Windows 10 includes a new tool dedicated to those who are always lacking space on their hard drive. Called DiskUsage, this small user makes it possible to find the largest files and folders in the blink of an eye, and therefore to quickly sort the storage space.
Microsoft is working on a new tool that allows you to more efficiently manage the space occupied by your personal data, your programs, and the operating system. As its name suggests, DiskUsage is a tool that analyzes the use made of files and folders on the hard drive.
This small program for Windows 10 also offers to filter files by taking their extension into consideration, for example. It is also possible to display only data that equals or exceeds a specific size. Finally, it allows access to system data or to the storage space reserved by Windows 10.
DiskUsage lets you identify the largest files very quickly
In fact, most of the functionality offered by DiskUsage already exists through File Explorer in Windows 10. But searching for files through this method usually takes a lot more time, which offers more flexibility and functionality. In short, here's everything this tool can do:
- scan entire folders or drivers providing detailed information on the usage of each subfolder.
- Show the size of system files and placeholder (if enabled).
- Filters information based on the actual size of the files and the space they take up on the disk.
- Identify folders using a “greater than or equal to such size” filter.
- Customization of the display output (to save the search result in a text file, for example).
The tool in question comes in the form of a simple command. It is not yet clear whether Microsoft wants to make it a full-fledged application, and whether DiskUsage will remain one of the innumerable features of the Windows 10 command prompt. Note also that DiskUsage must be used in administrator mode to function properly.
How to use DiskUsage for Windows 10
DiskUsage is already included in the current Windows 10 build 21277 (prerelease 201207-1443). As usual, remember that this is a preview of the operating system and that it is preferable not to use it as the main OS.
- To download this new build, you probably know the process, but just in case, here's how to go about it:
- Click the Windows 10 Start button, then select the Settings function symbolized by a small cogwheel
- Head over to the Update & Security feature
- Then go to Windows Insider Program
- Press the Start button, then validate your registration to the program (it's completely free)
- Make sure you have selected the Dev Channel in order to benefit from the latest build of Windows 10
Once the new build of Windows 10 has been downloaded and installed, open a command prompt in administrator mode. To do this, type CMD in the search field on the taskbar, then right-click on Command Prompt. Select the Run as administrator option. A warning message will appear, just click Yes.
Using the DiskUsage command is fairly straightforward, but the application is full of possibilities. Here is an example of a possible command:
diskusage /minFileSize=1073741824 /h c:\
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