Even an arguably humongous 16 TB hard disk has a limit: 16 TB!

As crazy as it sounds, it, too, can fill up.

If you don’t see it, check under theAll appsorWindows Systemfolder, or typefile explorerinto the search box.

PC monitor showing Used and Free Disk space

Maddy Price / Lifewire

In Windows 8 or Windows 10, search for and then selectThis PC.

In Windows 7 or Windows Vista, opt for Start button, followed byComputer.

In Windows XP, go toStartand thenMy Computer.

This PC highlighted in left pane of a Windows 10 window

Windows 10 This PC.

Learnwhat version of Windows you haveif you’re unsure.

In Windows 11/10/8, all storage devices are listed in theDevices and drivesarea.

In Windows 7/Vista/XP,Hard Disk DrivesandDevices with Removable Storageare listed separately.

Windows C: drive showing free space in File Explorer

You should now know exactly how much hard drive space is available on your box.

How Much Free Space Do You Need?

Of course, in some cases, you might need far more free storage than that.

Properties right-click menu item in Windows 10

These versions of Windows also supportStorage Sense, a feature that can automatically free up space.

FAQ

Clear out extraneous files and apps bydeleting downloadsyou no longer need in theDownloadsfolder.

Another option is to search for%temp%anddelete the temporary filesthat appear.

Windows C: drive properties window showing free space in bytes and GB

Open theApple menuand selectAbout This Mac>Storage.

In macOS 13 Ventura, open theApple menuand selectSystem configs>General>Aboutand scroll down to Storage.

wmic free space command results in Command Prompt