Start in one personal folder such as Downloads or Pictures. Files with the same name or size are only possible duplicates. To confirm two files really contain the same data, compare their SHA256 values with Windows PowerShell's Get-FileHash command. Keep one verified copy, move only the extra copy to the Recycle Bin, and open the retained file before emptying the bin.
Back up irreplaceable files, then open Downloads, Documents, Pictures, or another personal folder. Do not run bulk cleanup inside Windows, Program Files, AppData, a backup, or a cloud-sync system folder.
2
Group possible duplicates
In File Explorer, sort by Name and then Size. A matching name or size helps you find candidates, but it does not prove that the contents are identical.
3
Copy each full file path
Hold Shift, right-click the first file, and choose Copy as path. Repeat for the second file. Keep the quotation marks around paths that contain spaces.
4
Calculate the first file hash
Open Windows PowerShell or Terminal and enter Get-FileHash followed by the first quoted path. PowerShell uses SHA256 by default and shows a long value labelled Hash.
Run the same command with the second path. Treat the files as identical only when both the Algorithm and the complete Hash values match. Similar photos with different edits should produce different hashes.
6
Choose the copy to keep
Open both confirmed matches and keep the copy in the intended folder with the useful name and date. Check whether an app, project, or cloud folder expects that location.
7
Use the Recycle Bin
Move only the confirmed extra copy to the Recycle Bin. Open the retained copy again and keep the bin unchanged until you are certain the file and its backup are usable.
8
Legacy sponsored link (not part of this fix)
The built-in Windows comparison above does not require a paid duplicate-file program. These sponsor links are kept separately from the instructions; Tech How may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
