Disk space is a critical resource for any computer, and knowing how to monitor it ensures your system runs efficiently. Here are five methods to check the available and used disk space on a Windows computer.
1. Using File Explorer
File Explorer offers a simple way to view your disk space at a glance.
Open File Explorer: Press Win + E or click on the File Explorer icon.
Navigate to “This PC” or “Computer”: In the left-hand panel, select This PC (or Computer for older Windows versions).
View Disk Information: You’ll see a list of all drives. Each drive shows its total capacity and the available free space directly below its name.
2. Using Disk Management
The Disk Management tool provides a more detailed view of your drives.
Open Disk Management:
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type diskmgmt.msc and press Enter.
View Drive Details:
The Disk Management window displays all connected drives, including partitions, their sizes, and available space.
3. Using Command Prompt
Command Prompt allows for quick access to disk information via commands.
Open Command Prompt:
Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Run the Disk Space Command:
Type the following and press Enter:bashCopy codewmic logicaldisk get size,freespace,caption
This will display all drives along with their total size and free space in bytes.
4. Using PowerShell
PowerShell offers a versatile way to query system resources, including disk space.
Open PowerShell:
Press Win + R, type powershell, and press Enter.
Run the Disk Space Command:
Use the following command:powershellCopy codeGet-PSDrive -PSProvider FileSystem
This will list all logical drives and their used and free space.
5. Using Performance Monitor
For real-time monitoring, the Performance Monitor is an advanced tool.
Open Performance Monitor:
Press Win + R, type perfmon, and press Enter.
Add a Counter:
In the Performance Monitor, add a counter for LogicalDisk to view and monitor space utilization in real time.
Why Monitor Disk Space?
Monitoring your disk space is essential for:
System Performance: Low disk space can slow down your computer.
Software Updates: Many updates require sufficient free space.
Data Security: Full drives can result in data corruption or loss.
For users managing servers, including Windows-based VPS servers, keeping track of disk space is critical for maintaining uptime and performance.
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