Sort duplicate groups by size so that high-volume candidates are reviewed first. The potential recovery depends on how many redundant copies are actually safe to remove.
What to know before you begin
Sort duplicate groups by size so that high-volume candidates are reviewed first. The potential recovery depends on how many redundant copies are actually safe to remove. 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: How can I reclaim space from large duplicates?
- Scan only drives with user-managed files.
- Sort the results by size or the displayed group total.
- Inspect big archives, video files, and backups individually.
- Record recovered free space only after deletion and a fresh disk measurement.
Important limitation
How to verify the result
Verify disk free space in Windows Settings or File Explorer before and after. 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
How can I reclaim space from large duplicates?
Sort duplicate groups by size so that high-volume candidates are reviewed first. The potential recovery depends on how many redundant copies are actually safe to remove.
What is the biggest risk for this task?
A second backup may be intentional redundancy, not waste.
How do I check whether it worked?
Verify disk free space in Windows Settings or File Explorer before and after.
Related Windows guides
- Find Exact Duplicate Files with Czkawka on Windows
- Duplicate Detection: Hash vs Name vs Size
- Exclude Windows System Directories from Czkawka Scans
- Czkawka and OneDrive: Duplicate Scan Precautions
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.
Try Czkawka on Windows
Check the asset name and keep a backup before running a file cleanup operation.
See our download and safety instructions first.