Is your Windows 11 PC running out of space? Ever wondered what’s hogging all that storage? Finding the biggest files on your system can help you free up space, speed up your computer, and keep your drives organized.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore several ways to locate the largest files on Windows 11 using built-in tools and third-party options.
Why Find the Biggest Files on Your PC?
Imagine your storage as a cluttered attic. There might be one or two old boxes taking up half the space while you’re stressing over where to put new stuff.
By identifying and removing large files you no longer need, you can:
- Free up storage space quickly
- Improve system performance
- Avoid unnecessary cloud storage or external drive expenses
- Organize your files better
Built-in Methods to Find Large Files in Windows 11
Windows 11 provides a few native ways to locate big files without installing any extra software.
1. Use File Explorer Search
File Explorer lets you search for large files using filters.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
Step 2: Choose a Drive or Folder
Go to This PC or select the drive where you suspect large files are stored.
Step 3: Use Search Filters
In the search bar, type:
size:>500MB
(Change the number as needed: 100MB, 1GB, etc.)
Step 4: Sort by Size
Click the View > Sort by > Size option to arrange files from largest to smallest.
2. Use Storage Settings (Storage Sense)
Windows 11 has a built-in storage management tool.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Go to Storage
Navigate to:
System > Storage.
Step 3: View Storage Breakdown
Click on the drive to see how space is used (Apps, Pictures, Temporary files, etc.).
Step 4: Manage Large Files
Use the Cleanup recommendations option to remove unnecessary large files.
3. Use Command Prompt
For those who like a command-line approach, you can use the dir command.
Steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type:
dir C:\ /S /O:-S /B > C:\largefiles.txt - This will list files by size in a text file located at C:\largefiles.txt.
4. Check Downloads and Recycle Bin
Sometimes, the biggest culprits are right under your nose:
- Go to your Downloads folder and sort by size.
- Empty your Recycle Bin if it contains large deleted files.
Third-Party Tools to Find Biggest Files
While built-in tools work, third-party apps often give a more visual and powerful experience.
1. WinDirStat
- Free, lightweight, and easy to use.
- Shows a treemap of file sizes and types.
How to Use:
- Download and install WinDirStat.
- Select your drive.
- Wait for the scan to complete and view the largest files visually.
2. TreeSize Free
- Another great tool for scanning large files.
- Provides a hierarchical view of folders and their sizes.
Steps:
- Install TreeSize Free.
- Choose a folder or drive.
- View largest files in descending order.
3. SpaceSniffer
- Portable and visual.
- Great for quick scans without installation.
How to Decide Which Files to Delete
Just because a file is large doesn’t mean you should delete it. Ask yourself:
- Do I use it regularly?
- Can I move it to external storage or cloud?
- Is it a system file? (If yes, leave it alone!)
Tips to Prevent Storage from Filling Up Again
- Empty Downloads regularly.
- Use OneDrive or Google Drive for rarely accessed files.
- Enable Storage Sense to auto-delete temporary files.
- Uninstall unused apps and games.
What About System Files?
Some large files are essential for Windows 11 to run properly (e.g., pagefile.sys, hiberfil.sys). Do not delete them manually.
Instead, adjust related settings:
- Disable hibernation if you don’t use it:
powercfg -h off - Limit system restore points if they’re too large.
How to Free Up Space Safely After Finding Large Files
- Backup important data before deletion.
- Move files to external or cloud storage if unsure.
- Use Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense to remove junk files.
Advanced Method: Use PowerShell
For power users, PowerShell offers even more flexibility.
Command:
Get-ChildItem -Path C:\ -Recurse -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |
Sort-Object Length -Descending |
Select-Object FullName, @{Name="Size(GB)";Expression={[math]::Round($_.Length/1GB,2)}} -First 50
This lists the top 50 largest files on your C: drive.
Should You Use a Dedicated Disk Analyzer?
If your storage fills up frequently or you manage multiple drives, yes!
Dedicated disk analyzers like WinDirStat, TreeSize, or SpaceSniffer make it easier to spot space hogs visually.
Conclusion
Finding the biggest files on Windows 11 isn’t complicated—it’s about using the right tools. Whether you rely on File Explorer, Storage Settings, or third-party apps, regularly checking for large files can help keep your system fast, organized, and clutter-free.
Take a few minutes today to scan your drives—you might be surprised how much space you can reclaim!
FAQs
1. What is the quickest way to find large files in Windows 11?
Use File Explorer with the search filter size:>500MB to quickly locate large files.
2. Can I delete all large files I find?
No, some are system files. Always verify their purpose before deleting.
3. Does deleting large files improve performance?
Yes, especially if your storage drive is nearly full. It can improve system speed and responsiveness.
4. Are third-party tools safe?
Reputable ones like WinDirStat and TreeSize are safe if downloaded from official sites.
5. How often should I check for large files?
At least every few months, or whenever your storage starts filling up.