Google Drive does not have a built-in feature to find duplicate files. That is why you need to find duplicate files by searching and sorting.
In the list view, sort file by name and use search filters to narrow by file type or date. After that you must compare similar files and move extra copies to trash, trashing file can recover within 30 days.
If you have large number files then use SysTools software for faster process and this software works with only local files, so you need to download all your files into your computer first and then scan all your files. In this guide we will explain you how to find and delete duplicate files in Google Drive through manual and software based.
Why Do Duplicate Files Appear in Google Drive?
There are some common reasons for Google Drive duplicate files:
- Uploading the same file more than one time
- A file downloaded from Google Drive, then edited and uploaded
- Files are stored in different folders with the same name
- The backup and sync process can create some additional copies of the same file when uploaded from different locations
Manual Method to Find and Delete Duplicate Files in Google Drive
The manual method works well when you have a few files in Google Drive.
1. Open Google Drive
Go to Google Drive and open My Drive. You can also open the folder where you think there are duplicate files.
2. Use List View
Click the view icon in the top-right corner and choose List View. It shows file names, owners, and modified dates.
3. Sort Files by Name
Click the column header to show similar file names next to each other, such as:
- Project report.docx
- Project report (1).docx
- Copy of project report.docx
4. Find Large Files First
Open Google Drive Storage and check your storage usage. Sort files by storage usage. Checking large files first can help you find duplicate files that take up unnecessary space.
5. Filter Results Using Search
Use the search bar to filter files by type, owner, or modified date.
6. Compare Possible Duplicate Files
Before deleting any file, check the following details:
- File name or type
- Folder location
- Modified date or owner
- File content
- Whether you still need the file
7. Delete Unwanted Copies
If you want to delete a file, right-click it and move it to the trash. If someone has shared the file with you, you may see the Remove option instead. This removes the file only from your list and does not affect the owner’s copy.
Limitations of the Manual Method
The manual method is good for a small Google Drive but when you have hundreds or thousands of files, it may be difficult to process. Here are some common problems:
- Similar files can be stored with different names
- It takes a long time to review possible duplicates
- Files can be spread across multiple folders
- It is easy to miss duplicate files in large folders
That is why you need to switch from manual to software-based methods, but first, you need to download all Google Drive data to your local computer hard disk.
Delete Duplicate Files in Google Drive with Software
If you download your Google Drive data to local computer storage then you must use a duplicate file finder and remover tool and SysTools is the best option for you.
By using SysTools software you can scan selected files, folders, drives and subfolders. Its duplicate detection options include file content, file name and file extension. For content-based comparison it provides MD5, SHA256 and Bit-by-Bit comparison methods.
Important note – The software scans only local files and folders; it does not directly scan an online Google Drive account.
Steps to Find and Remove Duplicate Google Drive Files with Software
1: Download your Google Drive data into desktop local files
You need to download all your Google Drive data into local files which you want to check for duplicate files and arrange them in folders.
2: Install duplicate file checker and remover tool
You should install the duplicate file identifier tool on your computer and launch it.
3: Select local Google Drive data Folder
Select that local Google Drive folder which you want to check for duplicate files.
4: Select duplicate detection method
You have to choose the method you want to use to find duplicate files based on file content, file name and file extension.
5: Start the scan
Start the duplicate file scanning and allow the software to compare selected files. It can help you identify files in a group without relying only on file names.
6: Review the duplicate results
You should carefully review duplicate files before taking any action and check the file’s location and available information to decide which copy you want to keep.
7: Delete or move unwanted copies
After reviewing duplicate files you can choose the delete or move option, and the unnecessary files are deleted or moved after you make your selection.
8: Re-upload data on Google Drive
Once you have non-duplicate file data, you can re-upload that data to your Google Drive if you do not want to store it in local drives on your computer.
Why Software-Based Method Is Better Than Manual
A software-based method is good and easier for checking and deleting large numbers of files, while in the manual method you must check files one by one, but a duplicate file checking tool can scan all selected files and folders with one click. Here are some benefits:
- Save time
The tool can easily scan large numbers of files automatically without making any effort.
- Content based comparison
Files are not compared only on the basis of file name; the tool compares them on the basis of file content.
- Scan subfolders
The tool can check duplicate files in subfolders too.
- Reduce manual work
You do not need to check every file manually.
- Make review easier
The scan results group duplicate files together, so you can check them before deleting.
- Support large collections
A software-based method is more practical for hundreds or thousands of duplicate files.
Conclusion
To learn how to find and delete duplicate files in Google Drive, it is better to start with Google Drive search and sorting features. For a small number of files, sorting by name, searching by file type or title is enough for manually comparing possible duplicates.
When you have large amounts of Google Drive data available in your local computer storage then you should use a duplicate file identifier and remover tool which scans folders and subfolders easily.
The safest approach is to identify duplicate files, then compare carefully and remove those files which you do not want to store in Google Drive.
Google Drive Duplicate File Questions
Ques: How do I delete duplicate files from Google Drive?
Answer: By sorting and searching in Google Drive, compare files with each other and delete the extra copies you do not need.
Ques: Why is Google Drive duplicating files?
Answer: Duplicate files may be stored in Google Drive because of repeated uploads, file copies, sync issues or saving the same file more than once.
Ques: What is the best duplicate file finder cleaner for Google Drive?
Answer: A duplicate file finder such as SysTools software can help you find and remove duplicate files from Google Drive data, but the Google Drive data must also be available on the local computer.
Ques: Can I find duplicates in my Google Drive?
Answer: Yes, you can search by file names, type or size and compare files to find possible duplicates.