How to See the Size of Folders in Windows 11 [Easy Steps]

Knowing the size of a folder in Windows 11 can help you manage your storage more effectively. Whether you are trying to free up disk space, organize your files, or identify folders that are taking up too much room, checking folder sizes is a simple but useful skill.

Unlike individual files, Windows 11 does not always display folder sizes directly in File Explorer. This often confuses new users who expect folders to show their size the same way files do. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to find this information without making any changes to your files.

In this guide, you will learn how to see the size of folders in Windows 11 using File Explorer, folder properties, and the Storage settings. 

How to See the Size of Folders in Windows 11

Windows 11 calculates a folder’s size by adding together the sizes of all the files and subfolders it contains. Since this calculation can take a little time, especially for folders with thousands of files, Windows only displays the information when you specifically request it.

The easiest method is by opening the folder’s Properties window, which shows the total folder size along with other useful details. You can also use the Storage section in the Settings app to identify large folders and understand how your storage space is being used.

The following methods walk you through the entire process.

Step 1: Open File Explorer

The first step is to open File Explorer, which is where all your files and folders are stored.

Click the Start button on the taskbar and select File Explorer. You can also press the Windows + E keyboard shortcut to open it instantly.

Once File Explorer opens, navigate to the location containing the folder you want to inspect. This could be the Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Desktop, or another drive on your computer.

If you are unsure where your folder is located, use the search box in the upper-right corner of File Explorer to search for its name.

Take your time finding the correct folder before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Open the Folder Properties Window

After locating the folder, you need to open its Properties window.

Right-click the folder and choose Properties from the menu that appears.

As soon as you click Properties, Windows begins calculating the total size of the folder. If the folder contains many files or several nested folders, the calculation may take a few seconds or even a minute.

During this time, you may notice the numbers changing until Windows finishes counting every file inside the folder.

Once the calculation is complete, you will see detailed information about the folder.

Step 3: View the Folder Size

Inside the Properties window, look for the Size field.

This value shows the combined size of every file and subfolder stored within that folder. Windows typically displays the size in KB, MB, GB, or even TB, depending on how much data the folder contains.

You will also notice another value labeled Size on disk.

The Size field represents the actual amount of data inside the folder, while Size on disk shows how much storage space the folder occupies on your drive. These values can differ slightly because storage devices save data in fixed allocation units called clusters.

You can also see the total number of Files and Folders, which helps you understand how much content is stored inside.

When you have finished reviewing the information, click OK or Cancel to close the Properties window.

Check Folder Sizes Using Windows Storage Settings

If your goal is to find large folders instead of checking only one folder, the Storage settings in Windows 11 can be very helpful.

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.

Select System from the left pane.

Click Storage.

Windows will analyze your storage and display how your drive space is being used. After the analysis finishes, you will see categories such as Installed apps, Temporary files, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and other storage sections.

Opening these categories allows you to identify folders or file collections that occupy significant space.

Although this method does not list every folder individually, it gives you an excellent overview of where your storage is being used.

Repeat the Process for Other Folders

If you want to compare multiple folders, simply repeat the same process for each one.

Open File Explorer, right-click another folder, choose Properties, and wait for Windows to calculate its size.

Comparing folder sizes is especially useful when cleaning up your storage before installing software, creating backups, or moving files to another drive.

If you discover folders that are much larger than expected, review their contents before deleting anything. Some folders may contain important system or application files that should remain untouched.

Additional Tips

If a folder contains thousands of files, allow Windows enough time to finish calculating the total size before closing the Properties window.

Keep at least 15 to 20 percent of your drive free for smoother Windows performance.

Avoid deleting folders unless you know exactly what they contain.

If you frequently monitor storage usage, consider organizing large files into separate folders so they are easier to manage.

Empty the Recycle Bin occasionally because deleted files continue using storage until the bin is cleared.

Use the Storage page in Settings every few weeks to monitor how your storage space changes over time.

FAQs

Why doesn’t Windows 11 display folder sizes directly in File Explorer?

Windows 11 does not continuously calculate folder sizes because doing so for every folder would slow down File Explorer, especially on drives containing thousands of files. Instead, Windows calculates the size only when you open the folder’s Properties window.

What is the difference between Size and Size on disk?

Size represents the actual amount of data stored inside the folder. Size on disk represents the amount of physical storage used on the drive, which may be slightly larger because of the way storage devices allocate space.

Can I check the size of multiple folders?

Yes. You can open the Properties window for each folder individually and compare their sizes. This is the easiest method included in Windows 11.

Why does calculating folder size take time?

Windows must scan every file and every subfolder before displaying the total size. Larger folders naturally require more time to complete the calculation.

Is it safe to delete large folders?

Only if you know what the folder contains. Personal folders containing old files can usually be cleaned up safely, but avoid deleting system folders or folders created by installed applications unless you are certain they are no longer needed.