Want to know how much space you’ve got left on your hard disk? It’s super easy on Windows 10! Just head to the “This PC” section in File Explorer, check out the “Devices and drives” area, and you’ll see how much space each of your drives has left. All done!
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Check Total Hard Disk Space in Windows 10
Alright, let’s break it down. This guide will show you exactly how to check the total hard disk space available on your Windows 10 system, step by step.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Start by opening File Explorer.
You can do this quickly by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard. This is like your gateway to all the files and drives on your computer.
Step 2: Navigate to “This PC”
In File Explorer, click on “This PC” from the left-hand menu.
“This PC” is where you’ll see all your connected drives. Think of it as a dashboard for your computer’s storage.
Step 3: Check the “Devices and drives” Section
Look at the “Devices and drives” section in the main window.
Here, you’ll see all your drives listed. Underneath each drive, there’s a handy bar that shows you how much of it is used and how much is free. Neat, right?
Step 4: View Total and Free Space
Hover over a drive to get more details, or right-click and select “Properties” for an in-depth look.
When you right-click and go to “Properties,” a new window will pop up showing you both the used space and the free space, along with the total capacity of the drive. It’s like getting a report card for your drives!
After following these steps, you’ll know exactly how much space is left on your hard disk.
Tips for Checking Total Hard Disk Space in Windows 10
- Shortcut Use: Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer quickly.
- Multiple Drives: If you have more than one drive, check each one individually.
- External Drives: Don’t forget, this method works for external drives too.
- Disk Cleanup: Use Disk Cleanup to free up space if your drive is almost full.
- Storage Sense: Enable Storage Sense in Settings to manage disk space automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I see hidden files that might be taking up space?
In File Explorer, click on the “View” tab and check the “Hidden items” box. This will show hidden files.
Can I check disk space using Command Prompt?
Yes, open Command Prompt and type wmic logicaldisk get size,freespace,caption. This will list all drives and their space details.
What if my drive is almost full?
Consider deleting unnecessary files, uninstalling unused programs, or using Disk Cleanup to free up space.
Is there a way to get a detailed breakdown of used space?
Yes, use a tool like WinDirStat. It provides a visual breakdown of your disk usage.
Can I increase the space on my hard disk?
You can’t increase the physical space, but adding an external hard drive or replacing your current one with a larger drive are good options.
Summary
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to “This PC”.
- Check the “Devices and drives” section.
- View total and free space.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check the total hard disk space in Windows 10 is a fundamental skill for any computer user. Whether you’re trying to install new software, download a large file, or simply keep your system running smoothly, keeping an eye on your disk space is crucial. Think of it like managing a budget—if you know how much you have, you can plan accordingly and avoid running out unexpectedly.
For further reading, you might want to explore tools like Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense, which can help you manage your space more efficiently. And if you’re consistently running low on space, it might be time to consider an upgrade or investing in an external hard drive.
Remember, keeping your hard disk organized can lead to better performance and less stress. So, go ahead and check your disk space now—you’ll be glad you did! And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to revisit this guide. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.