---
id: duplicates.which-folders-does-the-duplicate-finder-check-on-my-mac
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/duplicates/which-folders-does-the-duplicate-finder-check-on-my-mac
category: "Duplicate files"
subcategory: "Where it looks and what it skips"
question: "Which folders does the duplicate finder check on my Mac?"
alt_questions:
  - "Where does Storage Studio look for duplicates?"
  - "Does the duplicate scan cover my whole Mac?"
  - "What does This Mac include in Duplicates?"
  - "Which locations are scanned for duplicate files?"
  - "duplicates scan folders mac"
  - "Does it check Downloads and Documents for duplicates?"
short_answer: "On this Mac, the duplicate finder checks your Downloads, Documents, Desktop, Movies and Pictures folders. iCloud Drive and each connected cloud account are checked separately; system folders, your Library folder and app data are never part of the scan."
tags: ["duplicates", "folders", "scan"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/duplicates/what-does-the-duplicate-finder-skip", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/duplicates/is-my-music-folder-checked-for-duplicates", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/duplicates/can-i-choose-which-folders-are-scanned-for-duplicates"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Which folders does the duplicate finder check on my Mac?

The **This Mac** source checks your **Downloads, Documents, Desktop, Movies and Pictures** folders — the places where copies of downloads, exports, photos and videos usually pile up.

iCloud Drive is checked separately under its own **iCloud Drive** row, and each connected cloud account has a row of its own under **Cloud & remote**.

System folders, your Library folder and app data aren't part of the scan, so the finder only ever suggests removing copies of your own files. Choosing your own list of folders isn't available right now.