Below is a list of my top choices for free disk space analyzer tools, sometimes called storage analyzers.
After experimenting with several of these apps on my computer, I can confirm the ones listed here are 100% free to use and do a great job at figuring out what’s filling up a hard drive, flash drive, or external drive. Some of them even let you remove files directly from the program.
How to Remove Junk Files From Windows 11
Disk Savvy
What We Like
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Easier to use than most disk space analyzers.
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Categorizes files in several ways.
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Regular updates to newer versions.
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Scan multiple locations simultaneously.
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Export results to a report file.
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Works within File Explorer.
What We Don’t Like
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Some features require the paid Pro edition.
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Only 500,000 files per scan.
My Review of Disk Savvy
I list Disk Savvy as the No. 1 option because it’s user-friendly and full of useful features that have helped me free up disk space many times over the years.
You can check internal and external hard drives, search through the results, delete files from within the program, and group files by extension to see which file types use the most storage. You can also look through a list of the top 100 biggest files or folders and export it to review later.
There’s a professional version available, too, but the freeware edition seems perfect. I use it on Windows 11, but it works for versions through Windows XP, plus Windows Server 2025–2003.
Download Disk Savvy
Disktective
What We Like
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Portable.
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Scans large files in a specific folder or the whole drive.
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Provides two ways to view disk space usage.
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Export the results to a file.
What We Don’t Like
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Unable to delete files directly from the program.
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Exported results are hard to read.
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Only Windows users can install.
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An update hasn’t been released since 2010.
I prefer portable software in some situations, so I appreciate that Disktective takes up less than 1 MB of disk space and doesn’t need to be installed. This would be great to carry with you on a flash drive.
Each time it opens, you’re asked what directory to scan. You can choose any folder on any hard drive that’s plugged in, including removable ones, as well as the entire hard drives.
The left panel of the program shows the folder and file sizes in a familiar File Explorer-like display, while the right side displays a pie chart for visualizing each folder’s disk usage.
Disktective is relatively user-friendly, but it’s hindered by a few key limitations: the export-to-HTML feature doesn’t produce a very easy-to-read file, you can’t delete or open folders or files from within the program, and the size units are static, meaning they’re all either in bytes, kilobytes, or megabytes (whatever you choose).
Download Disktective
TreeSize Free
What We Like
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Lets you remove files from within the program.
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Scan individual folders and entire hard drives.
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Supports internal and external hard disk drives.
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Portable option available.
What We Don’t Like
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Doesn’t work on Linux or macOS.
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Filtering options aren’t super helpful.
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No unique perspectives are available as with similar tools.
My Review of TreeSize Free
Some of the other programs in this list are useful in different ways because they provide a unique perspective for you to look at the data. TreeSize Free isn’t so helpful in that sense, but it lets you see which folders are largest and which files among them are using up most of the space.
Something I like is if you find folders or files that you no longer want, they can be deleted from within the program to free up that space. This definitely beats having to scour your hard drive for those files just to erase them.
Get the portable version if you want to run it without installation. Only Windows can run TreeSize Free.
Download TreeSize Free
Windows Directory Statistics (WinDirStat)
What We Like
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Scan a whole drive or a single folder.
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Provides unique ways to visualize disk space.
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Can configure commands to delete data.
What We Don’t Like
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Unable to save scan results to a file you can open later.
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A bit slower at scanning than similar tools.
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Runs only on Windows.
My Review of WinDirStat
WinDirStat ranks up there with Disk Savvy in terms of features; I’m just not too fond of its graphics.
Create your own custom cleanup commands to do things quickly, like moving files off the hard drive or deleting files of a certain extension in a selected folder. You can also scan different hard drives and folders at the same time, as well as see which file types use the most space.
WinDirStat works on the Windows operating system. In fact, you can use it even if you’re still running Windows 95! I tested it in Windows 11.
Download WinDirStat
SpaceSniffer
What We Like
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Results can be filtered several ways.
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Results can be backed up and opened again without rescanning.
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Delete files from inside the program.
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Report of large files can be saved to a text file.
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Completely portable.
What We Don’t Like
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Can be hard to grasp at first.
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Works only on the Windows operating system.
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No longer receives updates.
Most of us are used to viewing the data on our computers in a list view; however, SpaceSniffer uses blocks of varying sizes to demonstrate folder and file sizes.
Right-clicking any folder or file in SpaceSniffer opens the same menu that you see in File Explorer, meaning you can copy, delete, and perform other file functions. The filter feature lets you search through the results by file type, size, or date. You can export the results to a TXT file or a SpaceSniffer Snapshot file.
I was surprised by this one when I first started using it, but I suspect you’ll like it if you find it easier to grasp size concepts visually.
Download SpaceSniffer
JDiskReport
What We Like
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Shows disk space usage in five perspectives.
