How to Find Out What's Taking Up Disk Space
It’s common to find your computer’s disk unexpectedly full, often without a clear idea of which files or folders are using the most space. Here are some effective methods to help you understand what's occupying space on your disk.
1. Using Built-in Tools on Windows and macOS
Both Windows and macOS come with built-in tools that allow you to analyze disk structure and identify files that take up significant space.
Windows
- Open File Explorer and right-click on the drive you want to check.
- Select “Properties” and go to the “General” tab. Here, you'll see a pie chart showing used and free space.
- For more detailed analysis, you can use “Storage”. Go to Settings → System → Storage to view storage distribution by categories (like documents, images, videos, etc.).
macOS
- Go to “Apple Menu” → “About This Mac” → “Storage”.
- This shows a visual breakdown of disk usage by category (such as applications, documents, and more).
2. Using Third-Party Programs
If you need a more in-depth report, third-party programs can be highly useful. They provide detailed information on folder and file sizes, helping you quickly locate large or infrequently used files.
Popular Programs for Disk Space Analysis:
- WinDirStat (for Windows): Offers a visual map of your disk with color coding for different file types.
- TreeSize (for Windows): Displays folder and file sizes, helping you identify large elements quickly.
- DaisyDisk (for macOS): A visual disk analyzer with a simple interface that allows deleting unnecessary files directly within the app.
- Disk Drill (for Windows and macOS): Besides analysis, it supports data recovery, which can be helpful.
3. Using the Command Line
For Windows:
du -hThis command in PowerShell (with the du utility installed) displays folder sizes in the current directory.
For macOS and Linux:
du -sh *This command will show the size of each folder and file in the current directory, helping you quickly determine what's taking up the most space.