Are you tired of scrolling through your cluttered desktop to find a specific file? Or have you ever accidentally saved the same file multiple times, creating duplicate files in Windows 10 that take up valuable space on your hard drive?

Then you need to know about the Desktop search tool. 

Desktop search tools can locate and remove duplicate files in Windows 10. These tools scan your computer’s file system and identify duplicate files based on the file name, size, and content.

This article aims to provide readers with information on how to use desktop search tools to find and remove duplicate files in Windows 10. Continue reading to learn how to free up your computer’s space and improve its performance.

Understanding Duplicate Files

Duplicate files can be a nuisance for many computer users. They take up unnecessary space on a computer, decrease its performance, and cause confusion. Duplicate files can be found on both Windows and Mac systems. 

Further, duplicate files are any files that have the same name, size, and content. This includes identical images, audio and video files, documents, and other types of files. Duplicate files can be created intentionally or unintentionally, depending on how users manage and store their documents. 

Additionally, having duplicate files on a computer can cause severe problems for the user. It can create system errors, slow down the computer and even lead to data corruption and loss. Having multiple copies of the same file can also be a security risk, as it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Built-In Search Tool- Find Duplicate Files In Windows 10

Windows Search, a built-in feature of Windows 10, allows you to search for files on your computer by name, date modified, size, and other criteria. 

To use Windows Search to find and remove duplicate files, follow these steps:

• Click on the search bar in the taskbar and type in a keyword common to all the files you want to find (such as the file type or name).
• Once the search results appear, click the “File Explorer” tab.
• In the “File Explorer” tab, click on the “Search” tab.
• In the “Search” tab, select “Size” and “Date Modified” as search criteria and adjust the slider to the appropriate size and date range.

• Click on “Search” to begin the search process.
• Once the search is complete, sort the results by name, size, or date modified to identify any duplicate files.
• To remove duplicate files, select them and press the “Delete” key or right-click and select “Delete.”

While the built-in search tool in Windows 10 is useful for finding files, it has some limitations when finding and removing duplicate files. For example, it may be unable to find duplicates with different file names or sizes. Additionally, the search results may not always be accurate, so reviewing them carefully before deleting any files is important.

Third-Party Desktop Search Tools

If you want to find and remove duplicate files more efficiently, you may want to consider using a third-party desktop search tool. Third-party desktop search tools are software applications you can download and install on your computer. They offer more advanced search options and are generally more efficient than the built-in search tool in Windows 10.

Here are two popular tools that you can use to find and remove duplicate files:

1. Everything- Tools To Find Duplicate Files In Windows 10

Everything is a free search tool that indexes your files and folders and lets you quickly find and remove duplicate files. It’s fast and efficient and can help you reclaim disk space on your computer.

The following steps will guide you through finding and removing duplicate files using Everything:

• Download and install Everything from the official website.
• Once installed, open the program and select the folder or drive you want to search. 
• Then, type in a keyword or file name and press Enter. Everything will then search the folder and files with that keyword or name.

• To find duplicate files with Everything, type in an asterisk (*) and press Enter. Everything will then display a list of all the files in the folder or drive, including duplicates. 

• Sort the results by size to find duplicate files.
• Review the results and select the duplicates you want to remove based on the file’s modified date, path, type, and size.
• To select the duplicates you want to remove, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the files. 
• Once you have selected the duplicates, right-click on one of the files and select “Delete” from the context menu.

2. Anytxt- Tools To Find Duplicate Files In Windows 10 by Content

Anytxt is a powerful search tool that can help you find and remove duplicate files on your computer by file content. It’s easy to use and offers a range of search options to help you find duplicates quickly and efficiently.

If you want to remove duplicate files using Anytxt, simply follow these steps:

• Download and install Anytxt on your computer.
• Open Anytxt and select the folders you want to search for duplicate files 
• Type in the keyword or phrase you wish to find and click the “Scan” button.
• Once the scan is complete, Anytxt will display a list of files.

• Review the list and select the duplicates you want to remove based on the file’s modified date, path, type, content, and size.
• Right-click on the duplicates and select “Delete” to remove them from your computer.

Best Practices For Removing Duplicate Files In Windows 10 by Content

When removing duplicate files from your computer, it’s essential to do so safely and effectively. Here are some recommendations and tips to help you do so:

1. Always make a backup of your files before deleting any duplicates. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally delete any critical files.
2. Use a reliable and efficient search tool to find duplicate files. This will help you save time and ensure that you find all the duplicates on your computer.
3. Review the search results carefully before deleting any files. Make sure that you’re only deleting duplicates and not any important files.
4. Delete duplicates in small batches to avoid accidentally deleting important files.
5. Once you’ve removed duplicates, empty your recycle bin to delete the files from your computer permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Will Removing Duplicate Files Affect My System’s Performance?

Removing duplicate files can actually improve your system’s performance by freeing up space on your hard drive.

• Is It Safe To Use Desktop Search Tools To Delete Duplicate Files In Windows 10?

Yes, using desktop search tools to delete duplicate files is safe. However, taking the necessary precautions, such as backing up your files and verifying them before deleting them, is important.

• Can I Use Desktop Search Tools To Find And Remove Duplicate Files On External Hard Drives Or USB Drives?

Yes, you can use desktop search tools to find and remove duplicate files on external hard drives or USB drives. Simply connect the external device to your computer and run the search tool on the device.

Conclusion

In conclusion, removing duplicate files can help you free up disk space on your Windows 10 computer and make it run more efficiently. While the built-in search tool in Windows 10 is useful, a third-party tool such as Everything or Anytxt can help you find and remove duplicates more efficiently. 

Whether you choose to use the built-in search tool or a third-party desktop search tool, be sure to review the search results carefully and follow best practices for removing duplicate files safely and effectively.