How to Check Hard Disk Size in Windows 10
Checking the size of your hard disk in Windows 10 is a simple task that can be done in just a few steps. You’ll need to navigate to the "This PC" window, where you can quickly view the total capacity and used space of your hard drive. This guide will walk you through this process step-by-step, ensuring you know exactly how much storage you have left.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Check Hard Disk Size in Windows 10
Before we dive in, this tutorial will help you find out how much space is available on your hard drive. It’s useful for managing files and ensuring you don’t run out of storage.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Start by opening File Explorer. You can do this by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E.
If you can’t find the folder icon, you can always search for "File Explorer" in the Start menu. This handy tool lets you browse all your files and folders.
Step 2: Click on ‘This PC’
Once File Explorer is open, click on ‘This PC’ in the left-hand sidebar.
‘This PC’ gives you a quick overview of all the drives connected to your computer. You will see your main hard disk listed here, usually labeled as "Local Disk (C:)".
Step 3: View Hard Disk Information
Under ‘Devices and drives’, look for your main hard disk. You’ll see a bar indicating used and free space.
This graphical representation is easy to understand. Hovering over the bar gives you exact numbers for used space, free space, and total capacity.
Step 4: Right-Click for More Details
For more detailed information, right-click on the hard drive icon and select ‘Properties’.
A new window will pop up, giving you a more detailed breakdown of your storage usage. This includes a pie chart and exact numbers for used space, free space, and total capacity.
Step 5: Check for Additional Drives
Repeat these steps for any other drives listed under ‘Devices and drives’.
If you have multiple partitions or external drives, you can check the size of each one using the same method. This is helpful for managing all your storage devices.
After completing these steps, you will have a clear understanding of your hard disk’s total size and how much space is currently being used. This information can help you manage your files better and avoid running out of storage.
Tips for Checking Hard Disk Size in Windows 10
- Regularly Check Your Disk Space: Make it a habit to check your disk space every few weeks to avoid running out of storage.
- Clean Up Unnecessary Files: Use tools like Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files and free up space.
- Consider External Storage: If you’re running out of space frequently, consider investing in an external hard drive.
- Monitor Large Files: Keep an eye on large files and delete or move them if they’re no longer needed.
- Use Storage Sense: Enable Storage Sense in Windows 10 to automatically clean up your disk space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out how much space my hard drive has?
Open File Explorer, click on ‘This PC’, and look under ‘Devices and drives’. The information is displayed here.
Can I see the size of external drives?
Yes, external drives will also appear under ‘Devices and drives’ in File Explorer.
Why is my hard drive size less than advertised?
Manufacturers use a different standard (1GB = 1,000MB) than Windows (1GB = 1,024MB), causing some discrepancy.
How can I free up space on my hard drive?
Run Disk Cleanup, delete unnecessary files, and consider using external storage options.
What if my hard drive is almost full?
You may need to delete unused files, move data to an external drive, or upgrade to a larger hard drive.
Summary
- Open File Explorer.
- Click on ‘This PC’.
- View hard disk information.
- Right-click for more details.
- Check for additional drives.
Conclusion
Checking the size of your hard disk in Windows 10 is a straightforward task that can be accomplished in just a few clicks. Understanding your storage capacity and usage helps you manage your files more effectively, ensuring that you don’t run out of space at crucial times. Regularly monitoring your hard drive’s health can also alert you to potential issues before they become problematic, saving you time and stress in the long run.
For those who frequently work with large files, knowing how to check your disk space can be particularly valuable. It’s a small but essential skill that every Windows 10 user should know. So, go ahead and take a few minutes to check your hard disk size today and keep your computer running smoothly!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.