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Duplicate files

Duplicate Detection: Hash vs Name vs Size

A file hash is a stronger indicator of identical byte content than a name alone. Size filters can reduce candidates but do not establish identity.

Short answer: Which duplicate matching method is most reliable?

A file hash is a stronger indicator of identical byte content than a name alone. Size filters can reduce candidates but do not establish identity.

What to know before you begin

A file hash is a stronger indicator of identical byte content than a name alone. Size filters can reduce candidates but do not establish identity. The project offers several scanning modes and the current version may place controls differently in Krokiet versus the older GTK GUI. Follow the meaning of the option you see, not just a screenshot from a different release.

For Windows, verify that your chosen folder is accessible and that the correct graphical frontend is running. The recommended approach starts with a small test set, especially when an action could rename, move, delete or link files.

Step-by-step: Which duplicate matching method is most reliable?

  1. Run a scan using names to see likely matches.
  2. Repeat with a content-based mode for files that matter.
  3. Compare the number of groups found by each method.
  4. Investigate mismatches manually before acting.

Important limitation

Before changing files: Same size does not mean same content, and hashes do not imply that duplicates are unneeded.

How to verify the result

Verify a pair of files by byte content before deletion. A scan's estimated savings or the presence of a matching group does not by itself establish which copy should be discarded.

If the procedure does not match your screen, inspect the project's own FAQ and troubleshooting notes and identify the exact release and frontend first.

FAQ

Which duplicate matching method is most reliable?

A file hash is a stronger indicator of identical byte content than a name alone. Size filters can reduce candidates but do not establish identity.

What is the biggest risk for this task?

Same size does not mean same content, and hashes do not imply that duplicates are unneeded.

How do I check whether it worked?

Verify a pair of files by byte content before deletion.

Related Windows guides

Editorial notes reviewed: November 1, 2026. Version-specific facts are based on the developer's release and FAQ. This guide is educational; it is not a guarantee about a third-party download.

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