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If I go to 'This PC', it says I have 22GB free out of 933GB, which is worrying.

However if I go into the C: drive, select all folders and files (including hidden ones) > right-click > Properties, the total comes to 428GB.

So, there is almost 500GB of space apparently in use, but unaccounted for. What can I do? I've run virus scans, and CCleaner, and optimised the disk (which is an SSD).

How can I find the missing 500GB? Is it possible that Windows is wrong about only 22GB remaining?

Any advice is very much appreciated!

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    The approach you’re using to determine your storage use is flawed. Run WizTree as an Administrator and provide a screenshot of the disk usage. “How can I find the missing 500GB? Is it possible that Windows is wrong about only 22GB remaining?” - No
    – Ramhound
    Commented Feb 9 at 16:22
  • The OP should be made aware of the WinSxS folder and functionality. This "magic" folder shouldn't be touched and it also tends to double-count files leading to an inflated reported size, which is normal. I think 5-15GB would be the expected reported size.
    – Yorik
    Commented Feb 9 at 16:44
  • Check what your disk management tells you.
    – Mast
    Commented Feb 11 at 10:27
  • Try settings > type 'storage' > select 'delete temporary files' .. Select 'Other' and see if you can determine space hogs ..
    – Joep van Steen
    Commented Feb 16 at 21:02

3 Answers 3

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You can't sum up the used space on the system disk C:. This disk has areas allocated by the operating system that are not visible for user utilities.

You should believe the numbers given by File Explorer. If still in doubt, run an elevated chkdsk C: to ensure that no space is lost, and if it finds no errors then compare its numbers with those of File Explorer.

To reduce Windows usage of the disk, you can:

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    As long as utilities are run with elevated privileges, they are perfectly capable of capturing the true picture of space usage.
    – Basilevs
    Commented Feb 10 at 11:07
  • @Basilevs: Try it and see - the number you get will be less than the used space in File Explorer or chkdsk.
    – harrymc
    Commented Feb 10 at 11:09
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    I used Windirstat extensively, and it shows proper size if elevated.
    – Basilevs
    Commented Feb 10 at 11:14
  • @Basilevs: For example, on my computer elevated Windirstat gives for C: a total of 373 GB, while Explorer used space is 0.39 TB which is 399 GB.
    – harrymc
    Commented Feb 10 at 11:21
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    @Basilevs: I have seen it not work. Volume Shadow Copy hides from everything.
    – Joshua
    Commented Feb 10 at 16:55
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Try using a disk/file scanning program to analyze the disk's usage. These programs look at all the files on a disk and lets you visualize what is taking up all the space. It even categorizes the files for you.

If you arent sure what something is, I wouldnt delete it until you are sure its not something needed.

Here are some programs that can do that: https://www.makeuseof.com/windirstat-alternatives/

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    Note that some of these might need to be run as admininstrator to see every directory.
    – Yorik
    Commented Feb 9 at 16:43
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System files are not always shown, even when show hidden files is selected.

First, try running Windows Disk Cleanup. It will remove a lot of unneeded and hidden system files and backups.

After that finishes, try the TreeSize app. It will scan your drives and tell you exactly how much space is being allocated where.

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  • I would generalize this to - directories user has no access to are not included in size computation. The only way to compute true size of a directory is to run a program with elevated privileges.
    – Basilevs
    Commented Feb 10 at 11:05

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