How to find large files. How to clearly see which folders and files on your computer take up the most space

When the system notifies you that the disk is running out of free space, the first thing the administrator does is try to find all the large files that take up the most space. You can use Windows Explorer (there are several predefined search templates by size), your favorite file manager, or third-party utilities to search for large files. However, all of these tools, unlike PowerShell, require installation on your computer. Let's look at an example of quickly searching for large files on disk using PowerShell.

To get a list of files in a specific directory (including subfolders) and their sizes, you can use the cmdlet Get-ChildItem. The cmdlet can search for files across the entire disk, or in a specific folder (for example, in user profiles or any other folders).

Let's list the 10 largest files on the C:\ drive:

Get-ChildItem c:\ -r| sort -descending -property length | select -first 10 name, Length

Depending on the size of the disk and the number of files on it, the command may take some time to complete.

Key –r(Recurse) indicates that it is necessary to recursively traverse all nested objects (directories). You can limit the scan to a certain nesting level using the parameter –Depth.

If you do not specify a path, all subdirectories in the current directory will be searched.

As you can see, we've got a list of the ten largest files on disk, sorted in order of decreasing file size.

Advice. When accessing some directories, even with administrator rights, the cmdlet may return an access error:

Get-ChildItem: Access denied to path "C:\Windows\CSC".
line:1 character:1
+ Get-ChildItem c:\ -r|sort -descending -property length | select -firs...
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+ CategoryInfo: PermissionDenied: (C:\Windows\CSC:String) , UnauthorizedAccessException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId: DirUnauthorizedAccessError,Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.GetChildItemCommand

To suppress the occurrence of such errors, use the parameter -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue.

As you can see, the file sizes are displayed in bytes. For convenience, they can be converted to megabytes. You can also display the directory where the found file is stored:

Get-ChildItem c:\ -r -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |sort -descending -property length | select -first 10 name, DirectoryName, @(Name="MB";Expression=(::round($_.length / 1MB, 2)))

The resulting table can be converted into a convenient graphical form using the Out-GridView cmdlet:

Get-ChildItem c:\ -r|sort -descending -property length | select -first 10 name, DirectoryName, @(Name="MB";Expression=(::round($_.length / 1MB, 2))) | Out-GridView

In a similar way, you can find all files whose size is larger than a certain value, for example, 200 MB):

$size=200*1024*1024
GCi C:\ -recurse -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | where-object ($_.length -gt $size) | Sort-Object length | ft fullname

The list of files can be uploaded to a CSV file like this:

GCi C:\ -recurse | where-object ($_.length -gt $size) | Sort-Object length | ft fullname | Export-Csv c:\pc\LargeFiles_Report.csv

Lack of free space on your hard drive is a constant problem. With the purchase of a more capacious medium, this problem is not solved, but only worsened: the more information accumulates, the more difficult it is to control it and at the same time maintain a certain conventional order.

There are many utilities for searching for duplicates, outdated and other unnecessary files, but disk servicing does not eliminate the need to independently “sort out the rubble.” These files, as often happens, are stored in folders of various nesting levels. Using file manager tools for searches is one option. By the way, even standard Explorer has a filter and search available. However, there are more efficient, comprehensive solutions for analyzing disk space. Typically they include features such as:

• Scan disks and directories
• Data visualization: display file structure as a chart, graph or map
• Advanced statistics and their export
• Search for duplicates, temporary files
• Filters and advanced search
• Additional tools

Today's guide participants are predominantly free programs. The exceptions are FolderSizes and TreeSize, although the latter also offers a free version in the Free edition. The resulting list of participants looks like this:

• TreeSize
• Scanner
• WinDirStat
• Space Sniffer
• JDiskReport
• Xinorbis
• FolderSizes

TreeSize Pro

TreeSize is a utility for finding files that waste disk space. Includes both information functions (visualization, statistics, export) and service functions: search for duplicates, outdated files, etc.

In the left panel of the TreeSize window there is a disk selection menu and a directory tree where navigation and selection of the scan source is carried out.

