PSE2020 - Want duplicate photos

Report · Jul 09, 2025

I'm on a PC running PSE 2020 and imported all of my photos into the organizer, have organized and tagged them nicely. However, one of the main reasons I wanted to organize my photos is because I have a catalog of 100K photos and am certain half of them are duplicate files - in the same folders, various folders, and all over the place in my photos folder.

But, PSE Organizer won't import them because they are "duplicates and already exist in the catalog" (duh)

However, being able to SEE ALL of the photo files - duplicates and all - in my organizer and then being able to sort by date, etc in order to delete the files (from PSE, not explorer of course) is what I need to clean up my duplicate folders.

I don't see an option either in "get media" - via folder or bulk or otherwise - or the other option of "open" to turn off the feature to check for duplicate photos and not import them. Any leads appreciated!

Report · Jul 11, 2025

As you have found, Elements will not deliberately import duplicate files into a catalog. You will therefore have to use a third-party program to find the duplicate files on your hard drives.

One way to find out if you have true duplicate files in a single folder is to sort the files by filename in Windows File Explorer and see if any files have a numeric suffix.

You also need to be concerned that if you use a third party program and delete a duplicate file, that it is not the file that has been imported into the catalog. If that happens, the file will become missing in the Organizer. However, since the file will likely be in the same folder it should not be difficult to reconnect it to the duplicate file that has been saved.

There are a number of third party programs that will find duplicate photos using various criteria. I have used one called Doppleganger which has a free trial if you are interested.