Press Windows logo key + E to open File Explorer, then select This PC. Your drives are listed under Devices and drives, such as Local Disk (C:). For details like disk type and size, go to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Disks & volumes.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 29, 2026.
Find drives in File Explorer
- Press Windows logo key + E to open File Explorer.
- Select This PC on the left.
- Look under Devices and drives. Double-click a drive to open it.
Each drive shows how much space is free. Windows is usually on C:. For more on a second drive, see how to find the D drive in Windows 11.
See every disk in Settings
- Select Start > Settings > System > Storage.
- Select Advanced storage settings, then Disks & volumes.
This page shows whether each disk is an SSD or HDD, its size, and the volumes on it. To see how the space is used, see how to check total hard disk space in Windows 11.
If a drive is missing
- For an external drive, try another USB port or cable, and make sure it has power.
- A brand-new internal drive won’t show in File Explorer until it’s set up with a volume and drive letter. Microsoft explains this in Disk Management in Windows.
Find every drive in Disk Management
Disk Management shows drives that File Explorer hides, such as new drives that haven’t been set up and recovery partitions. Right-click Start and select Disk Management. Each disk appears as a numbered row, such as Disk 0 and Disk 1, with its partitions shown as colored blocks.
A new internal drive shows as Not Initialized or Unallocated. To use it, right-click the black unallocated block, select New Simple Volume, and follow the wizard to give it a drive letter. This only works on an empty drive. Never do it on a disk that holds files you need.
Check whether your drive is an SSD or a hard disk
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and select Performance. Each disk is listed on the left with its type underneath, such as SSD, HDD, or Removable. Settings > System > Storage > Disks & volumes shows the same information.
If the drive is there but has no letter
A drive that shows in Disk Management but not in File Explorer usually just needs a drive letter. Right-click its partition, select Change Drive Letter and Paths, select Add, pick a letter, and select OK.
If Windows asks you to format the drive
A message saying “You need to format the disk before you can use it” means Windows can’t read the drive. Select Cancel. Formatting erases everything. Try the drive on another PC first. If it holds important files and won’t open anywhere, a data recovery app or service is a better next step than formatting.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove an external drive safely?
See how to eject an external hard drive in Windows 11.
Why is my drive listed twice?
One disk can have more than one volume, and each volume gets its own letter.
Is C: always the main hard drive?
Almost always. Windows is installed on C: by default, and that drive holds your apps and user folders. Other letters, such as D: or E:, are second drives, partitions, USB drives, or the recovery partition if it has a letter.
How do I see how much space is left?
Open File Explorer and select This PC. The bar under each drive shows used space, and it turns red when a drive is nearly full. For a breakdown by type of file, go to Settings > System > Storage.
Can I find the drive’s model and serial number?
Yes. In Device Manager, expand Disk drives to see the model. For the serial number, open Terminal and run Get-PhysicalDisk | Select-Object FriendlyName, SerialNumber.
Where is the D drive?
Many PCs don’t have one. If yours does, it’s listed under This PC next to C:.
Microsoft’s reference is Storage settings in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
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.
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