4

If I go to 'This PC', it says I have 22GB free out of 933GB, which is worrying.

However if I go into the C: drive, select all folders and files (including hidden ones) > right-click > Properties, the total comes to 428GB.

So, there is almost 500GB of space apparently in use, but unaccounted for. What can I do? I've run virus scans, and CCleaner, and optimised the disk (which is an SSD).

How can I find the missing 500GB? Is it possible that Windows is wrong about only 22GB remaining?

Any advice is very much appreciated!

Gwop
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3 Answers3

5

Try using a disk/file scanning program to analyze the disk's usage. These programs look at all the files on a disk and lets you visualize what is taking up all the space. It even categorizes the files for you.

If you arent sure what something is, I wouldnt delete it until you are sure its not something needed.

Here are some programs that can do that: https://www.makeuseof.com/windirstat-alternatives/

Keltari
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5

System files are not always shown, even when show hidden files is selected.

First, try running Windows Disk Cleanup. It will remove a lot of unneeded and hidden system files and backups.

After that finishes, try the TreeSize app. It will scan your drives and tell you exactly how much space is being allocated where.

Luis Alberto Barandiaran
  • 688
5

You can't sum up the used space on the system disk C:. This disk has areas allocated by the operating system that are not visible for user utilities.

You should believe the numbers given by File Explorer. If still in doubt, run an elevated chkdsk C: to ensure that no space is lost, and if it finds no errors then compare its numbers with those of File Explorer.

To reduce Windows usage of the disk, you can:

harrymc
  • 498,455