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Removing duplicates but keeping one means Excel deletes every repeated entry in a selected range while leaving a single instance of each unique value. Excel performs this action through a built-in command that filters and cleans data without requiring formulas.

How to Remove Duplicates but Keep One in Excel

To remove duplicates and keep one, Excel uses the Remove Duplicates tool. This tool identifies repeated values in selected columns and deletes all extra copies while leaving the first occurrence intact.

Steps to Remove Duplicates but Keep One

1. Highlight the range that contains repeated values.

2. Go to the Data tab on the Ribbon.

3. Select Remove Duplicates in the Data Tools group.

4. Choose the columns Excel must check for duplicate values.

5. Confirm by selecting OK.

6. Review the cleanup message that shows how many duplicates were removed.

Windows and Mac versions use the same steps.

How to Remove Duplicates but Keep One Using Advanced Filters

The Advanced Filter creates a unique list that keeps one copy of every repeated value while leaving the original data unchanged.

Steps

1. Select the column or table.

2. Open the Data tab.

3. Select Advanced in the Sort & Filter group.

4. Select Copy to another location.

5. Check Unique records only.

6. Set a destination cell.

7. Confirm by selecting OK.

Mac uses the same actions, but the layout groups may appear slightly different.

How to Remove Duplicates but Keep One While Preserving Order

Users remove duplicates and maintain the first appearance by using the UNIQUE function in supported versions of Excel. This function returns each value once while preserving the order from top to bottom.

Formula Method (Excel 365 or Excel 2021)

LaTeX is required because a formula appears here. 

\text{=UNIQUE(A1:A100)}

The output creates a clean list with one instance of each value.

When to Use Remove Duplicates vs UNIQUE

Remove Duplicates edits the original dataset.
UNIQUE creates a new list and leaves the original unchanged.
Advanced Filter generates a static copy of unique items.

Key Attributes

• Remove Duplicates keeps the first record every time.

• UNIQUE keeps the sequence of appearance.

• Advanced Filter fits cases that require a unique list without modifying source data.

• Excel removes duplicates across single or multiple columns based on selection.

• Structured tables improve clarity when evaluating duplicates.

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