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Windows 11⏱ 1 min

How to Check Available Storage on Windows 11

See total, used, and free storage before downloading or installing anything.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Windows reports storage through several overlapping tools: the Properties dialog for each drive in File Explorer, the detailed Storage page in Settings > System > Storage, and the older Disk Management console. The Settings path is the most informative for regular use — it breaks usage into categories like Apps & Features, System & Reserved, Temporary Files, and Other, making it easy to identify what type of content is consuming space. For precise byte-level information across all drives and partitions, the dedicated Disk Management tool (diskmgmt.msc) is more accurate and also shows recovery partitions and EFI system partitions that File Explorer hides.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Press Windows + E to open File Explorer. Right-click the C: drive and select Properties to see used and free space in the General tab.
  2. 2Note free space before downloading large files or installing new apps.
  3. 3If free space is below 10%, follow the Free Up Storage guide before proceeding with your task.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check storage on Windows 11?
Press Windows + E, right-click the C: drive, and select Properties. Or go to Settings > System > Storage for a detailed breakdown by category.
What is the difference between storage and memory (RAM) on Windows 11?
Storage (also called disk space or internal storage) is the permanent space where your files, apps, photos, and OS live. RAM (memory) is the temporary working space the device uses while apps are actively running. They are completely separate — running low on storage does not directly mean you have low RAM, and vice versa.
Why does my Windows 11 show less storage than its advertised size?
All devices reserve space for the operating system, pre-installed apps, and manufacturer files that are not accessible to you. A device advertised as 128 GB typically shows 110–118 GB available after these system partitions. This is normal and expected across all manufacturers.
How do I check how much storage a specific app uses on Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, find the app, click the three-dot menu, and select Advanced options to see the app's total disk usage including data and cache.

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