The results are displayed on the right side of the window, consisting of tabs. In the Chart section, a chart is available from which you can find out the percentage of directories within the selected source. It is also easy to change the display of data in the form of graphs or maps. Detailed information about the directory (amount of data, space occupied, etc.) is available in the Details tab. Extensions - distribution of data according to their content: video, graphics, text and others. In Age of files - information about the age of files. In addition, it will be useful to analyze the chronology of disk filling (History). All data is available for export in XLS, CSV, HTML, TXT and other formats.

Top 100 contains a list of the largest files on the disk. The accompanying information in the columns of the table allows you to find out the date of the last access or creation of the file - this will help you decide whether to delete or leave the file.

No less interesting in TreeSize are the search (File Search menu). You can use all data types (All Search Types): this, in particular, includes searching for outdated, temporary files, and duplicates. The advantage of searching through TreeSize is undeniable: the program is multi-threaded, works over the network, and supports templates.

Alas, the free (essentially trial) version of TreeSize is significantly inferior to the paid version: multithreading, advanced search, visualization and many other important functions are not supported.

Summary. TreeSize Pro perfectly complements the capabilities of any file manager, allowing you to thoroughly analyze the occupied disk space and directories. A well-customizable interface and search, visualization, export - a standard set included.

[+] Functionality
[+] Advanced file search
[+] Fast multi-threaded scanning
[+] Additional tools

Scanner

Scanner is a free utility for analyzing the contents of your hard drive. No settings, a minimum of options - nevertheless, Scanner is a completely functional solution.

In the left part of the window, you can select a disk for analysis; you can also get information in existing files on all disks using the “Total” button in the lower left corner.

In the center is a pie chart that displays the file structure in segments. Segments, as is easy to note, have several levels of nesting and different colors. When you hover the cursor over a certain area of ​​the diagram, information about the number, size of files, and their location is available. You can move to the directory by clicking on it, or perform operations with the file through the context menu.

Summary. The program will be useful for a quick visual analysis of occupied disk space. As for the available operations with files and directories, they are only sufficient to delete and open files. In other words, you won’t be able to use Scanner as a file manager (with search, display modes, statistics).

[+] Ease of use, intuitiveness
[−] Minimum number of file operations

WinDirStat

WinDirStat is a free utility for analyzing and cleaning your hard drive from unnecessary files.

The program scans the specified sources (directories or local drives) and provides information for analysis in an easy-to-read form. The directory structure is displayed in the form of multi-colored segments of different sizes, depending on the space occupied, at the bottom of the WinDirStat window. The table of color correspondence to the file type is in the upper right corner.

This structure representation has its drawbacks: for example, you cannot find out the file size when hovering, there are no marks. Therefore, in the case of WinDirStat, there is a lack of alternative visualization methods such as graph and chart.

By clicking on a segment, you can get detailed information about the corresponding file and its location. Standard commands are available for files, such as deleting (to the Recycle Bin or permanently), viewing properties, copying the path, and others. In the “Cleaning” section of the program settings, you can create custom actions that allow you to add up to 10 operations from the command line: deleting files, archiving, recursive deleting, and others.

In general, almost all WinDirStat settings come down to design, display of the structure and list of directories. There are no additional utilities, tools for reporting, statistics, or search provided here.

Summary. WinDirStat provides good customization options, but the lack of additional tools and display modes significantly limits the program's use.

[+] Selective scanning
[+] Command line support
[−] One file display mode
[−] Lack of detailed statistics and reporting

SpaceSniffer

SpaceSniffer is a free utility with a fully customizable interface and data display mode in the form of a map. Compared to similar solutions, notable features include multithreading, search (including network search), and NTFS support.

For processing, you can select not only a disk from the list, but also a directory by specifying the path in the Path line. As a result of scanning, a map is formed in the form of blocks. The level of nesting can be adjusted using the Less/More Detail buttons - accordingly, the detail is reduced or increased. By clicking on a block, you can view its contents without going to the catalog. Navigating deeper through catalogs is no less convenient. There are no additional display modes in SpaceSniffer, but you can customize the design to your liking through the main settings (Edit - Configure).

Statistics functions are presented modestly. If desired, you can export to a text file: summary information, a list of files, as well as files grouped into folders. Interestingly, reports can be created using templates.

Additional features include tags and a filter. Filtering is carried out using the specified mask; the syntax is described in the Filtering help section. You can search by size, folder name, tags, attributes and other data. Tags allow you to make selections from data for subsequent filtering and batch operations. They can be thought of as temporary bookmarks within a session.

