See what is using disk space
WinDirStat examines a selected Windows drive or directory and presents its contents as a directory list, an extension list, and a colored treemap. These views help connect folders and file types with the space they consume.
The directory list can be sorted by size, while the treemap gives a visual representation of files on the scanned volume. The extension list groups files by type and associates each type with a color in the treemap.
It is a Windows-focused utility for investigating storage use rather than a general file manager. Scan results depend on the location selected and the files Windows makes available to the application.
- Best for
- Windows users who need a clear visual starting point for finding large folders and files.
- Good to know
- WinDirStat analyzes selected storage locations; review results carefully before changing or removing files.
WinDirStat scans a drive or folder and shows the result in three linked views, so you can move from a coloured block to its file and back.
How to get started
- Install the x64 MSI, then open WinDirStat and choose a single drive or folder rather than the whole computer.
- Let the scan finish before drawing conclusions; an unfinished scan understates the directories it has not read yet.
- Start with the directory list, expand the largest branches, and check the full path of anything that looks oversized.
Treat the treemap as a map, not a delete list. Game libraries, virtual machines, media, backups and caches all look large for legitimate reasons.
Questions & answers
Is WinDirStat free?
Yes. WinDirStat is GPL-licensed open-source software and does not require a licence key.
Can I safely delete whatever the treemap shows?
No. WinDirStat reports where space went; it cannot tell whether a file is needed. Remove applications through their own uninstaller and personal data only after you have identified it and confirmed a backup.
Does it show real disk usage?
It reports space as recorded by the file system for the locations your account can read. Reserved space, restore data, cloud placeholders and permission-protected folders can differ from a simple total of visible files.
