Twin

1. Download the free "Anti-Twin Portable" program and open the file. The program starts automatically, no installation is required.
2. Select a "base folder" above, ie the folder in which you want to search for duplicates. Either individual folders such as "Music" or the entire user folder can be recommended. Optionally, you can enter a second folder below it.
3. Place a checkmark in front of the "Include subfolders" item and click on the "File filter" button. Here you can limit the size of the files or only allow certain file types.
4. Now you can choose the location criteria according to which the files should be compared. For example, if you are looking for pieces of music, it is recommended to set the agreement to a value of approx. 90 percent in the next point (the methods). This makes sense because duplicates have a slightly changed name.
5. If you then click the "Search for duplicate files" button, the process starts. Depending on the contents of the folder, this may take a few minutes.
6. Review the search results and click the ones on the left that you want to delete. Once you have made your selection, click on the "Delete selected files" button below.

Tips for finding duplicate files

• To effectively clean up your hard drive, first look for large files. For example, limit the search results to a minimum of one MByte in order to create space.
• If you select the entire hard drive, not only will the scan take a long time: the search result will also overwhelm you. Instead, look specifically for the folders in which you suspect duplicates.
• Browse and, above all, do not delete duplicates from system folders such as "Windows" or "Programs". Duplicate files are not uncommon here and are often essential for the system.

The "CloneSpy" program also delivers a good result. However, this is only available in English.