If your Windows 11 computer feels slower than usual or keeps running out of storage, chances are some giant files are hogging up space. But how do you actually track them down? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll go through simple, step-by-step ways to find the biggest files on your PC running Windows 11, so you can clean up and free space in no time.

Table of Contents

Why Finding Large Files Matters

Clutter Eats Up Storage

Large files—think videos, ISO images, or old backups—take up massive amounts of disk space. Once your hard drive is full, your system performance drops.

Speed and Performance Boost

By identifying and deleting unnecessary large files, you give your system breathing room, which translates into faster performance.

Better Organization

Finding the largest files also helps you stay organized. You’ll know where your space is going and can decide what’s important to keep.

Methods to Find Large Files in Windows 11

There are multiple ways to locate those space-hogging files. Let’s break it down from built-in tools to third-party options.

Method 1: Using File Explorer Search

Step 1: Open File Explorer

Click the folder icon on your taskbar or press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

Step 2: Go to “This PC”

Navigate to This PC so the search includes your entire system.

Step 3: Use Size Filters

Click inside the search bar.
Type: size:>1GB (this finds files larger than 1GB).
You can adjust the number (e.g., size:>500MB).

Step 4: Sort by Size

Once the search results appear, right-click inside the window → Sort by → Size → Largest to Smallest.

👉 This is the simplest way but can take time if you have thousands of files.

Method 2: Using Windows Settings (Storage Sense)

Step 1: Open Settings

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.

Step 2: Navigate to Storage

Go to System → Storage.

Step 3: Check Storage Usage

Windows 11 automatically categorizes storage usage (Apps, Temporary Files, Videos, etc.).

Step 4: Click “Show More Categories”

Here, you’ll see which folders are the biggest culprits.

👉 Great for quick insights, though it doesn’t show individual files.

Method 3: Command Prompt Trick

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

Search for cmd and run it as Administrator.

Step 2: Use This Command

dir /S /O:-S /B > bigfiles.txt

/S → Scans all subfolders
/O:-S → Orders by size (largest first)
/B → Simplifies the output

This creates a text file (bigfiles.txt) listing your largest files.

👉 A bit geeky, but powerful.

Method 4: Using PowerShell

Step 1: Open PowerShell

Search for PowerShell and run it as Administrator.

Step 2: Run This Command

Get-ChildItem -Path C:\ -Recurse | Sort-Object Length -Descending | Select-Object FullName, Length -First 20

This shows the top 20 largest files on your C: drive.

👉 Faster and more precise than File Explorer.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Tools

Sometimes the built-in tools aren’t enough. That’s when third-party apps shine.

WinDirStat

Free, open-source
Visualizes your files in colored blocks (bigger blocks = bigger files)

TreeSize Free

Simple, user-friendly
Shows a breakdown of folder sizes

SpaceSniffer

Portable (no installation required)
Gives a neat graphical map of your files

👉 These tools save time and make the process more visual.

Where to Check for Large Files on Windows 11

Even before scanning, here are common spots that hide massive files:

1. Downloads Folder

It often becomes a graveyard of installers, old documents, and videos.

2. Recycle Bin

Even after deleting, files remain until you empty the bin.

3. AppData Folder

Many apps store logs, caches, or backups here.

4. Videos & Pictures

Unedited 4K videos or RAW images can balloon into tens of gigabytes.

5. Temporary Files

Windows updates, crash dumps, and cached files pile up here.

Tips Before Deleting Big Files

Double-check what you’re deleting (you don’t want to lose an important project).
Back up files to an external drive or cloud before removal.
Use Disk Cleanup to safely remove system-generated junk.

How to Prevent Storage Bloat in the Future

Enable Storage Sense

Automatically clears temporary files and recycle bin items.

Regular Backups

Move big files (like videos) to external drives or cloud storage.

Uninstall Unused Apps

Games and software can take up dozens of gigabytes.

Organize Files Monthly

Think of it like cleaning your closet—don’t wait until it’s overflowing.

Common Mistakes People Make

Deleting files without checking if they’re system-critical.
Ignoring hidden folders where apps store data.
Forgetting to clear cloud sync caches (like OneDrive).

When to Upgrade Instead of Deleting

If you constantly run out of space, even after cleaning, it might be time to:

Upgrade to a larger HDD or SSD.
Use an external hard drive.
Leverage cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox).

Conclusion

Finding the biggest files on your Windows 11 PC doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether you prefer File Explorer, PowerShell, or a fancy tool like WinDirStat, you now know exactly how to hunt down those space hogs. Remember: cleaning up large files not only gives you more storage but also keeps your PC running smoothly.

FAQs

1. Can I safely delete everything from the Temp folder?
Yes, most temporary files are safe to delete, but make sure no apps are running before you clear them.

2. What’s better—using built-in tools or third-party apps?
Built-in tools are great for quick fixes, but third-party apps give more detailed insights and visuals.

3. How often should I clean large files?
Once every 1–2 months is a good habit, depending on your usage.

4. Will deleting large files make my PC faster?
It won’t boost raw performance but will free up space, preventing lag from storage issues.

5. Can I recover accidentally deleted large files?
Yes, if they’re still in the Recycle Bin. Otherwise, you’ll need recovery software.