Top 5 Cloud Duplicate Finder Solutions

Cloud storage is a technology that allows you to store your files online, meaning you can access the cloud-hosted files from any place. Your data is automatically synchronized across different device, but just like any other storage platform, cloud storage has its disadvantages. Duplication of data is the main problem that comes to mind when dealing with the ubiquity of files; data everywhere sometimes means the duplicate data. The redundancy of files not only consumes the storage quota, but it also makes it a perplexing task to organize files.

There are tools out there that address this issue. Read on, if you’re looking to get rid of the duplicate files in cloud drives.

1. Cloud Duplicate Finder 

Cloud Duplicate Finder is a browser-based utility that doesn't require a download of any kind. With just a few clicks, you can integrate multiple Internet storage accounts, including Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Amazon S3.

CDF primarily offers two different scan methods. The default scan method is "All Files," which compares every file type, whether it is a document, image, video, music, or an archive. The second method, "Custom Files," gives you better control over the scan procedure. You can select which file type you want to search for, and which ones to ignore. This is best suited if you have limited time or need to get rid of unnecessary files that you don't want to focus on.

When you add your cloud account, your cloud service provider will ask for permission to share access privileges with the CDF web app. The application doesn’t store files and passwords.

CDF offers two selection patterns to automatically select a large number of files without having to manually select them one by one. You can automatically select the newest file in each group or the oldest file in each group depending on your preference.

Once you have selected your files you can move them to the Trash or move them to a new folder inside your cloud account. Moving duplicates would help you confirm files instead of deleting them straight away.

You don't need to download any files to your computer to view its content. Simply check the Preview box and you will be able to see the file previews within the CDF app.

Disadvantage

This is an Internet-only tool. This means that you need a fast and reliable internet connection for the scan to conclude smoothly.

2. Auslogics File Finder

Auslogics Duplicate File Finder is developed by the Australian software company Auslogics. It searches for different categories of duplicate files including images, documents, videos, and music.

This lightweight utility helps you better organize your files and keep track of any redundancy. You can use it to search locally stored files and cloud files using its’ smart algorithms. It offers two file comparing methods: scan files by their name, or by their content.

Auslogics File Finder has a simple and easy to use interface. To find duplicate files on the cloud, make sure that you’ve installed the file-syncing software (for example, Google Backup & Sync and OneDrive for Windows) from your cloud provider and all files are locally synced. Launch Auslogics File Finder and locate the OneDrive and GoogleDrive folder(s) that contain files from your cloud account. The default locations are given below:

• Microsoft OneDrive: C:\Users\Your_Name\OneDrive
  
• Google Drive: C:\Users\Your_Name\Google Drive
  

Once the scan is finished, Auslogics will display a comprehensive list of all files and you’ll be able to take action on the duplicates. You can select the newest files or oldest files in each group depending on your choice.

Disadvantages

• The installation wizard twice insists to install other software from the developer, although you have the option to decline both the offers.
  
• As a default, the program excludes files below 1 MB in size (although the setting can be changed). This can be a little tricky for newbies. This might exclude a significant chunk of duplicate files and lower down the impact of your search. Be sure to uncheck that option.

3. Fast Duplicate File Finder

Fast Duplicate File Finder is not a browser-based duplicate finder. It is a downloadable software that can find duplicate files on the cloud the traditional way.

The interface of Fast Duplicate File Finder is mainly divided into three parts. The primary part consists of toolbar icons. It allows you to create a new project, open saved projects, save your current project, and start or pause the scan. The right side panel consist of a list box where you can add folders to scan for duplicates. FDFF supports drag and drop of folders and a wide variety of scan methods such as 100% equal files, similar files, similar file names, and the same file size.

Unlike CDF, Fast Duplicate File Finder doesn’t officially claim to be a cloud duplicate finder. It is primarily meant to find duplicate files located on your hard disk, USB stick, and external hard disk. You cannot directly integrate your cloud storage account straight inside the app. However, with the right method, you can find duplicates located on your different cloud storage platforms. Here’s how:

First, you need to go to the website of your cloud service provider and download the syncing software. When you’re done installing this software, you will want to turn on the synchronization feature to create an offline copy of your files. You can use the checkboxes to select folders of your choice. Once the copies of your folders are locally stored, launch FDFF and use the Add Folder button to locate them and start scan.

Another interesting feature about FDFF is the ability to automatically scan and save the project for future. FDFF can close your application or shut down your computer if you need to delete duplicates at your own schedule.

Disadvantages

In order to scan for duplicates in your cloud, Desktop synchronization software has to be installed. You will want to wait for some time till your files are locally stored and synchronization is completed. This can take a significantly longer time if you have a lot of data online. And not to forget, this adds up to your existing local storage.

4. Duplicate Sweeper

Duplicate Sweeper is another downloadable utility available for both PC and Mac. It searches for duplicate files on your computer in addition to cloud storage platforms.

When you first open Duplicate Sweeper, you’ll be able to see the special directories on the right hand side panel. This includes My Documents, My Pictures, Videos, Music, Contacts and Favorites. You can use the checkboxes to add those directories to the Scan List. To scan duplicate files from your cloud storage, you’ll need to independently download the synchronization software from your cloud provider and sync files offline. Then you can add your OneDrive or any other cloud folder to the Scan List by clicking on the Add Folder button and selecting it.

When new duplicates are found, Duplicate Sweeper will arrange your files by their size so that you can evaluate and compare which files are taking a larger portion of your disk. Alternatively, you have an option to sort files by name, if you need to. You may click a search result to display identical files in the same group. Use the File Types categories to display only file type-based results. The program offers two automatic selection patterns to select newer or older files.

Disadvantages

The default list of special directories doesn’t list the Downloads folder. It is very common to download the same file over and over again which could waste a significant portion of our disk space. You can, however, add this folder by manually selecting it from the Folder Browser dialog.

5. Nirsoft SearchMyFiles 

SearchMyFiles is another popular duplicate file finder from major freeware utility provider Nir Sofer. It provides a very accurate search result based on different scan criteria. You can compare files by their size, creation date and time, attributes, and many other parameters. This small, yet powerful tool works from Windows 2000 up to Windows 10 (both 32/ 64 bit) systems. You can control the number of files searched, exclude certain paths from the search, change folder depth, and tweak the program depending on your preference. It is a portable application that doesn’t require installation of any kind. You can carry it inside a USB stick or an external hard disk with ease.

To search for duplicate files using Nirsoft SearchMyFiles, launch the program and select the Duplicate Search option in the Search Mode drop-down box.

Click the Browse button in front of Base Directory, and add your Google Drive or OneDrive folder.

To exclude certain folders from the scan, click Browse in front of Exclude Folders and add the directories you want to ignore. In addition to excluding folders, you can specify a set of file extensions to exclude in the Exclude Files box. Click Start Search and the scan should take place.

Disadvantages:

The user interface is cluttered with a lot of options which might be complex for non-tech savvy users. You can read the help documentation in the SearchMyFiles.chm to learn more.

Further Reading