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[Answered] Why Does MP4 Make Duplicate Files in My Folder?
You can read to know why does MP4 make duplicate files in my folder? This article also provides some effective methods to scan and remove duplicate MP4 files in your PC.
By Irene / Updated on May 12, 2025
Why does MP4 make duplicate files in my folder?
Have you ever opened a folder and found multiple copies of the same MP4 file? This can be confusing and takes up valuable storage space. MP4 duplicates usually happen because of syncing errors, download problems, or issues with media players. The good news is that once you know the cause, you can take steps to fix and prevent it. Below is a table of common reasons why MP4 files might get duplicated in your folder:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Cloud Sync Conflicts | Services like Google Drive or Dropbox may create duplicates during syncing, especially across devices or after network issues. |
| Multiple Downloads | Downloading the same MP4 more than once, especially if your browser doesn’t warn you, can lead to duplicates. |
| Backup Software | Backup tools may save extra copies if they detect minor changes, even if the file content is the same. |
| Incorrect Copying Process | Copying files between USBs or drives can create duplicates if the process fails or is repeated. |
| Media Player Glitches | Some players save extra versions or create temporary files that look like duplicates. |
| Malware or Viruses | In rare cases, viruses may duplicate files on purpose as part of their activity. |
These problems usually happen in the background, so you might not notice them right away. But once you know what causes them, it’s easier to fix and avoid them. Now that you understand why MP4 files get duplicated, let’s look at how to find and remove them in Windows. This will help you clean up your folders and free up space.
How to fix MP4 files duplicating?
You can use 2 methods to find and clean up duplicate files like MP4 or other data. Below are the specific steps.
Fix 1. Scan and delete duplicate MP4 files with a handy tool
Using the built-in tools in Windows to find and delete duplicate MP4 video files can be slow and frustrating. A much easier and more effective option is to use a third-party tool like AOMEI Partition Assistant.
This powerful program is designed to help manage your hard drive and improve your computer’s performance. One of its handy features is "Duplicate File Finder," which can quickly scan any folder or drive you choose and safely remove extra copies of your video files. It’s user-friendly, whether you're just cleaning up your PC or handling larger tasks as an IT expert.
The software also gives you control over how the scan works. You can set it to search for certain file types, such as videos, pictures, music, or documents. If you ever remove something by mistake, the "Recover Data" feature can help you easily find the deleted files.
AOMEI Partition AssistantThe Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer
Step 1. Install and launch this tool, choose the “Free up” tab in the top menu, and select “Duplicate File Finder”.
Step 2. In the new window, limit the scan range and file types. Then, you can click “Scan”. If you choose “Advanced”, you can set more details for the files, such as the size, comparison methods, file protection settings, and file data. Once you finish your settings, you can click “OK” to start the scan.
Step 3. During the scan, you can see the file numbers, spent time, and remaining time, if you want to stop the process, you can click “Stop Scan”.
Step 4. When the scan is over, you can see the results. All duplicate files will show in the window, and you can check the size, and time by clicking “Preview”. Click “Smart Selection”, and the program will choose the proper files to remove. And you can click “Settings” to set your preferences settings.
Step 5. After you confirm the deletion, the tool will start the removal process. Click “Close” to finish the task.
Fix 2. Manually find and remove duplicate MP4 files via Windows File Explorer
Windows File Explorer can also help find or delete duplicate MP4 files, as it lacks any built-in feature to compare file content. While you can sort files by name, size, or date to try and spot duplicates, this process is completely manual and can be slow and inaccurate, especially if the files have different names but the same content. One advantage is that File Explorer is already part of Windows, so you don't need to install anything extra. However, the main drawback is that it doesn’t automatically detect or safely remove duplicates, which makes it hard to manage large numbers of video files efficiently.
Step 1. Press Windows + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer. Go to the directory or drive where you suspect duplicate MP4 files may be stored.
Step 2. In the top-right corner, you'll find a search bar. Type the following command and press Enter: ext:mp4 OR ext:mov OR ext:avi OR ext:mkv
This command tells Windows to search for video files with common extensions.
Step 3. After the search is complete, click on the "Size" column header to sort the files by size. This will help you identify duplicates that are often the same size.
Step 4. Carefully review the search results and select duplicate files by holding down Ctrl and clicking on each one. Once selected, right-click and choose "Delete" to remove them.
Windows File Explorer can be used to locate and delete duplicate video files, but the process is very slow and resource-intensive. You also can’t pause the task if you need to focus on other important activities, and it may be disrupted while you're using your computer.
Conclusion
Why does MP4 make duplicate files in my folder? There are many reasons. MP4 file duplicates can clutter your folders and waste storage, but they’re often caused by common issues like syncing errors or multiple downloads. By understanding these causes, you can take steps to avoid them. Whether you use a powerful tool like AOMEI Partition Assistant or manually search with File Explorer, cleaning up duplicate files can help improve your computer’s performance and free up valuable space.
AOMEI Partition AssistantThe Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer
