When your computer starts acting sluggish or you keep getting “low storage” warnings, it’s time to check how much space is left on your Windows 11 device. But don’t worry—it’s easier than you think! In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to view storage on Windows 11 using simple, step-by-step instructions. By the end, you’ll know exactly where your space is going, how to free it up, and how to manage it like a pro.
Why Should You Check Storage on Windows 11?
Before diving into the steps, let’s answer the big “why.” Why does storage matter?
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Performance issues – A full hard drive can slow down your PC.
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Updates require space – Windows updates need free space to install properly.
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App and file management – Knowing where your storage is used helps you clean up unnecessary files.
Think of it like your closet—if it’s full of old clothes you don’t wear, there’s no room for new ones.
Different Ways to Check Storage on Windows 11
Windows 11 offers multiple ways to view storage. Here are the main ones we’ll cover:
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Using Settings
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Using File Explorer
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Using Command Prompt (CMD)
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Using Disk Management
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Using Third-Party Tools
Method 1: View Storage via Windows 11 Settings
This is the simplest way and gives you a clear breakdown of where your storage is being used.
Step 1: Open Settings
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Press Windows + I on your keyboard.
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Or, click Start > Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Storage
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Go to System > Storage.
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Here, you’ll see your main drive (usually labeled C:) and how much space is used vs. free.
Step 3: View Detailed Breakdown
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Scroll down, and you’ll find categories like:
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Apps & Features
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Temporary Files
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System & Reserved
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Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc.
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This makes it easy to figure out what’s eating up your storage.
Method 2: Check Storage with File Explorer
If you just want a quick look without diving deep:
Step 1: Open File Explorer
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Press Windows + E or click the folder icon on your taskbar.
Step 2: Click on ‘This PC’
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On the left sidebar, click This PC.
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You’ll see all your drives with a blue bar showing used vs. free space.
Step 3: Right-Click for Properties
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Right-click a drive > select Properties.
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A pie chart will pop up showing detailed storage usage.
Method 3: Use Command Prompt (CMD) to Check Storage
For those who like the old-school method:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
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Press Windows + S, type cmd, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Enter the Command
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Type:
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Press Enter.
Step 3: Read the Output
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You’ll see a list of drives with free space and total size (in bytes).
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Not the prettiest view, but very accurate.
Method 4: View Storage Using Disk Management
Disk Management is more advanced, great for checking partitions.
Step 1: Open Disk Management
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Press Windows + X > select Disk Management.
Step 2: View All Drives
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Here, you’ll see a graphical view of your drives and partitions.
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Each drive shows total capacity and free space.
Step 3: Manage Storage
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You can shrink, extend, or create new partitions if needed.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Tools
If you want more detailed insights, apps like WinDirStat, TreeSize Free, or CCleaner give you a visual map of your storage.
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They show which folders take the most space.
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Great for cleaning up old files you forgot about.
How to Free Up Space After Checking Storage
Now that you know how to view storage, here’s how to clean it up:
1. Delete Temporary Files
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Go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary Files.
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Select unnecessary files and delete them.
2. Use Storage Sense
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Turn on Storage Sense to automatically clear junk files.
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Find it under Settings > Storage.
3. Uninstall Unused Apps
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Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
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Remove apps you no longer use.
4. Move Files to External Storage or Cloud
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Use OneDrive, Google Drive, or an external hard drive to store large files.
Storage Tips for Windows 11 Users
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Keep at least 15–20% of your drive free for best performance.
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Regularly run Disk Cleanup or use Storage Sense.
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Don’t forget to empty the Recycle Bin—yes, it still counts as used space!
Troubleshooting: When Storage Numbers Don’t Add Up
Sometimes, you might notice free space doesn’t match what you expect. Common causes:
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Hidden system files
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Hibernation file
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System restore points
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Reserved storage for updates
To fix this, you can reduce hibernation size or limit restore points.
Advanced Option: Check Storage in Task Manager
Another quick way:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Go to the Performance tab.
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Click on Disk—you’ll see capacity, used space, and read/write speeds.
When Should You Upgrade Your Storage?
If you’re constantly running out of space:
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Consider an SSD upgrade – Faster and more reliable than HDDs.
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Add external storage – Affordable way to expand space.
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Use cloud storage – Great for files you don’t need offline.
Conclusion
Checking your storage on Windows 11 is as easy as opening a closet door—you just need to know where to look. Whether you use Settings, File Explorer, Command Prompt, Disk Management, or third-party tools, you’ll always have a way to keep track of your space. Once you know what’s taking up room, you can free it up and keep your PC running smoothly.
So, next time your laptop feels slow or you get that dreaded “low space” message, you’ll know exactly what to do.
FAQs
1. How do I check storage on Windows 11 quickly?
Open File Explorer, go to This PC, and check the storage bar under each drive.
2. What’s the difference between storage and memory (RAM)?
Storage is where files are saved permanently, while RAM is temporary memory used when running apps.
3. Can I increase storage on my Windows 11 laptop?
Yes! You can add an external hard drive, upgrade your SSD, or use cloud storage.
4. Why does Windows show less free space than expected?
System files, hidden files, and reserved update storage often take up space you can’t see easily.
5. Is it safe to delete temporary files in Windows 11?
Yes, temporary files are safe to delete. Windows creates new ones when needed.