If your computer hard drive is running low on space, you need to identify files and folders that occupy the most space on your C drive. This will help you know what files need to be deleted or moved to an external drive to free up space. In this blog, we will guide you on how to find large files on C drive Windows 10. This can help you optimize Windows 10 and make your computer’s performance faster.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To find large files on C drive Windows 10, you don’t need any specialized software or hardware. All you need is Windows 10 operating system installed on a computer. This method is built-in Windows disk space analysis tool named as Storage sense.
What Requires Your Focus?
Finding large files on your C drive may take some time and effort, especially if you have a lot of data stored on your computer. You need to focus on identifying the largest files and folders that occupy the most space on the C drive. It is important to choose those files and folders that you no longer need or those that can be backed up in another location or using a cloud-based service.
Different Methods to Find Large Files on C Drive Windows 10
Method 1: Using Windows File Explorer
1. Open File Explorer on your Windows 10 computer by pressing "Windows Key + E" or clicking on the File Explorer icon.
2. Select "This PC" from the left-hand navigation menu.
3. Right-click on the C drive and select "Properties."
4. In the new window that appears, click on the button "Disk Cleanup."
5. Choose "Clean up system files."
6. Wait for the scan to complete. Once the scan is done, click on "Files to delete."
7. From here, you can select the types of files you want to delete or choose "Clean up system files" to open Disk Cleanup again.
8. Click on "OK" to delete the selected files.
Pros:
– Easy to use
– No additional software required
Cons:
– Scanning can take some time
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
1. Open the Command Prompt by typing "cmd" into the Windows search bar or pressing "Windows Key + X" and selecting "Command Prompt."
2. Type in "cd C:\" to navigate to the root directory of the C drive.
3. Then type in "dir /s /b *.csv" to search for CSV files or a specific file extension.
4. Wait for the scan to complete.
5. A list of files will be generated, showing the name and location of the files.
Pros:
– Quick and efficient
– Can search for specific file types
Cons:
– Requires knowledge of command prompt
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
1. Download and install a third-party disk space management tool like CCleaner or WinDirStat.
2. Open the application and select the C drive you want to scan for large files.
3. Wait for the software to scan the drive.
4. Select the files and folders you want to delete or move to free up space.
Pros:
– Provides in-depth analysis and detailed reports
– Can be used to clean up multiple drives
Cons:
– Additional software installation required
– Some software may be paid
Why Can’t I Find Large Files on C Drive Windows 10?
1. Hidden files
Fix: Go to Control Panel > Folder Options > View. Select "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" and uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)."
2. Corrupted system files
Fix: Type "sfc /scannow" in the Command Prompt and hit Enter.
3. Incorrect folder search location
Fix: Ensure that you are searching the correct location for the files.
Implications and Recommendations
It is important to regularly clean your computer to free up space and optimize performance. Deleting unnecessary files and folders can increase the speed of your computer and free up space for new applications or files. It is recommended to use a combination of the three methods mentioned to find large files on C drive Windows 10.
5 FAQs about Finding Large Files on C Drive Windows 10
Q1: How do I free up space on my C drive?
A: You can free up space on your C drive by deleting unnecessary files, moving files to an external drive or cloud-based service, or using disk cleanup tools.
Q2: How can I safely delete large files on my C drive?
A: Before deleting any large files, ensure that they are not important or needed. Backup the files before deleting them in case you accidentally delete important data.
Q3: Can I use Windows built-in storage sense to find large files?
A: Yes, you can use the disk cleanup tool and storage sense to find large files on your C drive.
Q4: What is the size limit for files that can be deleted using the disk cleanup tool?
A: There is no limit to the file size that can be deleted using the disk cleanup tool.
Q5: Can I recover deleted files from my C drive?
A: Deleted files from the C drive can be recovered using third-party recovery software. However, it is important to backup your important files to avoid losing them.
Final Words
Finding large files on C drive Windows 10 can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and methods, it can be quick and easy. Regularly cleaning your computer and freeing up space can improve its overall performance and speed. Use a combination of the methods mentioned to find and delete large files and optimize your Windows 10 experience.