How to Check Total Hard Disk Space in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

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If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11 or bought a new PC, one of the first things you might want to know is how much storage space you actually have. After all, storage is like your closet—it fills up faster than you expect! Whether you’re planning to install games, store family photos, or download work files, knowing how to check your total hard disk space in Windows 11 helps you manage your data better.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method to check your storage—from the simplest File Explorer trick to advanced tools like Disk Management and Command Prompt. Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy; we’ll keep it beginner-friendly and step-by-step.

Why Checking Disk Space in Windows 11 Matters

Imagine downloading a massive new game, only to find out halfway through that you don’t have enough space. Frustrating, right? That’s why regularly checking your hard disk space in Windows 11 is important. It helps you:

  • Avoid sudden “low disk space” warnings

  • Plan upgrades (SSD/HDD) if needed

  • Optimize your PC’s performance

  • Organize files better

Simply put, knowing your available storage saves you from unexpected headaches.

Understanding Disk Space Basics (Total, Used, Free)

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly clear up some terms you’ll see:

Term Meaning
Total Space The complete storage capacity of your hard drive or SSD.
Used Space How much of that storage is currently occupied by files, apps, and OS.
Free Space The remaining storage you can still use.

Think of it like a water bottle:

  • Bottle capacity = Total space

  • Water inside = Used space

  • Empty space = Free space

Method 1: Check Hard Disk Space via File Explorer

This is the easiest and most common way.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

  2. In the left sidebar, click This PC.

  3. Under “Devices and drives,” you’ll see your drives (C:, D:, etc.) with a storage bar.

  4. Hover over the drive to see total space, used space, and free space.

👉 Tip: Right-click the drive → Select Properties → You’ll get a detailed pie chart view.

Method 2: Check Disk Space in Windows Settings

Windows 11’s Settings app provides a modern interface to view storage.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System > Storage.

  3. The Local Disk (C:) section shows total and used storage.

This method also gives you an overview of how different file categories (apps, documents, photos) are using space.

Method 3: Use the Storage Settings Page

Want more details? The Storage page lets you drill down.

Steps:

  1. From the Settings > Storage page, click on your main drive (usually C:).

  2. Windows will analyze your storage and display a breakdown:

    • Apps & features

    • Temporary files

    • Documents

    • Pictures, Videos, etc.

👉 Great for identifying what’s eating up space.

Method 4: Check Storage in Task Manager

Task Manager isn’t just for ending frozen apps—it also shows disk usage.

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Switch to the Performance tab.

  3. Select Disk (C:) from the sidebar.

  4. Here, you’ll see total size, used space, and real-time activity.

This is useful if you want to monitor performance while running apps.

Method 5: Find Disk Space via Disk Management Tool

For more advanced users, Disk Management is very handy.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.

  2. You’ll see all connected drives with their capacity, partitions, and free space.

  3. Right-click a partition → Properties for detailed info.

👉 This tool is perfect for checking external hard drives or creating new partitions.

Method 6: Use Command Prompt (CMD)

Prefer the old-school way? CMD works like a charm.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.

  2. Type the command:

    wmic logicaldisk get size,freespace,caption

  3. CMD will show each drive’s total size and free space in bytes.

👉 You can convert bytes to GB by dividing the number by 1,073,741,824.

Method 7: Check Storage with PowerShell

PowerShell offers more flexibility than CMD.

Steps:

  1. Right-click Start → Choose Windows Terminal (Admin).

  2. Type the command:

    Get-PSDrive -PSProvider FileSystem

  3. You’ll see a list of drives with used and free space.

Method 8: See Hard Disk Info in System Information Tool

Want a quick report? The System Information tool has you covered.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.

  2. In the left panel, expand Components > Storage > Disks.

  3. You’ll see detailed disk information, including size, partitions, and manufacturer.

Method 9: Use Third-Party Tools for Detailed Storage Insights

Sometimes, built-in tools aren’t enough. Third-party apps provide a graphical and detailed breakdown.

Popular tools include:

  • WinDirStat – Visualizes storage with colored blocks.

  • TreeSize Free – Displays folder sizes in a tree format.

  • CrystalDiskInfo – Monitors disk health alongside capacity.

👉 These are great if you want deeper insights into which folders or files are hogging space.

How to Monitor Disk Space Continuously

Instead of manually checking, you can:

  • Enable Storage Sense in Settings (automatically frees up space).

  • Pin This PC to Quick Access for one-click access.

  • Use third-party monitoring widgets or apps.

What to Do If Your Disk Is Almost Full

Running out of space? Here’s what you can do:

  1. Delete temporary files – Settings > Storage > Temporary files.

  2. Uninstall unused apps – Control Panel or Settings.

  3. Move files to external storage – USB or external HDD.

  4. Use OneDrive/Cloud – Free up local space.

  5. Run Disk Cleanup – Search “Disk Cleanup” and select drive.

Tips to Free Up Space in Windows 11

  • Clear the Recycle Bin regularly.

  • Move large videos/photos to an external drive.

  • Use Storage Sense for automation.

  • Compress rarely used files.

  • Upgrade to a larger SSD/HDD if needed.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Checking your total hard disk space in Windows 11 is simple, and you have multiple ways to do it—from the beginner-friendly File Explorer to advanced tools like PowerShell.

  • For quick checks → Use File Explorer or Settings.

  • For detailed views → Use Disk Management, CMD, or PowerShell.

  • For monitoring and cleanup → Enable Storage Sense or use third-party tools.

By keeping an eye on your storage, you’ll avoid surprises, boost performance, and ensure smooth daily use.

FAQs

1. How do I check free space on my C drive in Windows 11?
Open File Explorer > This PC > Local Disk (C:). It shows free and total space.

2. Can I see how much each folder takes up in Windows 11?
Yes, go to Settings > Storage > Local Disk (C:) for a breakdown, or use apps like WinDirStat.

3. What’s the fastest way to check disk space?
Press Windows + E, select This PC, and view the storage bars.

4. Does Windows 11 warn me if disk space is low?
Yes, you’ll see a “Low Disk Space” notification when space is critically low.

5. How do I free up space quickly?
Delete temporary files, clear the Recycle Bin, uninstall unused apps, or enable Storage Sense.

✅ Key Takeaway: Checking your disk space in Windows 11 is crucial for performance and organization. Use the method that suits you best and keep your storage clutter-free!

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