Summary. SpaceSniffer does not stand out for its wide functionality, but it attracts with its speed of operation, quite convenient display of data in the form of a map and additional tools, such as a filter and tags.

[+] Multi-window interface
[+] Integration with Explorer
[+] Filters and tags
[−] No search

JDiskReport

The free cross-platform utility JdiskReport analyzes which files take up the most disk space. In addition, the program provides statistics on the distribution of data, which can be viewed in the form of graphs and charts.

By selecting a directory or drive to scan, the user can view the collected information or save the result as a snapshot for later opening. This is relevant when constantly working with large volumes of data.

Statistics are divided into tabs: Size, Top 50, Size Dist, Modified and Types. The Size section shows the ratio of files in the selected source. There are several display modes to choose from: 2 types of charts, graph and table. Top 50 contains a list of the largest, oldest and newest files - potential “candidates” for deletion. The Size Dist, Modified and Types sections allow you to see the distribution of files by their size, modification date and type, respectively.

On the one hand, the statistics really give food for thought, on the other hand, navigation through files and sample directories is not thought out in JdiskReport. That is, any file operations are not available, there is only the “Open Explorer...” item in the context menu. There is no export, except that the file table and related information can be copied to the clipboard.

The program settings are mainly responsible for the interface. There are plenty of design themes, but, say, there are no options for displaying columns or a directory tree.

Summary. JdiskReport outperforms Scanner and WinDirStat due to file distribution statistics. But there are also weaknesses - first of all, there are no operations with files and directories.

[+] Statistics
[−] No export
[−] Non-functional context menu

Xinorbis

Xinorbis is a data analyzer on your hard drive with the ability to view statistics in the form of tables, charts and graphs. The program supports scanning on various sources: hard drives, removable media, local network, FireWire, etc.

When selecting a scan source, you can specify multiple paths, include and exclude items, and add favorites. The scan results are displayed in the form of a summary: this information will help you quickly determine the largest file or directory, familiarize yourself with the distribution of data by type, etc.

Detailed information is collected in the Folder properties section of the Tasks section. Data can be viewed in the form of custom graphs, charts, and structured by data type or file extension. Information about the age of data (Dates), chronology (History), and occupied size (Folders) is available. The Top 101 section contains a list of not only the largest and smallest files. The file table displays properties such as creation, modification, and last access dates.

The navigator context menu in Xinorbis is more than functional: it not only contains standard Explorer commands, but also provides for export, archiving, Hex editing, and checksum generation.

The Advanced section contains tools such as searching for duplicates by name and size. Other teams are also expanding their search capabilities. The most interesting section is Folder Detail, which is a filter based on a number of parameters: text, size, file attributes, owner, category.

An important advantage of Xinorbis is customizable reports in HTML, CSV, XML and other formats. As a result, it takes just one click to create a file.

Summary. In Xinorbis, it is most difficult to find shortcomings, since all the standard capabilities of a file analyzer are taken into account: from creating diagrams to exporting reports.

[+] Reporting
[+] Filter and search
[+] Flexible configuration and functionality

FolderSizes

FolderSizes is a program for scanning and analyzing disk space with the ability to export results as a report. Includes tools for searching files by multiple criteria: size, owner, age, etc.

The FolderSizes interface consists of several panels (navigator, drive list, graphs, address bar), as well as a ribbon divided into tabs. The main section is Home, where basic tools for analysis, export and other operations are available.

In the address bar you can specify not only the standard path, but also a server or NAS devices, network and removable media (Analyze path(s) option). The file panel is flexibly customizable, columns are easy to hide or add additional ones. Scan results can be viewed as graphs, charts, or a map in the Bar Graph area. Additional options related to displaying information in panels are available in the Graph tab.

To create reports, use the File Reports tool, which searches based on specified criteria and displays detailed information in a human-readable format. Report export is available in HTML, PDF, XML, CSV, TXT and other formats, including graphic ones. FolderSizes can be easily linked to a scheduler to automatically generate scheduled reports.

In addition to standard reporting functions, FolderSizes offers trend analysis. The Trend Analyzer tool is designed for this and allows you to see changes in size, number of files and other criteria.

