Find and Remove Duplicates Files from OneDrive – Quick & Smart Methods

Summary: Repeated uploads from several devices can save multiple copies of the same file to OneDrive. These regular uploads result in duplicate files and take up a lot of storage space. Therefore, a smart choice would be to remove duplicates files from OneDrive. How can it be done? In this blog post, we will explain simple ways to remove duplicates both manually and automatically. The blog includes an automated OneDrive Duplicate Remover that efficiently removes duplicate files from OneDrive. Read the full blog for a better understanding. 

Why Need to Find Duplicate Files in OneDrive?

A OneDrive loaded with duplicate files affects the performance of OneDrive, leading to workflow inefficiency. Some of the key benefits of removing them are:

• Microsoft offers 5GB free storage space which can be filled up with the  duplicate files in OneDrive. Deleting them will free up storage space for important files.
• Clearing out duplicate files from OneDrive will offer a structured and easy-to-manage file system.
• OneDrive filled with duplicate files may slow down the synchronization speed while synchronizing across devices. Removing the duplicates will speed up the syncing process and improve the overall performance.
• Storing duplicates in your OneDrive will take up storage space, resulting in the need to upgrade to a paid plan. Eliminating these duplicate files will save costs and organize the file system. 
• For more efficient backups and migration to other cloud services, clearing out the duplicates is essential. 

Ways to Remove Duplicates Files from OneDrive

Users can identify and eliminate duplicates from their OneDrive account in two ways. Either use the manual approach or use the automated tool for a hassle-free experience. Now, let’s look at both methods to understand them better. 

Manually Delete Duplicate Files in OneDrive 

This is the simplest method that enables users to manually find and remove duplicates files from OneDrive web.

These are the steps to begin removing the duplicates from OneDrive:

1. First, open OneDrive on the web browser and sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
2. Now, search through the folders where duplicate entries could have occurred.
3. Then, navigate to the Sort button and choose between Name or Size.
4. Next, look for similar names or identical sizes.
5. After finding the duplicate files, click the checkboxes next to them. 
6. Choose Delete to move them to the Recycle Bin. 

Limitations: There can be duplicate entries as OneDrive does not reliably detect and remove them. It will take a lot of time to manually scan each folder and remove the duplicate files.

Manually Remove Duplicate Files in OneDrive 

Before proceeding with this method, make sure to sync your OneDrive with your Windows PC. Doing this will allow users to easily view and access their file details.

Steps to be performed to initiate the process:

1. To start with, open File Explorer and look for the OneDrive folder.
2. Now, under the View tab, select Details.
3. After that, sort these files by name, size, or date modified to identify the duplicates.
4. If you find any, open both the files and verify them.
5. Then, if similar, right click on them and Delete them. 

Limitations: The process becomes inefficient when handling large volumes of files. Also, there is a high chance of human error while manually deleting the files. Moreover, this method does not detect duplicate visual files.

Automated Way to Remove Duplicates Files From OneDrive

The OneDrive Duplicate Remover is an advanced tool that optimizes storage by finding and removing duplicate files from OneDrive. Not only this, but the tool facilitates duplicate removal from both personal and business accounts. Moreover, it performs in-depth scanning and offers advanced filters to check specific files based on name, size, date, or extension. With its Assign Impersonation feature, admins can manage multiple user profiles. 

Simple steps to remove duplicates files in OneDrive:

1. To begin with, install and launch the tool on your PC.
2. Now, choose to either Sign In to a Personal or Business account.
3. After that, press Scan All Folders to find the duplicate files.
4. Then, select the files or folders in which you want to scan duplicate files. Click Find Duplicate Files.
5. Next, you have the option to either Delete Permanently or Move to Bin to delete them temporarily. 

Conclusion

To wrap up, this blog has provided all that you need to know to find and remove duplicates files from OneDrive. While the manual techniques are available but they do not provide accurate results. Alternatively, the automated tool offers instant, reliable, and error-free results while maintaining data integrity. The tool has smart features that efficiently fulfill all business requirements. User can choose the method that best suits their needs.

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