Duplicate files make it difficult to manage Google Drive folders and drive is full of unnecessary space like when the same document, photo, video and some other file are uploaded more than one time, then you cannot decide which file you want to keep and which not to keep.
If you want to find and delete duplicate files in Google Drive, you can start with Google Drive built-in sorting features options. By using Google list view, sorting by file names and searching for specific file names or file types, you can identify possible duplicate files but make sure similar file names does not mean that they have the same content.
If you do not have much data in Google Drive then manual duplicate file identification is enough for you. When you have big data in Google Drive then you need to use a duplicate file checker tool. In this guide we will explain how to find and delete duplicate files in Google Drive through manual and software-based methods.
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
- Backup and sync process can create some additional copies of same file when uploaded from different locations
How to Find Duplicate Files in Google Drive Manually
Google Drive sorting features help you to identify duplicate files, and this method is used when you have a manageable number of files. Google specifically recommends sorting files by name in list view. You must follow some of these steps
- Open Google Drive
You need to open Google Drive in your browser and click on my drive where you feel there are some duplicated files that are stored.
- Use List View
Google Drive supports list and grid both layouts and in list view make it easier to review file names and sort files
Choose that folder which you want to check and if the list is not selected already then, you should select the list first.
- Sort Files by Name
Sort according to file names and this will show similar file names close to each other. For example,
- Project Report.docx
- Project Report (1).docx
- Copy of Project Report.docx
These names help you identify possible duplicate files, but you check their content manually.
- Search for Specific File Names or Types
By using Google Drive search bar to narrow down the results, Google Drive supports you by searching for title, file type, file content, location, owner and modified date. For example, you can search like
- A specific document name
- PDF files
- Images
- Videos
- Spreadsheets
- Files during specific period
This process can make it easier to find duplicate files in Google Drive without checking manually unrelated files.
- Compare Possible Duplicate Files
When you get files which you feel are duplicate files, then you should check their content before deleting that file. You should check duplicate files according to these points
- By checking file name
- Location of file
- Types of files
- File content
- Information about modification
- Whether the file still requires
Two file names can be similar, but their content might be different so you should not delete that file after seeing only similar names.
- Delete the Unwanted Duplicate
When you confirm after checking all parameters of the duplicate file then select remove after right click. According to Google, duplicate files move to trash, and you can restore that file when you need it.
Limitations of the Manual Method
The manual method is good for a small Google Drive but when you have hundreds or thousands of files then it may be difficult to process. Here are some common problems are
- Similar files can be stored with different names
- It takes a long time to review possible duplicates
- Files can spread in 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 in your local computer hard disk.
How to Remove Duplicate Files from Google Drive Using 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 option includes file content, file name and file extension. For content-based comparison it provides MD5, SHA256 and Bit-by-Bit comparison methods.
Important note – 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 duplicate file identifier tool on your computer and launch the tool
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 software to compare selected files and can help you to 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 files 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 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 then you can re-upload that data on your Google Drive, if you do not want to store in local drives in 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 include
- Save time
The tool can easily scan large numbers of files automatically without making any effort.
- Content based comparison
Files should not be compared only on the basis of file name , it compares 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 on Google Drive it is better you should 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 them 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 that you should 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 duplicate files cleaner can help you find and remove duplicate files from Google Drive data but Google Drive Data is also 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.