Delete Duplicate Files in Google Drive and Free Up Space
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Written By
Aaradhya Jain -
Approved By
Shivam Rathore -
Updated on
January 25th, 2026 - Read Time
6 minutes
User Query: My Google Drive storage is almost full, and I see many duplicate files. How can I find and delete duplicate files in Google Drive safely?
Introduction: Google Drive is commonly used for online file storage. Users save documents, images, videos, and backups every day. Over time, duplicate files start to appear. This usually happens because of repeated uploads, file sharing, or device sync. Sometimes the same file exists with a different name. Duplicate files waste storage space. They also make Google Drive messy and hard to manage. In this blog, you will learn how to remove duplicate files from Google Drive. We will cover the manual method and the DRS Google Drive Duplicate File Finder & Remover Tool for a quick solution.
Why Duplicate Files Appear in Google Drive
Duplicate files are created for many reasons. Some common causes are:
- Uploading the same file more than once.
- Syncing Google Drive with multiple devices.
- Sharing files across folders.
- Restoring backups repeatedly.
- Also, downloading and re-uploading files.
Instant Steps to Delete Duplicate Files in Google Drive
- Download the DRS Google Drive Duplicate Remover Tool.
- Write your Google Account details to connect this tool with your files.
- Choose My Drive, Shared with Me, or specific folders >> Start the Scan.
- After that, click on the Filter File option and use advanced features.
- Lastly, select the options from Permanently Delete or Move to Trash.
Safety Tips Before Deleting Duplicate Files
- Review files before deleting.
- Keep at least one copy.
- Use Trash instead of permanent delete.
- Avoid deleting shared files without checking.
- Moreover, take a backup if the data is important.
Manually Delete Duplicate Files in Google Drive
Google Drive does not provide a direct duplicate finder. However, you can try some manual steps.
Method 01: Sort Files by Name
- Firstly, open Google Drive.
- Click on My Drive.
- Change the view to list mode.
- Then, sort files by name.
- This helps you spot files with similar names.
Limitation: Files with different names but the same content are hard to detect.
Method 02: Search by File Type
- Use the search bar.
- Type file types like PDF, JPG, or DOCX.
- Review files manually.
Limitations: This method works only for small drives. It is slow and tiring for large storage.
Method 03: Check Storage Usage.
- Open Google Drive.
- Afterwards, click on Storage.
- Next, sort files by size.
- Large duplicate files become easier to find.
Limitation: This does not detect identical content.
Problems: Manually Detect and Remove Duplicate Files from Google Drive
- Manual duplicate removal takes excessive time and effort overall, daily.
- Results are often inaccurate because identical content remains unnoticed frequently.
- Managing duplicates manually becomes impractical when Google Drive contains datasets.
- Accidental deletion risk increases without clear comparison or verification options
- Manual processes provide no preview, making safe file decisions difficult
- Because of these issues, manual methods are unreliable for large Google Drive accounts.
Best Way to Delete Duplicate Files in Google Drive
Using a dedicated DRS Google Drive Duplicate Cleaner Tool is the safest option. This tool scans Google Drive automatically. It works safely with user permission and keeps your data private at every step. There is no risk of data loss, and you always stay in full control of the cleanup process. The tool is suitable for personal users, businesses, and enterprise environments. It also gives flexible cleanup options. Users can permanently delete duplicate files or move them to Trash for review before final removal. In addition, helps to fix errors like Google Drive Files Not Showing Up and more.
Real-Life Scenario: Find and Remove Duplicate Files from Google Drive
A small IT company in the US used Google Drive for daily operations. Over time, employees uploaded the same files multiple times. Storage limits were reached quickly. Important documents became difficult to find. The company used a DRS Google Drive Duplicate Cleaner Tool. It removed duplicate files safely. Storage space was recovered. File access became faster and more organized.
Verified Steps to Remove Duplicate Files from Google Drive
- Primarily, launch the DRS Google Drive Duplicate Finder Tool. Click Open.
- Sign in with your Google Drive to connect this tool with your files.
- Select My Drive, Shared with Me, or specific folders. Click Start the Scan.
- Now, go to the Filter File options and apply based on your needs.
- In the end, choose: Move to Trash or Permanently Delete option. Click OK.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we explored several methods to delete duplicate files in Google Drive. You can use either the manual methods or a professional method as per your preferences. The manual methods are suitable for small files and are complex to perform. However, the professional tool is highly recommended by many experts. The tool works securely and handles multiple large Google Drive files at the same time. It also runs smoothly on both Windows and Mac systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Google Drive creates duplicate files due to repeated uploads, syncing across multiple devices, shared folders, restored backups, or downloading and re-uploading the same file. Sometimes, files with the same content are saved under different names, which also leads to duplication.
Ans: You can try manual methods like sorting files by name, size, or file type. However, these methods are slow and not accurate for large storage. The easiest and safest way is to use a dedicated Google Drive Duplicate Cleaner Tool, which scans and detects duplicates automatically.
Ans: Yes, it is safe if done carefully. Always review files before deletion and keep at least one original copy. Using the “Move to Trash” option instead of permanent deletion is recommended. A professional tool provides preview and filtering options, reducing the risk of accidental data loss.
Ans: Yes, the DRS Google Drive Duplicate Cleaner Tool is a reliable solution. It securely scans Google Drive, identifies duplicate files accurately, and allows users to either permanently delete duplicates or move them to Trash. The tool works on both Windows and Mac systems and is suitable for personal and business use.
About The Author:
I, Aaradhya Jain, a technical content writer at DRS Solutions, specializes in delivering clear, practical guides on data management, migration, and recovery tools. With a detail-oriented and user-first approach mindset, I transform complex processes into actionable insights for IT professionals and decision-makers.
