How do I find duplicate files even if they have different names?
Aug 11, 2026
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by John Britto
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2 min read
Quick Linux Tip #41 :
Try: find /home/linuxteck -type f -exec md5sum {} + | sort | uniq -w32 -D
Info: md5sum hashes file contents, sort groups identical hashes, and uniq -w32 -D compares the 32-character hash to output all duplicate files.
Examples:
$ find . -type f -exec md5sum {} + | sort | uniq -w32 -d # Show 1 sample per duplicate set
$ fdupes -r /home/linuxteck # Dedicated tool (apt install fdupes)
$ rdfind -deleteduplicates true /home/linuxteck # Auto-delete duplicates safely
Note: For large directories, fdupes or rdfind are purpose-built and significantly faster. Use sha256sum instead of md5sum if collision risk is a concern.
LinuxTeck.com
linuxteck@ubuntu:~$ find /home/linuxteck -type f -exec md5sum {} + | sort | uniq -w32 -D
d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e /home/linuxteck/Documents/report_final.pdf
d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e /home/linuxteck/Downloads/report.pdf
a3b5c7d9e1f3a5b7c9d1e3f5a7b9c1d3 /home/linuxteck/Pictures/photo.jpg
a3b5c7d9e1f3a5b7c9d1e3f5a7b9c1d3 /home/linuxteck/Backup/photo_copy.jpg
b4c6d8e0f2a4b6c8d0e2f4a6b8c0d2e4 /home/linuxteck/Videos/movie.mp4
b4c6d8e0f2a4b6c8d0e2f4a6b8c0d2e4 /home/linuxteck/Downloads/movie_backup.mp4
linuxteck@ubuntu:~$
About John Britto
John Britto Founder & Chief-Editor @LinuxTeck. A Computer Geek and Linux Intellectual having more than 20+ years of experience in Linux and Open Source technologies.
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