Simple Methods to Locate and Remove Duplicate Files on Windows

Managing duplicate files on your Windows PC can often feel like a never-ending chore. Luckily, Microsoft provides an efficient solution with the PC Manager app, designed to simplify this process significantly.

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Your Guide to Using PC Manager for Duplicate File Removal

While a plethora of third-party tools exist for identifying duplicate files on Windows 10 and 11, PC Manager stands out for its dual advantage of being free and Microsoft-developed. Beyond eliminating duplications, it also offers a toolkit aimed at enhancing your system’s overall health and performance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To effectively utilize PC Manager for cleaning up duplicate files, follow these straightforward steps:

**Launch the PC Manager** app from your Windows device.
Navigate to the **Storage** tab on the left panel and select **Duplicate files**.This will lead you to the Duplicate files interface.
Allow the app to conduct a scan of your system for duplicate files. Upon completion, it will display all duplicates along with the total amount of storage space they occupy at the top of the window.
Utilize the filters located at the top, should you wish to narrow your results to certain categories, like images, videos, or documents. You can also click the **Size** header to organize results by file size.
Using the checkboxes, choose the duplicate files you intend to remove. If you want to delete all duplicates quickly, simply click on the **Smart select** feature at the top.
Hit the **Permanently delete** button positioned at the bottom-right corner.
Confirm by clicking **Permanently delete** once more.

Upon completion, PC Manager will successfully eliminate the selected duplicate files from your device. Since these files are permanently erased, there’s no need for you to clear the Recycle Bin afterwards. Enjoy the benefits of your newly liberated storage space!

Despite your best efforts, your computer is prone to accumulating duplicate files over time. Fortunately, PC Manager simplifies the task of removing these redundant files, granting you more valuable storage space in just a few easy clicks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I use PC Manager over other duplicate file removal tools?

PC Manager is developed by Microsoft, ensuring compatibility and security. It’s free and integrates seamlessly with your Windows system, also providing additional tools for system maintenance.

2. Will deleting duplicate files harm my computer?

No, as long as you are deleting the correct duplicates. The app allows you to review files carefully before permanent deletion to ensure no important data is lost.

3. How often should I scan for duplicate files?

It’s advisable to scan for duplicate files every few months or periodically after significant file management activities, such as downloads, transfers, or backups.

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