Managing storage is one of those things we often forget until we suddenly run out of space. If you’re using Windows 11, checking your storage is quick and easy—but the system offers more than just a number showing how much space you have left. You can see exactly what’s taking up space, whether it’s apps, photos, videos, or system files.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through different ways to view storage on Windows 11, step by step, so you’ll always know what’s happening inside your PC.
Why Check Storage on Windows 11?
Think of your storage like a closet. If you never look inside, it eventually gets cluttered with things you don’t even need. Regularly checking storage helps you:
- Prevent your PC from slowing down.
- Spot large, unnecessary files.
- Avoid “low disk space” warnings.
- Plan upgrades if you need more storage.
Ways to View Storage on Windows 11
Windows 11 gives you multiple ways to check your storage. Let’s go through them one by one.
Method 1: Using Windows Settings
The Settings app is the easiest and most detailed way to view storage.
Step 1: Open Settings
- Press Windows + I on your keyboard, or click the Start Menu → Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Storage
- Go to System → Storage.
Step 3: View Breakdown
- Here you’ll see:
- Total disk space.
- How much is used.
- Categories like Apps, Documents, Temporary Files, System Files, etc.
👉 This method gives you a quick snapshot of what’s eating up your space.
Method 2: Using File Explorer
If you just want to see free space quickly:
Step 1: Open File Explorer
- Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer.
Step 2: Go to This PC
- From the left sidebar, click This PC.
Step 3: Check Drives
- Under “Devices and drives,” you’ll see each drive with a progress bar showing used vs free space.
This is great if you have multiple drives (like SSD + HDD).
Method 3: Using Storage Sense
Windows 11 comes with Storage Sense, a tool that automatically manages space.
Step 1: Open Storage Settings
- Go to Settings → System → Storage.
Step 2: Turn On Storage Sense
- Scroll down and toggle Storage Sense.
Step 3: Customize Settings
- Choose how often Windows should clean temporary files, recycle bin, and downloads.
This doesn’t just let you view storage but also automatically frees up space.
Method 4: Using Disk Management
If you’re curious about partitions or want a technical view:
Step 1: Open Disk Management
- Press Windows + X → Select Disk Management.
Step 2: View Drives & Partitions
- You’ll see your drives, their partitions, file system type, and available space.
This is especially useful if you’ve recently added a new hard drive.
Method 5: Using Command Prompt or PowerShell
For advanced users, you can check storage using commands.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
- Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.
Step 2: Enter Command
Type:
wmic logicaldisk get size,freespace,caption
This will show free and total space for each drive.
👉 PowerShell offers similar results with the command:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider FileSystem
Method 6: Using Task Manager
Task Manager also lets you see storage activity.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Step 2: Go to Performance Tab
- Select Performance → Disk.
Here, you’ll see not only storage size but also real-time disk usage.
Tips for Managing Storage Better
- Delete Temporary Files: Go to Settings → Storage → Temporary Files and remove junk.
- Uninstall Unused Apps: Free up GBs by removing apps you never use.
- Move Files to Cloud: Use OneDrive or Google Drive to store photos and documents.
- Add External Storage: If you constantly run low, consider an external SSD or HDD.
Conclusion
Checking your storage on Windows 11 is simple and can save you from a lot of headaches later. Whether you use Settings, File Explorer, or even Command Prompt, you’ll always know how much space you’ve got left and what’s taking it up.
So next time your PC feels sluggish, don’t panic—just peek into your storage and tidy things up.
FAQs
1. How do I check storage on my laptop running Windows 11?
Go to Settings → System → Storage to see a detailed breakdown.
2. Can I add more storage to Windows 11?
Yes, you can add external drives, upgrade your internal SSD/HDD, or use cloud storage.
3. What is Storage Sense in Windows 11?
It’s a built-in tool that automatically deletes unnecessary files to free up space.
4. How do I check if my storage is SSD or HDD?
Go to Task Manager → Performance Tab → Disk to see the drive type.
5. Why is my storage full even after deleting files?
Files might still be in the Recycle Bin or taken up by system/temporary files. Empty the bin and clear temp files to fix this.