Running low on storage space can slow down your computer, prevent updates from installing, and make it difficult to save new files.
Fortunately, Windows 11 makes it easy to see how much storage space you have available and what’s taking up space on your drive.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to check your storage space on Windows 11.
Why Check Your Storage Space?
Checking your available storage space can help you better manage your computer and avoid running out of room for important files and updates.
If your storage is almost full, it can slow down your computer and affect Windows updates. See our guide on how to free up disk space on Windows 11 for practical ways to reclaim storage.
It can also help you:
- See how much free space is available
- Identify what’s taking up the most storage space
- Determine whether you need to free up disk space
- Monitor storage usage over time
Check Storage Space Using Settings
The easiest way to check your storage space is through the Settings app.
- Open Settings
- Select System
- Click Storage
Windows will display your total storage capacity, used space, and available space, along with a breakdown of what’s taking up space on your drive.
If your drive is running low on space, check out our guide on how to free up disk space on Windows 11.
View Storage Categories
Scroll down the Storage page. If necessary, click Show more categories to view additional storage categories, such as:
- Installed apps
- Other
- Temporary files
- Documents
- Pictures
These categories can help you identify which types of files are taking up the most storage space.
Why Free Storage Space?
Keeping enough free storage space can help your Windows 11 computer run more efficiently and leave room for future updates, applications, and personal files.
If your storage is nearly full, you may notice slower performance, receive low disk space warnings, or have trouble installing Windows updates.
If your drive still seems unusually slow or you’re concerned it may be failing, follow our guide on how to check hard drive health on Windows 11.
Final Thoughts
Checking your storage space on Windows 11 only takes a few moments and can help you better manage your computer.
The Storage page provides a quick overview of your available space and what’s taking up space on your drive.