How to Locate Large Files on Windows 11 [Top 2024 Methods]

Invalid large files, such as temporary, expired, or junk files, can occupy significant storage space. These files may lead to slower computer performance when loading or running programs. Consequently, it's essential to regularly clean up large files to free up disk space.

The number of large files tends to be substantial, with some even being hidden. Locating large files on your Windows computer can prove challenging. Fear not, as tools offers three efficient solutions for finding large files on Windows 11. These methods allow you to sort files by size, from largest to smallest, helping you free up disk space or locate specific files effortlessly.

How to Locate Large Files on Windows 11

This section outlines three methods to identify and locate large files on Windows 11, which include using a professional disk space analyzer, the Command Prompt, and File Explorer. After identifying these files, you can simply delete unnecessary large files to free up space.

Way 1: Use File Analyzer to Locate Large Files

tools Partition Master Professional offers a Space Analyzer feature to safely analyze your disk space. It can thoroughly locate all large files and folders, as well as display hidden files. Using this tool, you can effortlessly enhance your computer's performance and optimize disk space utilization:

Steps to locate and delete large files on Windows 11: 1. **Open File Explorer**: Click on the File Explorer icon in the Taskbar or press the "Windows + E" keys on your keyboard. 2. **Go to This PC**: In the left pane of File Explorer, click on "This PC" or "Computer." 3. **Sort by Size**: In the main window, click on the "Size" column header to sort the files and folders by their size. By default, it will show the largest items at the top. 4. **Scan for Large Files**: Scroll down to view the files and folders sorted by size. Look for the ones that take up a significant amount of space. 5. **Preview Files**: If needed, double-click on a file to open it and check its contents before deciding to delete it. 6. **Delete Files**: Right-click on the file or folder you want to delete and select "Delete." Alternatively, you can press "Shift + Delete" to bypass the Recycle Bin and permanently delete the item. 7. **Empty Recycle Bin**: After deleting files, right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and choose "Empty Recycle Bin" to free up space permanently. Confirm the action if prompted. For advanced users or to automate the process, you can use third-party tools like CCleaner or TreeSize to find and delete large files more efficiently.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant and turn to Tools. Find and Download Space Analyzer under Frequent Tools.

Step 2. In the Space Analyzer pop-up window, select the target disk to be analyzed and click Analyze in the upper-right corner.

Step 3. Wait for a while, and you'll see the detailed data. Click on Folder/File to view different data categories, and click the small folder icon to see more details within the file.

Once you've located large files on Windows 11, you can use tools like Partition Master to delete the target files and free up space. Additionally, Partition Master offers extra features to assist with solving issues related to low disk space, such as:

• Extend partitions
• Format/delete partitions
• Move Apps to another drive
• Migrate/clone a disk to another disk

Download the tool for free and enjoy the seamless experience it brings to your disk and computer.

Way 2. Search for Large Files using File Explorer

File Explorer is a tool provided by Windows for managing and organizing stored files. You can use this tool to display hidden folders, but the manual process is somewhat more complex. If you're familiar with computer operations, please follow these steps:

1. Press and hold Windows + E to open File Explorer, then click on the target drive.

2. Type size:Large in the search box in the upper right corner to view files from 128 MB to 1 GB.

3. Type size:Huge to view files between 1GB and 4GB.

4. Enter size:Gigantic to view files 4GB or larger.

Find Large Files in File Explorer

Note: If you have hidden files, select View at the top of the File Explorer screen and click Hidden items to show the hidden files.

However, File Explorer does not provide specific folder sizes and data analysis. For more detailed information, please refer to tools such as Partition Master.

Way 3: Find Large Files Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt allows you to enter various commands to carry out different tasks, such as locating and deleting large files. However, the parameters of this program are more intricate and better suited for experienced users.

Step 1. Launch Command Prompt in administrator mode.

