Fast Duplicate File Finder

In large numbers, duplicate files can waste valuable disk space. They can also waste precious time, if you attempt to identify them by comparing them side by side in Windows Explorer. The best way to get rid of such files is to use a specialized application. Fast Duplicate File Finder is capable of identifying duplicate pairs, in one or more folders, in just a few seconds. The software can also find similar files, which are not identical, but still not worth keeping. It allows you to preview the results and it places various selection options at your disposal.

The software comes in free and paid editions and it is compatible with numerous Windows versions, from Win 98 up to Win 8. You can install it in a matter of seconds, without encountering any confusing options along the way. Also, the hardware requirements are quite modest. With a 233 MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM and at least 5 MB of free disk space, the application will run without any problems.

The user interface presents a large number of buttons, check boxes, radio buttons and drop menus, but they are well organized on separate panels and it should not take more than a minute to figure out how and when to use them. You can choose what folders to scan for duplicates, by adding them to a list, on the right side of the window. Additionally, you can choose a comparison method and make other tweaks, in the same area. As previously suggested, the program is not limited to finding exact duplicates. It can also perform a binary comparison, to identify files that are similar, but not identical. What's more, the program can find similar files, according to a user-defined similarity percentage.

The scan results are listed in the largest area of the interface, along with various details. Duplicate files are displayed one after another, with the same background colors, to make each pair easier to spot. The software allows you to preview various file types, beneath the results list. You can view each picture or text files and you can even view media files, with an embedded player.

Besides the preview area, you can also find a series of selection controls. Older, newer, smaller or larger files from each pair of duplicates can be selected instantly, with a single click. It is also possible to set up advanced selection settings, to mark files that are smaller, larger, newer or older than user-defined values, if they contain certain keywords in their names or if they have certain extensions. Once the files are selected, you can send them to the recycle bin and delete empty folders or move all duplicates to a folder of your choice.