How to Check Disk Space on a Computer
Low disk space can cause performance issues and limit the ability to install new software or save important files. By checking disk space regularly, a person can free up space by deleting unnecessary files and making room for new ones.
To check for low disk space on a computer, you can use the following methods:
- Using the File Explorer: Open the File Explorer (Windows key + E) and look at the hard drive icons on the left-hand side. If a drive has a low amount of free space, it will show a red bar on top of it.
- Using the Disk Cleanup Utility: Open the Disk Cleanup utility (Start menu > type “disk cleanup” and select it) and select the drive you want to check. The utility will show how much space can be freed up by deleting temporary files, recycling bin items and more.
- Using the Storage Sense Feature: On Windows 10, you can use the Storage sense feature to check for low disk space. Go to Settings > System > Storage and you can see the storage usage of each drive, including the amount of free space available.
- Using the Command Prompt: Open the Command Prompt (Start menu > type “cmd” and select it) and type “chkdsk C:” (replace C with the drive letter you want to check) and press Enter. This will show the disk usage statistics, including the amount of free space.
- Using a third-party tool: Third-party tools available that can provide more detailed information about disk usage and help you identify which files and folders are taking up the most space. Some examples include WinDirStat, Disk Space Fan, and SpaceSniffer.
Regardless of the method used, it’s important to regularly check for low disk space, because it can cause performance issues and may prevent new software from installing or updating. Keep in mind that if the available storage is critical low, consider deleting unnecessary files, moving files to external storage or archiving, or upgrading the storage.
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