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Interface is ideal for new users.
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Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What We Don’t Like
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Doesn’t let you delete files from within the results.
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Noticeably slower than other options.
JDiskReport displays file storage in list view or via a pie chart or bar graph. A visual of disk usage helps you understand how the files and folders behave in relation to the available space.
In the left pane, you’ll find the folders that were scanned, while the right pane displays ways to analyze that data.
Unfortunately, I noticed that you can’t delete files from within the program, and after trying all the other tools in this list, I found that the time it takes to scan a hard drive seems to be on the slower side compared to some of these other applications.
Windows, Linux, and Mac users can use JDiskReport.
Download JDiskReport
RidNacs
What We Like
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Minimal and simple interface.
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Portable option available.
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Scans large files in a specific folder or the whole drive.
What We Don’t Like
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Won’t run on Linux or macOS.
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Missing advanced features found in similar applications.
RidNacs is for the Windows OS, and while it’s similar to TreeSize, it doesn’t have all the buttons that may drive you away from using it. I’d say its clear and simple design makes it more appealing to use.
This program can scan a single folder or whole hard drives. This is an important feature in a disk analyzer program because scanning an entire hard drive may take a long time when you really just need to see the info for one folder. I do this often for my Downloads folder.
Open the folders as you would in File Explorer to see the folders or files listed in descending order. RidNacs includes the basic features necessary for what a disk analyzer should have, but it lacks the features you’d find in a more advanced program such as WinDirStat.
Download RidNacs
Folder Size
What We Like
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Integrates with File Explorer.
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Sort folders by size.
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Extremely user-friendly.
What We Don’t Like
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Shows results in an extra window instead of the window you’re viewing.
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Runs only on old versions of Windows.
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Long time since the last update.
This disk space analyzer is useful since File Explorer only provides the size of the files, instead of the size of the folders. With Folder Size, you can see the size of each folder in a small window. In this window, you’re able to sort the folders by size to see which ones use the most storage.
In the app’s settings, you can disable CD and DVD drives, removable storage, or network shares.
The user interface is nothing like the other analyzers in this list. If you don’t need charts, filters, and advanced features, and only want to sort folders by size, this program will do just fine.
I wasn’t able to get Folder Size to work in Windows 11, but you might have better luck. Otherwise, this looks to be a decent program only for Windows XP users.
Download Folder Size
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Folder Size — Explore Windows Folder Sizes
Folder Size Explorer — Show Folder Sizes In Windows
Folder Size is a free disk space analyzer that will show folder sizes in Windows, Check the distribution of your disk space and visualize it with detailed disk usage charts. View the sizes of the folders and files and the percentage of the total disk size that they occupy.
Sort folders by size to list the largest folders and the largest files. Find which files or folders have filled up your drive. Scan your entire hard drive in minutes and list the tree size and file sizes.
Folder Size integrates with Windows File Explorer and can show folder sizes instantly. Use this free disk space analyzer to scan your PC, drives, USB and Flash disks, NAS, SAN, and network shares. Show disk usage reports to easily identify your disk space distribution, organize files, and free up space.
Folder Size can list backup folders, system folders, hidden folders, and also the system volume information folder. All the missing disk space will be revealed instantly.
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Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 (Both 32 & 64 Bit)
Folder Size Features
Folder Size is a free drive usage analyzer to show folder sizes and disk space distribution in Windows. Use it to display all the file sizes and folder tree sizes on your hard drives and network. Read this article If you wonder why folder sizes in Windows Explorer are missing.
Folder Size is extremely fast and DOES NOT affect the performance of your system. It DEOS NOT install services, file hooks or shell extensions. This software will not impact the performance of your system and will not cause any issues or slow-downs, which is not the case with other similar tools.
Folder Size has the following features:
- Show folder sizes and file details — easily identify which folders and files occupy the most space.
- Show local and network folder sizes — show the folder sizes on your Windows PC, HDD/SSD, external USB/Flash drives, NAS, SAN, and network share.
- Display disk usage charts — visualize drive space distribution with Bar and Pie charts to easily understand how your files and folders are organized.
- Detailed information for all the folder sizes and file details listed in table:
- Name
- Folder size or File Size
- File size or folder size percentage from the parent folders size
- Files count inside the folder
- Subfolders count
- Creation time
- Last modification time
- Last access time
- Folder owner and group
- Detailed file and folder reports:
- Find Largest Files
- Find Largest Folders
- Largest Files And Folders
- Oldest Files
- Oldest Folders
- Oldest Files And Folders
- Newest Files
- Newest Folders
- Newest Files and Folders
- Longest Paths and Longest File Names
- Find Empty Folders (zero size)
- Find Empty Folders (zero items)
- Find Empty Files (zero size)
- Sort folders and files — sort by size, name, dates, owner, subfolder count, and all the other properties listed above.
