What’s the Difference Between Duplicate and Similar Files?

Duplicate files are exact copies—same name, size, and content. They’re often created by accidental downloads or backups. Similar files, on the other hand, may look alike but differ slightly in content, format, or resolution—like edited photos or multiple versions of a document. Identifying the difference is crucial during cleanup to avoid deleting important variations. Use software that distinguishes between the two, so you can remove true duplicates while keeping valuable similar files intact.