Finding large files on Windows 10 can sometimes be a pain, especially if you’re running out of space and don’t really know where all your gigabytes are hiding. Luckily, Windows has some built-in tricks that make this less of a chore. Using File Explorer with a simple search filter can quickly pinpoint those space-hogging files so you can decide whether to keep, move, or delete. It’s pretty neat how fast you can clean up your storage once you know the trick — and honestly, it’s surprising how many huge files sneak into your folders without notice.
How to Find Large Files on Windows 10
Use File Explorer to Spot Big Files
This method is kind of plain but works like a charm. It applies if you notice your disk space dropping fast and want to do a quick cleanup. Basically, you’re telling Windows to highlight the big ones so you can see what’s taking up all that space. Expect a list of hefty files that are ready for your review. On some setups, it might take a few moments for the search to finish, so patience is key. Sometimes, Windows doesn’t sort everything perfectly on the first try, especially if your drive is huge, but once sorted, you’ll get a good picture of your storage offenders.
Open File Explorer
- Click the folder icon in the taskbar or press Windows + E.
- This opens up your main window to all your drives and folders. It’s the starting point for any file hunt.
Select the Drive to Search
- Head to the panel on the left and click on This PC or your specific drive, usually C:. If you keep files on D: or other drives, switch over to those.
- Right-click and choose Properties if you want to check storage info or just navigate directly.
- Tip: If you aren’t sure where big files are hiding, starting with C: is usually a smart move.
Use the Search Box with “size:large”
- At the top right of File Explorer, click in the search bar.
- Type size:large and hit Enter.
- This tells Windows to list files that are bigger than a default large size — usually over a couple of MBs or GBs, depending on the definition.
Pro tip: You can tweak the search to fit your needs. For example, “size:>100MB” narrows things down to files bigger than 100 MBs, which might be more precise if you’re looking for really big stuff.
Sort Files by Size to Find the Biggest Culprits
- Once the search results come up, click the Size column header to sort from largest to smallest.
- If your column isn’t visible, right-click on the header row and choose Size to add it.
- This way, the biggest files pop right up at the top, making it easy to assess which ones are worth keeping or deleting.
Review and Decide What to Do
- Go through the list, and check the files you don’t need anymore — videos, installers, old backups, you name it.
- For safety, double-check if a file is truly unnecessary before deleting — sometimes big files are important!
- If the files are important but just taking up space, consider moving them to an external drive or cloud storage.
On some setups, the search results can be a bit sluggish or miss a few big files initially, especially if your drive is heavily fragmented or has a lot of small files. Just rerun the search or tweak your filters if that happens.
Tips for Finding Large Files on Windows 10
- Repeat this process monthly or quarterly to keep your storage in check.
- Use external drives or cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive for files you don’t need quick access to.
- Third-party tools like Winhance or TreeSize Free can give you a more visual breakdown if Windows’ method isn’t enough.
- Enable compression for rarely accessed large files via Windows’ built-in compression options — just right-click the file, go to Properties > Advanced > Compress contents to save disk space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the fastest way to find big files?
File Explorer with the size:large search filter is pretty quick and hits most needs.
Can I automate finding large files?
Sure. You can use scripts or third-party software for regular scans. PowerShell scripts or scheduled tasks are some options if you wanna get fancy.
How often should I check for large files?
Every few months, especially if your disk is filling up fast or you’re nearing storage limits. It’s good to stay ahead, rather than chasing after a full drive.
Will deleting these files affect the system?
Only delete personal files and stuff you’re sure isn’t system-critical. Keep an eye out for app data, documents, videos, or old downloads. Don’t just delete everything — common sense helps.
Summary
- Open File Explorer (Windows + E)
- Select the drive you want to scan (e.g., C:)
- Type size:large in the search bar and hit Enter
- Sort results by Size to see the biggest files on top
- Review the list and manage those files — delete, move, or backup
Wrap-up
Honestly, it’s kind of satisfying to see those giant files pop up and get rid of the ones that are just taking up space. Windows’ built-in tools aren’t perfect, but they do enough to make sure your storage isn’t a black hole. Just a little routine cleanup here and there can keep your PC running smoothly and free up space for new stuff. For those who like to dig a bit deeper, third-party tools can make the process even more visual and straightforward. Fingers crossed, this gets one update moving — because knowing what’s clogging up your system makes all the difference. And yeah, it’s not rocket science, but it sure beats digging through folders blindly.