CloneScan


CloneScan — Free Download. Duplicate file finder

CloneScan is a freeware Windows application for locating duplicate files and repeated folder structures. It scans selected directories and compares files by name, size, name plus size, or SHA-1 content hash. Results appear in groups so copies can be reviewed before removal. File masks, a minimum size filter, duplicate folder detection, CSV export, parallel hashing, an open location option, and deletion to the Recycle Bin are included. The tool serves people who clean downloads, backups, archives, photo collections, and project folders where extra copies accumulate.

5.0(1 ratings)
File size: 3.22 MB
The latest version of CloneScan is: 2.2
Operating system: Windows
Languages: English
Price: $0.00 USD (Free product)
  • Name comparison. This mode finds files that share the same file name regardless of their size or content. It suits situations where identical names already indicate duplicated documents, exported reports, or copied media. The scan matches names exactly and lists every file carrying that name inside the selected folders. Results are grouped so each name appears once with all its copies, which simplifies reviewing large directories that contain repeated naming patterns.
  • Size comparison. This mode detects files whose byte size is identical. It helps locate duplicates when names differ but the stored data occupies the same amount of disk space. Because size alone cannot confirm identical content, results serve as a first filter. The mode works quickly since it reads only file metadata instead of file contents, and it is suitable for initial cleanup passes across large drives.
  • Name and size comparison. This mode combines two criteria and reports files that match both the same file name and the same byte size. The stricter condition reduces false matches compared with name-only or size-only scanning. It fits collections where copied files keep their original names and dimensions, such as synced folders, migrated archives, and repeated downloads from the same source.
  • Content SHA-1 comparison. This mode computes SHA-1 hashes of file contents and identifies files with identical data even when their names differ. It delivers the most reliable duplicate detection because two files with equal hashes contain the same bytes. The mode is intended for verifying backups, photo libraries, and document sets where renaming has occurred over time and name-based checks would miss real duplicates.
  • Duplicate folder detection. CloneScan analyzes directory contents and builds signatures for folders based on their files and subfolders. It then locates repeated directory structures such as copied project folders, duplicated backups, and redundant archives. This function extends duplicate searching beyond single files and addresses nested directory trees that repeat in full, which file-level scanning alone cannot reveal.
  • File mask filtering. File masks restrict scans to chosen file types or naming patterns. Multiple masks can be entered using separators such as commas, semicolons, spaces, or vertical bars. The function reduces scan time and keeps results focused, for example when only images, documents, or specific extensions require checking inside directories that also hold unrelated data.
  • Minimum file size filter. A minimum size threshold excludes small files from comparison. Tiny files often produce large numbers of matches with little recovered disk space, so the filter concentrates the scan on items that consume meaningful storage. The threshold is set before scanning and applies to all comparison modes, keeping group lists shorter and more relevant.
  • Parallel hashing. During SHA-1 content comparison, CloneScan computes file hashes in parallel using multiple processor threads. On multi-core Windows systems this shortens the time required to verify large collections. The function distributes hashing work across available cores and maintains the same verification accuracy as sequential hashing while reducing total scan duration.
  • Grouped duplicate results. Duplicate files and folders are displayed in groups, with related clones shown together. Groups are sorted by total size, placing the items that may recover the most disk space at the top. This arrangement supports review of each set of copies and helps decide which items to keep and which to select for removal.
  • Safe deletion to Recycle Bin. Checked files and folders are moved to the Windows Recycle Bin instead of being erased permanently. The function provides a recovery path if a selected item was needed, and it keeps cleanup operations reversible until the Recycle Bin is emptied through normal Windows behavior.
  • CSV export. Scan results can be exported to CSV files for reporting, review, archiving, or analysis in spreadsheet software. Both duplicate file results and duplicate folder results can be exported. The function supports documentation of cleanup sessions and allows comparison of scans performed at different times.
  • Open location. The open location option navigates from a result entry to the folder that contains the file or folder in Windows Explorer. This function supports inspection of items in context before deletion decisions are made, without manual searching through directory trees.

CloneScan is developed by TKOSoft, a software vendor that distributes Windows utilities through its own product site. The program is offered as freeware for personal and commercial use. The published version is 2.2, dated September 14, 2026, and earlier releases added scanning improvements together with new controls for working with clone groups.

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