Filter and search with rule support, built-in archiver, command line - the capabilities of FolderSizes can be listed further. The functionality of the program is unrivaled.

Summary. FolderSizes pleases with the presence of all the tools necessary for analysis, a user-friendly interface, and additional features that are not available in other programs (for example, trend analysis and archiver). As a result, it will be interesting for study by a wide audience.

[+] Fully customizable interface
[+] Trend analysis tool
[+] Convenient navigation through files and directories
[+] Filter and search

Pivot table

Computer (for example, you can remove duplicate files or squeeze something), but the fastest and most effective method would be - find large files on the disk and delete unnecessary, outdated ones.

Let’s do a quick search for large files on your computer today. A very simple, very fast and very free computer program will search for them. ηSearcher. Its author is Andrei Vyshinsky - many thanks to him for the wonderful product.

In addition to the amazing speed of work, I liked the ηSearcher program for its integration into the Windows Explorer context menu and the ability to highlight important system files that are unwanted for deletion - this function will be useful for novice, inexperienced computer users.

Download ηSearcher

The installation file size is only 1.6 MB

Installation into the operating system should not raise any questions - everything is in Russian, fast and understandable. “Helpful add-ons” and spyware are not installed with ηSearcher - your Anti-Galochnik will remain without work in this case.

We launch the program and start searching for large files on disks...

We tell ηSearcher where to look for large files, what size they are, and additional search parameters. You can also go to advanced and specify data that you know...

We get the result...

As you can see, all large files found are highlighted in green, which means they can be safely deleted for the system. Files that you do not want to delete will be highlighted in orange.

In the “Sorting” program menu, you can specify convenient parameters for displaying a list of found large files.

Now all that remains is to double-click on the desired line to go to the file location and delete it in the standard way.

To be honest, before “testing” the program, I was sure that I knew about all the large files on my laptop disks (only some 250 GB). As it turns out, I was deeply mistaken. The ηSearcher program found me a couple of old, forgotten files with a total size of 3.4 GB.

I advise you to check your computers for unnecessary large files - you may be very surprised.

Finally, for those who want to give a breath of fresh air to their system disk, I will give one more piece of advice: disable hibernation- this usually frees up several gigabytes. And of course, on time get rid of garbage in the system.

Do you know what the most common question my friends ask me is “How to find the largest files on a computer? I cleaned everything, but there was no more free disk space. What else can I delete and how can I find these huge files taking up disk space?”

Let’s tackle these issues now. I have already described to you on the pages of this site, how to find and remove duplicate files, and today I’ll tell you how to find large files on your computer in just a couple of mouse clicks.

I really take the cleanliness of my beloved computer seriously and constantly monitor it, but today I found more than 3 GB of extra files on the system drive alone. I was wildly surprised.

And a small, free and Russian-language program will help us in searching for the largest files on the computer. Ainvo Disk Explorer.

I warn you right away that this program only searches for the largest files on your computer, but you will have to delete them, as well as determine their degree of need yourself.

But don’t be afraid, there’s nothing wrong with that - I’ll show you everything by personal example, as always.

The main principle: if you don’t know what the file is, don’t touch it.

So, let's go, as Gagarin said...

Download Ainvo Disk Explorer: 3.45 MB

Installation and use Ainvo Disk Explorer

The top checkbox can be removed. We have established it, and congratulations to you. We got a program shortcut on the desktop...

The program has started and you can immediately press “Start”...

...or go to “Settings” and select the drive that will be analyzed for the largest files.

The program will think and think, and will give you the result of its analysis, which you can view by clicking...

And this is where the fun begins...

It turns out that after the “complete” removal of the program recently described on the website, I was left with a “tail” of 85 MB in size on the system disk.

By clicking on “Open directory with file” I ended up in the folder with this harmful file and successfully deleted it.

And this 50 MB “tail” has been hanging on the computer for about a year...

Once upon a time I installed “live wallpaper”.

I also found a backup copy of my smartphone, which I said goodbye to 8 months ago. Do you know what size this file was? 2.5 GB!!! On the system disk!!!

I agree that you need to know and remember which programs have long been removed from your computer, but strain your brains - no program will do this for you.

But I don’t know the origin and purpose of these files, so I don’t touch them.

I also strongly advise against touching files whose address begins with...