How to Find and Remove Duplicate Files From OneDrive Storage?

Written By Simran Bhatia
Updated on November 28th, 2025

User Query: “I found the same presentation saved in several folders on my OneDrive. Is there a simple way to delete duplicate files without checking everything manually?”

Summary: It is very common for files to be scattered across different folders in OneDrive. Some of the users discovered the same presentation was saved multiple times, creating unwanted duplicates. These duplicate files take up space and make file management difficult. To keep the account organized and free up storage, the user decided to remove duplicate files from OneDrive. This can be done manually or with a CloudXena OneDrive Duplicate Finder and Remover Tool.

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Why Remove Duplicates from OneDrive is Important?

Duplicate files use up storage space very fast, which could cause you to have to pay for more storage because you might run out of storage on OneDrive.
Having too many duplicate files makes it difficult to find the right file when you need it.
Duplicates interfere with how quickly OneDrive syncs your files; they slow everything down on your computer.
If you and your team share a folder, duplicate files can confuse all team members.
Removing duplicates from OneDrive keeps your storage area organized and helps maintain the performance of OneDrive.

Manual Methods to Remove Duplicate Files from OneDrive

Clearing duplicate files from OneDrive doesn’t have to be complicated. You can either use the built-in options available in OneDrive or choose a dedicated tool for a quicker and more efficient cleanup.

Method 1: Delete Duplicate Files in OneDrive Using Sorting

This method allows you to manually review each file so you can avoid deleting anything important.

Steps to locate and remove duplicates:

Firstly, visit onedrive.live.com and sign in to your account.
Then, open the folder where you suspect duplicate files exist.
After that, right-click on an empty area and choose Sort by.
Select Name or Size to group similar files together.
At last, manually identify the duplicates, select them, and delete them.

Method 2: Delete OneDrive Duplicate Files via Manage Storage

This built-in option is suitable when you only need to remove a small number of duplicate files.

Steps to delete duplicates:

Firstly, sign in to your OneDrive account through the web.
Then, go to Settings > OneDrive Settings or Options.
Click Manage Storage to view your storage breakdown.
Select Files and use Sort by Name, Size, or Modified Date.
Finally, identify and delete the duplicate files manually.

Limitations:

You have to go through each file yourself, which becomes exhausting when the folder is large.
It’s easy to overlook duplicates since everything depends on manual checking.
Cleaning up duplicates spread across many folders takes a lot of time.
These methods aren’t practical if you have a big OneDrive library or need a quick cleanup.

Best Way to Remove Duplicate Files from OneDrive

Duplicate files can be an issue while using Microsoft’s OneDrive Cloud service; however, the CloudXena Duplicate File Finder makes it easy to remove them quickly. Using an automated process that automatically scans your folders and then, based on the content of a file, this tool allows you to also remove many duplicate files in bulk instead of manually going through your own folders one at a time. It allows you to recover space, allows for improved performance from OneDrive.

Removing Duplicate Files from OneDrive Quickly:

Firstly, launch the Duplicate File Finder and Remover, then click on Files.

Then, choose the scanning mode and add the files or folders you want to scan.

Select your scan options, click OK, and then press Start Scan.

Once the scan completes, review the list of duplicate files. You can either choose Auto Remove or View Details.

Thereafter, if you select View Details, decide how you want to select the duplicate files.

Finally, choose your delete option and press Export Result to finish the process.

Also, read if you want to find and delete duplicate photos in Windows.

Conclusion

Remove duplicate Files from OneDrive plays a big role in keeping your storage tidy and easy to manage. Doing it by hand can take a lot of time, especially when you have a huge number of files. A tool like the CloudXena Duplicate File Finder helps make the job quicker by spotting and removing duplicates in one go. With fewer unwanted files and more free space, your OneDrive works smoothly and stays better organized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What causes OneDrive to create so many duplicate items?

Ans. Duplicates usually appear when files are synced across multiple devices, uploaded repeatedly, or saved with slightly different names. Sync conflicts and interrupted uploads can also create extra copies.

Q2. How can I automatically delete duplicate files from OneDrive?

Ans. You can use a dedicated duplicate file remover tool that scans your OneDrive, detects matching files, and lets you delete them in bulk.

Q3. Can I remove duplicates from OneDrive with a specific date range?

Ans. Yes, some duplicate finder tools allow you to filter files by date, making it easier to remove copies created within a certain time period.

Q4. What is the best method to find and remove duplicates from OneDrive?

Ans. Using a reliable OneDrive duplicate finder is the most efficient option. It scans quickly, identifies exact matches, and helps you remove unnecessary files without manual effort.

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

I, Simran Bhatia am a Technical Content Writer specializing in data management, email migration, and data recovery IT solutions. My focus is on simplifying complex processes into clear, practical guides that combine technical accuracy with real-world value for IT admins, decision-makers, and everyday users. For me, writing is not just about explaining technology, it’s about making it accessible, reliable, and valuable for readers.