I am missing a lot of space on my HHD

[Hielke]

My HHD (D) has 1TB on it. And all my folders combined account for +- 500GB (hidden files enabled). My properties from the D disk tell me that I have used 902GB and still have 29GB free storage space.

 

What happened to all the other storage space?

 

Screenshot of all properties (It is in Dutch but the windows are self-explanatory):

https://ibb.co/bGCi08 

 

All help would be greatly appreciated. 

[Jurrunio]

check your recycling bin

[Hielke]

Good point but I only had 119GB in there. That still does not add up.

[Sakkura]

HDD sizes are measured in metric/decimal units by manufacturers, but in binary units by Windows.

 

1TB in metric/decimal units is about 931 GB in binary units.

[Hielke]

Just now, Sakkura said:

HDD sizes are measured in standard ("metric") units by manufacturers, but in binary units by Windows.

 

1 terabyte in metric units is about 931 GB in binary units.

Yes, I know this. But it still does not add up. I now have 144 GB free space. Still missing about 200 GBs.

[lookpuppy]

I think the file was called like windir.

go to run (windows key + r) and type windir. Go through that and there is a folder called like update thing. I found 200gb of an old update in there before.

 

if your having trouble, use the built in windows 10 support. They have saved my ass numerous times when I couldn’t delete certain folders, and helped me regain my storage numerous times. Best part is that it is free. 

[mariushm]

Use software like WinDirStat to see where data is : https://windirstat.net/

 

Your C: drive has a lot of hidden files , page file, hybernation file (data from ram goes into this file when pc goes to sleep, disable sleep mode to have Windows delete this one) etc ... you don't see those counted when you use Properties.

[Hielke]

3 minutes ago, Fruitsnacc said:

I think the file was called like windir.

go to run (windows key + r) and type windir. Go through that and there is a folder called like update thing. I found 200gb of an old update in there before.

 

if your having trouble, use the built in windows 10 support. They have saved my ass numerous times when I couldn’t delete certain folders, and helped me regain my storage numerous times. Best part is that it is free. 

Two questions about this.

 

First, what does this windir folder do? What is it for? Can I delete it without side effects?

 

Second, built in windows 10 support? Could you please elaborate? 

[Hielke]

Just now, mariushm said:

Use software like WinDirStat to see where data is : https://windirstat.net/

 

Your C: drive has a lot of hidden files , page file, hybernation file (data from ram goes into this file when pc goes to sleep, disable sleep mode to have Windows delete this one) etc ... you don't see those counted when you use Properties.

It is not my OS (:C) drive we're talking about. It is my Storage HHD which should not contain hidden files (might be wrong). But I will take a look at this WinDir thingy since you're the second one suggesting it. 

[lookpuppy]

2 minutes ago, Hielke said:

Two questions about this.

 

First, what does this windir folder do? What is it for? Can I delete it without side effects?

 

Second, built in windows 10 support? Could you please elaborate? 

I believe it is called “get help” or something, it’s in the bottom left thing. Also, the support people deleted stuff out of my windir folder, without any problems afterwards, but if you are worried, I’d recommend the support.

[Gikero]

I've seen "System Volume Information"  ( Hidden directory ) take up as much as 1/3 of a drive. You can try reducing it, or temporarily copying important data elsewhere and doing a quick format, then copying the data back.

[Hielke]

3 minutes ago, Gikero said:

I've seen "System Volume Information"  ( Hidden directory ) take up as much as 1/3 of a drive. You can try reducing it, or temporarily copying important data elsewhere and doing a quick format, then copying the data back.

I was thinking just that. But I will look at WinDir first. Then format, then make a system backup (cuz you know, why not).

[Yvette222]

Try showing hidden files as well as protected operating system files in Folder Options. Probably there are such kind of files in this drive.