Is it safe to delete duplicate files?

[left-of-center2012]

I just ran my first scan using CCleaner's duplicate file tool and found I have many duplicates,
some twice and some three duplicates.

Is it safe to delete these duplicates, and what is the best tool to use in doing so?

Thanks

[Lint Head]

1. It usually means you have the same file in two different places

When I get that type of message I tend to sample a few to make the title is the same but also the contents of the file.
There are times when I have gone back to update a file with text and would not realize there was a duplicate so the update would not exist on the duplicate even though the titles were the same. But generally it's a safe thing to do.

[MFM008]

2. Safer not to

I used that once.
Had to factory reset my PC afterward.
I don't use a PC cleaner.
To many restores.

[douglas9]

3. Why are there duplicate files on my computer?

First let me say this: I strongly advise against blindly deleting duplicate files. Done incorrectly, you can quickly render your computer unbootable.

Duplicate files happen for a number of reasons, and surprisingly, what you and I do isn’t at the top of the list of the most common causes.


https://askleo.com/why-are-there-duplicate-files-on-my-computer/

[lastlib]

4. It depends greatly on what the files are.

program-type files (like .dll, .tlb, etc.) need to be thoroughly investigated before deleting. Find out what program uses them, and how, before deleting, or you run the risk of programs not working like they should.