How to fix Scan Freezes at 50%: Software gets stuck midway during the scan for duplicate files. Free immediate support

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How to fix Scan Freezes at 50%: Software gets stuck midway during the scan for duplicate files. Free immediate support






Fixing Scan Freezes at 50% During Duplicate File Scans: A Detailed Guide

Learn why duplicate file scans often freeze at 50%, causing system slowdowns, and how to resolve it. Commonly affected software includes Duplicate Cleaner, Windows Defender, Bitdefender, and AVG Duplicate Finder. Solutions include optimizing scan settings, splitting scans into smaller batches, disabling archive scanning, and performing system maintenance. If issues persist, consider alternative tools for managing duplicates.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Problem Explanation: The issue occurs during duplicate file scans, where scanning software gets stuck at 50% and causes the system to freeze.
  • Symptoms: Scans freeze during large file counts or small file sizes (e.g., .js files), consuming high CPU and memory.
  • Affected Software: Duplicate Cleaner, Windows Defender, Bitdefender, AVG Duplicate Finder.
  • Potential Solutions: Adjust scan settings, modify system sleep settings, disable archive scanning, perform system maintenance.
  • Alternative Solution: Consider using alternative duplicate scanning software if the problem persists.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Scan Freezes at 50% During Duplicate File Scans

This guide will walk you through solving the problem of scan freezes during duplicate file scans. One of the most common issues is the scan freezing at 50% when large numbers of files are processed. We’ll cover fixes specific to each software (Duplicate Cleaner, Windows Defender, Bitdefender, AVG) and provide system maintenance tips.

1. Understanding the Issue

Duplicate file scans freezing at 50% is an issue affecting multiple software and platforms. Here’s what you need to consider:

  • Environment: Most commonly occurs on Windows (Windows 10/11, etc.).
  • File Characteristics: Scanning millions of files, or when dealing with many small files like .js, can cause performance bottlenecks.
  • Symptoms: Scanning interrupts system processes, freezing the device entirely, not just the scanning software.

2. Initial Steps for Troubleshooting

Before diving into software-specific fixes, try these general steps:

  1. Monitor Resource Usage:

    • Monitor CPU, RAM, and Disk usage during scans using Task Manager to pinpoint bottlenecks.

  2. Try Small Batch Scans:

    • Split the scan into smaller, manageable batches (e.g., folder by folder).

  3. Check for Latest Updates:

  • Make sure your scanning software and Windows are fully up-to-date to include any performance patches.

3. Troubleshooting Duplicate Cleaner Freezes

Key Facts:

  • Software Version Tested: v5.20.0
  • Issue: Freezes when scanning millions of files or large amounts of small files.
  • Possible Culprits: Overloaded scan settings, too many detailed conditions set in scanning options.

Steps to Fix:

  1. Optimize Scan Settings in Duplicate Cleaner:

    • Current Setting Example:
      • Same name, same extension, ignore “copy” part, same created date/time.
    • Recommended Changes:
      • Disable: “Same file created date/time.”
      • This setting adds a significant delay when scanning small files.

  2. Temporarily Disable Virus Protection:

    • Ensure your virus scanner is not scanning the same files.

  3. Manage Sleep Settings:

  • Change sleep settings under Control Panel > System > Power Options to “Never” during a scan.
  1. If Freeze Occurs:
    • Perform a hard shutdown and reboot the system.

Expert Tip:

Try scanning in manual mode where you can manually remove files by reviewing them yourself. This reduces system load compared to full auto-scans.

Recommended Resource: For more duplicate management solutions, consider EaseUS DupFiles Cleaner, which is optimized for faster scans in folder-heavy environments.

4. Fixing Windows Defender Freezes at 50%

Key Facts:

  • Problem Trigger: Occurs often during full system scans, especially overnight.
  • Culprit: Screensaver or sleep mode interrupts scan processes.

Steps to Fix:

  1. Check Screen and Sleep Settings:

    • Go to Settings > Power & sleep.
    • Set the display to turn off after 2 hours (instead of the default 10-15 minutes).

  2. Run Scan Manually:

    • Turn off any automatic full scans and run them manually at a convenient time, or while you’re using your PC.

  3. Reset Windows Defender Configurations:

  • If issues persist, reset Defender’s configuration via Command Prompt: 
    sfc /scannow

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5. Fixing Bitdefender Scan Stuck at 50%

Key Facts:

  • Problem: Stalls at 59%, particularly when scanning modified files or large archives.
  • Culprit: Archive scanning adds to scan times dramatically.

Steps to Fix:

  1. Disable Archive Scanning:

    • In Bitdefender settings, untick the option to scan inside archives (e.g., .zip, .rar).

  2. Perform System Hygiene:

    • In Command Prompt, run: 
      net stop wuauserv
DEL /F /S /Q %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\Download
net start wuauserv
chkdsk /f c:
    • Clean up temporary and unnecessary files from Disk Cleanup.

  3. Defragment Your Disk:

6. Tips for AVG Duplicate Finder Freezes

Key Facts:

  • Common Problem: After discovering duplicates, the application freezes.
  • Culprit: Poor management of large file groups and system performance overload.

Steps to Fix:

  1. Close the Application via Task Manager:

    • Right-click on the taskbar > Task Manager > End Task for AVG Duplicate Finder.

  2. Switch Software:

    • Consider using more reliable alternatives like Wondershare Recoverit for scanning duplicates or recovering files after manual cleanup.

  3. Manual Scanning:

  • If the automatic scan fails, consider manually selecting folders and files for scanning to narrow down the number of files.

Summary of Actions:

  • Optimize Software Settings: In all platforms tweak the scanner options related to archive, date/time, and power settings.
  • Perform Regular Maintenance: Keep your disk clean and ensure optimal system performance via defragging, and using tools like MiniTool ShadowMaker.
  • Switch Software If Needed: If adjustments do not fix the issue, consider switching to software more tuned for your environment (see affiliate suggestions for alternative tools).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does my scan always freeze at 50%?

Most freezes are caused by system resource bottlenecks or specific heavy scan settings (e.g., checking all archives or timestamps).

2. Should I reboot after freezing during a scan?

Yes, perform a hard shutdown if your system becomes unresponsive. This ensures any locked files are released, and resource management is reset.

3. Can antivirus software affect duplicate scans?

Yes, antivirus programs can slow down scans by continuously checking files during the scanning process. Disable real-time protection while scanning large quantities of files and turn it back on afterward.

4. Is it safe to disable archive scanning?

Disabling archive scanning merely skips scanning files inside compressed formats like .zip or .rar. Use it when such files don’t concern you.

5. What’s the best software for duplicate file management?

EaseUS DupFiles Cleaner and Wondershare Recoverit are highly-rated due to their system optimization features and faster scan times.

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