How to Find and Delete Duplicate Files with Microsoft PC Manager

With regular computer use, users gradually accumulate duplicate files across their systems, usually without realizing it.

These can include copied documents, saved images, downloaded videos, and other files that take up valuable storage space. Identifying and removing them manually can be time-consuming, especially when stored in different folders.

But for Windows users, this can easily be managed with PC Manager.

Microsoft PC Manager is a free utility developed by Microsoft to help Windows 10 and 11 users manage performance, storage, and basic security tasks. Among its features is a simple tool for locating and deleting duplicate files on your PC.

There are many third-party tools available for managing duplicate files, but PC Manager is a quick option developed and maintained by Microsoft for seamless Windows integration, doesn’t require additional setup or configuration, and seamless scanning, selection and deletion of duplicates.

Using PC Manager to Remove Duplicate Files

To get started, you’ll first need to install PC Manager. It’s available for Windows 10 (version 19042.0 and later) and Windows 11, free on the Microsoft Store or official website.

• After installation, open the PC Manager app.
• In the sidebar, go to Storage Management.
• Click “Duplicate Files.”

The app will scan your PC and display a list of detected duplicates, grouped by type (e.g., documents, images, videos).

You can use the available filters or sorting options (e.g., by file size) to review the results.

Use checkboxes to select the duplicates you want to remove. To select all automatically, click Smart Select.

Be sure to review your selections carefully before confirming. The deleted files do not go to the Recycle Bin.They are removed from the system immediately.

Once done with selections, click “Permanently Delete” to remove the selected files then confirm the prompt.

PC Manager also includes other utilities to support system maintenance:

• Boost PC: Clears temporary files and frees up memory to improve performance.
• Storage Sense: Automatically manages storage by removing unnecessary system files.
• Pop-up Management: Helps reduce unwanted app notifications.
• Health Check: Detects common issues and offers one-click fixes.
• Toolbox & Mini Toolbar: Provides access to frequently used Windows tools.

These tools are optional to use but can support regular optimization and maintenance.

Microsoft PC Manager offers a straightforward way to scan for and delete duplicate content as well as optimizing your machine, all with a familiar and supported interface.

To learn more or to download and try out PC manager, visit the official Microsoft site here.
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