- «Scan with Folder Size» Windows Explorer context menu — show the size of any folder and all its subfolders and files instantly.
- Hide or rearrange columns — customize how the file, folder sizes, and other properties are displayed.
- Display the file sizes and folder sizes — in Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes, or automatically determine the most appropriate size format
- Cut, Copy, Paste, or Delete folders or files — all the features for file management are available.
- Remove folders or files from the list — check how deleting an item will impact the folder size by simply removing it without deleting it.
- Easy Explorer-style user interface and shortcuts — the user interface is fully compatible with Windows File Explorer. Use the Back, Forward, and Folder Up tool buttons or keyboard shortcuts for easy navigation. Scan folders using Drag And Drop.
- Full Windows File Explorer popup menu — use the Windows File Explorer context menu inside Folder Size. You have all your apps and features that are available in File Explorer.
- Detailed drive size information list — includes total disk size, drive used space, and drive free space.
- Export files and folders to Excel or XML — export all reports to Excel, CSV, or XML files.
- Print folders and files — print disk usage reports on paper or print them to PDF, TIFF, or PPV files. You can print the folder tree, the details list, or other disk usage reports.
- Save/Load the scanned data — store all the file sizes and folder sizes so that you can compare them with subsequent scans.
- Command line option — automate your disk space analysis using command line options. Schedule automatic disk usage scans from the task scheduler.
- Fast progressive scan — If you have stopped a scan it will continue from the point of interruption. If you have removed items from the list subsequent scans will be quick and only update the missing items
- Maximum Privacy Assurance — We prioritize your privacy with the utmost seriousness. Our tools conduct all scans locally on your device, ensuring that no data is ever transmitted online.
- Native support for 64-bit and 32-bit desktop and server operating systems, and rich documentation.
- Lifetime License!
Windows Explorer is the core file management tool in Microsoft Windows, but it does not list folder size. Many users think that this should be included by default and that they should not need an external tool, but they are totally wrong. Read this article if you want to know why Folder sizes in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and 2000, are missing. The article includes all the available options to display the folder sizes in Windows without using external tools. Though Windows provides several ways to show folder sizes in Windows Explorer, they are not very convenient if you want to perform a disk cleanup or view all folder sizes simultaneously.
Folder Size adds a Windows Explorer context menu «Scan with Folder Size» and you can use it to view the size of any folder and all its subfolders instantly. Such a menu is natively supported by Windows Explorer and does not have any performance impact. Folder Size does not install any services, file hooks, or shell extensions to your system. That is to say, unlike other tools it will not slow the system down in any way. The tool uses resources only when you start it. This is the best solution for listing the folder sizes in Windows.
Folder Size Testimonials
Mathew Galahar — IT Consultant and System Administrator
Rating:
As an IT Consultant, I often find myself tasked with optimizing and managing disk space across various systems. In this line of work, having a reliable disk space analyzer is essential, and Folder Size has quickly become one of my go-to tools for this purpose.
One of the standout features of Folder Size is its ability to show folder sizes directly from Windows File Explorer. This seamless integration allows me to quickly assess the disk usage of specific folders. Whether I’m analyzing local drives, external USB devices, or network shares, Folder Size provides comprehensive insights into disk space distribution.
The ability to visualize disk usage with detailed charts and graphs is another aspect of Folder Size that I find immensely valuable. These visual representations make it easy to identify trends and patterns in disk space consumption, allowing me to pinpoint areas that may require attention. Whether I’m dealing with large backup folders, hidden system files, or network shares, Folder Size provides a clear overview of disk usage.
One of the features that sets Folder Size apart from other disk space analyzers is its lightning-fast performance. Unlike some similar tools that can bog down system resources, Folder Size operates smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that my workflow remains uninterrupted. This is particularly important when scanning large volumes of data or performing frequent disk space analyses.
In addition to its speed and efficiency, Folder Size offers a wealth of customization options to suit my specific needs. From sorting folders by size to filtering results based on file properties, Folder Size allows me to tailor the analysis process to focus on the most relevant information. This level of flexibility is invaluable in a professional environment where efficiency and accuracy are paramount.
Overall, I highly recommend Folder Size to fellow IT professionals and system administrators looking for a powerful yet user-friendly disk space analyzer. Its seamless integration with Windows File Explorer, robust feature set, and lightning-fast performance make it an indispensable tool in my arsenal for managing disk space effectively.
Emily Smith — User
Rating:
Managing disk space on my computer has always been a bit of a challenge. With a small system drive that quickly fills up with various files and folders, I’ve often found myself struggling to identify the culprits behind the dwindling storage space. Thankfully, Folder Size has emerged as my saving grace in this regard.
