Efficient Strategies for Eliminating Duplicate Non-Steam Games from Your Collection

How to Delete Duplicates of Non-steam Games

Are you tired of having multiple copies of non-steam games taking up valuable space on your computer? Deleting duplicates of non-steam games can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large collection. However, with the right approach, you can easily remove these duplicates and free up space for new games or other important files. In this article, we will guide you through the process of identifying and deleting duplicates of non-steam games, ensuring that your gaming library is organized and clutter-free.

Identifying Duplicates

The first step in deleting duplicates of non-steam games is to identify them. There are several methods you can use to do this:

1. Manually Check: Go through your game library and compare each game’s installation folder, game files, or metadata to find duplicates. This method can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large collection.

2. Use File Comparison Tools: There are various file comparison tools available that can help you identify duplicates by comparing file sizes, hash values, or file contents. Some popular tools include WinMerge, Beyond Compare, and dupeGuru.

3. Third-party Software: Some third-party software, such as Game duplicates Remover or Duplicate File Finder, are specifically designed to find duplicates in game libraries. These tools can automate the process and save you time.

Deleting Duplicates

Once you have identified the duplicates, it’s time to delete them. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Manually Delete: If you have identified duplicates manually, you can simply delete the unnecessary copies by right-clicking on the files and selecting “Delete.” Be cautious when doing this, as deleting the wrong files can cause issues with your game installations.

2. Use File Deletion Tools: Some file deletion tools, like CCleaner or IObit Uninstaller, have built-in duplicate file removal features that can help you delete duplicates with a few clicks.

3. Third-party Software: As mentioned earlier, third-party software can help you automate the process of deleting duplicates. These tools often provide a more user-friendly interface and can help you avoid deleting important files.

Backup Your Games

Before you proceed with deleting duplicates, it’s crucial to backup your games. This ensures that you can restore any files that might be deleted by mistake. Here’s how to backup your games:

1. Use External Storage: Copy the game installation folders to an external hard drive or USB flash drive. This method is straightforward and provides easy access to your games.

2. Cloud Storage: Some cloud storage services, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, offer free storage space that you can use to backup your games. This method is convenient, especially if you have a large collection.

3. Use Game Backup Software: There are various game backup software options available that can help you create backups of your games. These tools often provide additional features, such as compressing and encrypting your backups.

Conclusion

Deleting duplicates of non-steam games is an essential task to keep your gaming library organized and free up space on your computer. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily identify and delete duplicates, ensuring that your gaming experience remains seamless. Remember to backup your games before proceeding and use the appropriate tools to make the process as smooth as possible. Happy gaming!