Step 2. Type the following commands and press enter:

Translate the following text into English: ```markdown
• cd C:\ (search the entire C drive)
• forfiles /S /M * /C "cmd /c if @fsize eq size(bytes) echo @path > largefiles.txt" (Replace size (bytes) with the specific file size you want to search for.)
``` This translates to: 1. `cd C:\ ` (search the entire C drive) 2. `forfiles /S /M * /C "cmd /c if @fsize eq size(bytes) echo @path > largefiles.txt"` (Replace `size (bytes)` with the specific file size you want to search for.)

To search for files larger than 1 GB, type: forfiles /S /M * /C "cmd /c if @fsize GEQ 1073741824 echo @path > LargeFilesList.txt"

Step 3. CMD will then create a LargeFilesList file. You can open the folder on the target drive and perform other actions such as deleting or copying files.

If you find the three methods useful for searching large files on Windows 11, feel free to share them with others who might need assistance as well.

Bonus Tip: How to Free Up Space on Windows 11

Large files aren't the sole reason for 99% disk usage or low disk space issues. Numerous other programs or installation files might be occupying your disk space. To address this, we've compiled some swift solutions to help free up disk space:

• Extend disk partitions
• Delete unnecessary files using a disk cleanup utility
• Move larger files to another disk
• Disable hibernation mode
• Uninstall applications you no longer need
• Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand
• Shrink the size of the WinSxS folder

We have detailed a more thorough method of freeing up disk space in another article.

How to Free Up Hard Drive Space in Windows 10/11

This article offers ten effective and straightforward methods to free up hard drive space in Windows 10/11 and introduces a professional disk management utility for assistance.

Conclusion

Useless large files can slow down your computer's startup, cause it to crash, or deplete disk space. This page offers three methods to locate large files on Windows 11. One of these, Partition Master, provides a secure and comprehensive solution for analyzing disk space and enhancing computer performance. Choose the method that best suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Locate Large Files on Windows 11

This section outlines additional concerns pertaining to locating large files on Windows 11. If you have any further queries regarding today's topic, it is hoped that they will be addressed within this section.

**1. How do I find the largest folder in Windows?** To find the largest folder in Windows, follow these steps: 1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E or by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar. 2. Navigate to the location where you want to search for the largest folder, usually the drive (C:) that contains your files and folders. 3. Click on the search bar in the top-right corner of the File Explorer window. 4. Type the following search query in the search bar: ``` size:>1mb ``` This will show you all files and folders larger than 1 megabyte (MB). You can adjust the size limit by changing the number (e.g., `size:>1gb` for gigabytes). 5. Press Enter to start the search. 6. Once the search is complete, the results will be sorted by size, with the largest items appearing at the top. Look for the folder with the largest size. Alternatively, you can use third-party tools or PowerShell commands to quickly find the largest folders, but the above method should work for most basic needs.

You can use tools like Partition Master to simultaneously find the largest files and folders and sort them by size. Additionally, if you're not comfortable with third-party tools, you can try using File Explorer:

Step 1. Select File Explorer and click on the Search tab in the upper left corner.

Step 2. Click the "Size" dropdown menu and choose the largest folder.

< strong >2. How do I delete large files in Windows 11?

You can choose to clean up large files in Windows 11 either manually or automatically:

Automatically: Use the Cleanup function provided by CleanGenius to clean up large files with one click.

Manually: Use Windows File Explorer:

Translate the following text into English:
• Press and hold Windows + E to open File Explorer.
• Click "This PC" to open the target hard drive and locate the large files you wish to delete.
• Right-click on the intended file and choose Delete.

**3. What tool can I use to check large files?**

Aside from some built-in tools offered by Windows, like File Explorer and Command Prompt, you can also utilize third-party software to swiftly examine large files. Tools like Partition Master, for instance, offer a space analyzer that aids in conveniently assessing the sizes of all files on your hard drive. It also enables you to perform actions to free up space.