Our verdict: Czkawka is one of the most complete free cleanup tools: duplicates, look-alike photos, similar videos, empty folders and broken files in one portable app. Its current Windows interface, Krokiet, runs without installation. The many download variants and the lack of an installer can confuse beginners.
About Czkawka (Krokiet)
Czkawka is a Rust project by Rafał Mikrut that scans folders for files you probably do not need. Besides exact duplicates found by name, size or hash, it detects similar images with different resolutions or watermarks, visually similar videos, the same music by tags or content, empty files and folders, temporary files, broken symlinks and files whose extension does not match their content.
The original GTK interface is called Czkawka; since version 12 it no longer gets new binaries, and the project recommends Krokiet, a new interface built with Slint that runs as a single EXE. Both use the same core, cache earlier scans for speed and do not connect to the internet. The similar videos tool needs FFmpeg installed separately.
What it does well
- Duplicate finder. Matches files by name, size or hash, with a cache for faster rescans.
- Similar images and videos. Finds look-alike photos and videos, not only exact copies.
- Cleanup tools. Empty folders, empty files, temporary files and big files.
- Broken files and bad extensions. Spots corrupted files and wrong file extensions.
- Portable. Krokiet runs as one EXE with no installation.
Who it is for
Good fit
Users cleaning up large photo, music or download folders who want more than a plain duplicate finder.
Look elsewhere
People who want a classic installer and a single obvious download; the release page lists many variants.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free, open source, no ads
- Many cleanup tools in one app
- Finds similar images and videos
- Portable and fast
Cons
- No installer and many confusing download variants
- Similar videos tool needs FFmpeg installed separately
- HEIF and RAW image support is not in the Windows builds
How to install Czkawka (Krokiet)
The direct link gets the Krokiet build the developer recommends for Windows (skia_opengl). If it does not start, try another Windows build from the release page, such as femtovg_wgpu. Put the EXE in its own folder, and install FFmpeg if you want to use the similar videos tool.
Questions about Czkawka (Krokiet)
Is Czkawka free?
Yes. Czkawka and Krokiet are free and open source, with no ads.
What is the difference between Czkawka and Krokiet?
They share the same engine. Czkawka is the older GTK interface, which no longer gets new releases; Krokiet is the new, actively developed interface.
Does Czkawka delete files automatically?
No. It lists results, and you choose which files to delete, move or link.
