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How to Remove Duplicate Drive Letters on Windows 11
Use the Registry Editor for quick removal
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 6, 2023
updated onOctober 6, 2023
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Key notes
While Windows 11 remains a major upgrade over the previous iteration, some of the issues seem not to have been polished by Microsoft. A common problem is duplicate drive letters in Windows 11, i.e., the same drive is listed twice, and you need to remove the excess entries.
For instance, it will be listed underThis PCand then again as a removable drive in the navigation pane. While this doesn’t translate to increased storage space consumption, this will certainly clutter Windows Explorer.
Why is my drive showing up twice in Windows 11?
Windows, by default, shows external drives twice in the navigation pane. That’s how it is developed. But conflicting drive letters or corrupt system files can also trigger the problem for some.
When faced with the issue, we will start by deleting the underlying Registry files and then looking for other issues to remove duplicate drives in File Explorer.
How do I delete duplicate drives in Windows 11?
1. Modify the Registry Editor
Deleting the REG files is one of the best solutions when you find duplicate drive icons in Windows 11. But remember, the Registry Editor is a complex tool. Do not make any other changes, and it’s better that youcreate a restore pointbeforehand.
2. Change the drive letter
3. Restore File Explorer defaults
4. Customize the File Explorer’s navigation pane
Remember, this is a workaround to unclutter the left pane to some extent andmake File Explorer run faster. It won’t have a direct bearing on duplicate drives unless you uncheckShow This PC,but then the internal drives won’t appear in the navigation pane.
You now know why your external drive shows up twice in Windows 11 and how to remove duplicate drives in no time! And while we were focused on drives until now,duplicate files, too, pose a major problem, and these end up consuming more storage space.
An understanding ofdata deduplication in Windows 11will help you clear unnecessary files and clutter from the PC.
Besides, remember that it’s just as easy todelete duplicate files in Windows 10. There are both built-in features to find unwanted files and the option to use a third-party file finder tool.
For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:disk drive,external hard drive,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
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