How to see what’s taking up space on drive on Windows 11

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On Windows 11, if you wonder what’s taking up space on your computer, you can find a quick answer using the Storage settings.

Although the Storage feature usually comes in handy to free up hard drive space, you can also use it to analyze the contents on the drive. This way, you can find out how the available space is being used and know where and what files to remove to reclaim space that otherwise you couldn’t use this feature.

If your computer’s hard drive begins to fill up, Windows 11 also includes “Cleanup Recommendations,” a feature that can tell you the files and apps you can delete to free up space quickly. Alternatively, you can also use third-party tools, such as WinDirStat, to see what files use the most room to take action accordingly.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to use the Storage settings to understand the space usage on Windows 11.

Check what files are taking up space on Windows 11

To see the files taking up space on the hard drive on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Storage page on the right side.

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4. Under the “(C:)” section, see what’s taking up space on Windows 11.

   

5. Click the Show more categories option.

6. See the storage usage by other files, such as temporary files, apps, documents, pictures, and more.

   

7. (Optional) Under the “Storage management” section, click the Advanced storage settings setting.

8. Click the Storage used on other drives option.

   

9. Select the secondary drive.

   

10. See the storage usage of the drive.

    

Once you complete the steps, you will have a clear idea of what files take up most of the space on your computer.

The Storage settings offer an overview of virtually everything stored on any hard drive connected to Windows 11. For example, system files, apps, games, temporary files, and those files stored in the Documents, OneDrive, Pictures, Music, Videos, and files from other people if you are sharing the computer.