One of the standout features of Folder Size is its ability to pinpoint the exact causes of disk space consumption on my system drive. With just a few clicks, I can initiate a scan and quickly identify which files and folders are taking up the most space. This has been incredibly helpful in freeing up valuable storage space and preventing my system drive from becoming overloaded.
What sets Folder Size apart is its user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation. The reports and charts provided by the tool make it incredibly easy for me to locate large files and folders that may be contributing to the storage crunch. Whether I’m dealing with bulky media files or unnecessary system backups, Folder Size empowers me to take swift action and reclaim precious disk space.
Another feature that I’ve come to appreciate is the seamless integration between Folder Size and Windows File Explorer. Being able to copy, cut, paste, and move files directly from Folder Size to File Explorer (and vice versa) has streamlined my workflow significantly. Gone are the days of tediously navigating through multiple windows to manage files – Folder Size puts everything I need right at my fingertips.
In fact, Folder Size has become such an indispensable tool for me that it’s the first thing I install on every new system I set up. Its ease of use, powerful features, and ability to solve my disk space woes make it an essential addition to any computer setup. Whether you’re a casual user like myself or a seasoned IT professional, Folder Size is a must-have tool for efficient disk space management.
Michael Rodriguez — Full-time System Administrator
Rating:
As a full-time administrator responsible for monitoring the disk usage of hundreds of users, managing file storage across the network has always been a daunting task. However, since discovering Folder Size, my job has become significantly more manageable.
One of the most valuable features of Folder Size is its ability to save and load scan results. This makes it incredibly easy for me to spot any changes in disk usage across multiple workstations. Whether it’s identifying sudden spikes in storage consumption or tracking down the source of unexpected file growth, Folder Size provides the insights I need to address these issues promptly.
Running Folder Size with administrator privileges grants me access to all workstations on the network, allowing me to perform comprehensive disk usage analysis from a centralized location. This level of accessibility streamlines my workflow and ensures that I can quickly identify and address any storage-related issues as they arise.
Exporting reports to Excel has proven to be an invaluable feature for maintaining historical data and generating visual representations of disk usage trends over time. By keeping track of historical graphs, I can identify patterns and make informed decisions about resource allocation and storage management strategies.
Having tried numerous similar tools in the past, I can confidently say that Folder Size stands out as the most stable and efficient solution available. While other tools may struggle to handle large volumes of data, Folder Size effortlessly manages hundreds of millions of files and terabytes of data without freezing or crashing. The accuracy of the information provided by Folder Size sets it apart from its competitors, ensuring that I can trust the insights it provides to make informed decisions about disk usage management.
In conclusion, if you’re tasked with managing disk space across a network of users and need a reliable, fast, and accurate tool to help you do so, look no further than Folder Size. Its comprehensive features, stability, and efficiency make it an indispensable asset for any system administrator.
Folder Size Command Line Parameters
Command-Line Parameters Usage: (Available only in Professional version)
FolderSize -scan “F:\mp3” -exp «d:\mp3_{DATE} {TIME}.xml;d:\mp3_{DATE} {TIME}.fsp;d:\mp3_{DATE} {TIME}.csv» –s
-scan <path> — specifies a path that will be scanned
-exp <semicolon delimited list of export formats> — Export command line parameter. Depending on the file extension will export the corresponding file type. Multiple formats can be exported at once by separating the paths with semicolons. The variables {DATE} and {TIME} will be replaced with the current date and time.
-s — stands for SILENT. Using the option the GUI will not be displayed during the scan and the application will exit after the command line actions are processed.
You can find all the command line options and their most up to date list in the application help file. There are many options to customize the export settings. If you want to export the file and folder sizes to EXCEL use the CSV file format. The CSV files are supported natively in Microsoft EXCLE and will be displayed in table format.
If you want to export all the files and folders listing as a tree structure use the XML format. XML files can be viewed in a web browser. Unlike the CSV table-view they represent a hierarchical tree view and are better suitable for listing file and folder structures.
You can find more information and details in this article: Export Folder Structure or Folder List to Excel, CSV or XML
Folder Size System Requirements
- Operating system: Windows 11 / Windows 10 / Windows 8.1 / Windows 8 / Windows 7 (All Windows Server operating systems newer than Windows Server 2008 only in PRO version)
- CPU: Pentium-233 MHz or higher
- 128 MB RAM
- 10 MB free hard disk space
- True Color display and video card
- Mouse or other pointing device
Do you often share documents over emails? Has your computer’s memory gone down the hill? Are you facing trouble in managing your data?
The best file reducer software is here a solution for all your problems. The file reducers will compress the size of files, which makes it easy to share, store and upload them to clouds.
Good file compression software can help you clear heaps of space on your computer. Also, help to share and transfer lightweight files quickly on the internet.
So, let’s check out the best 10 file size reducer software that can reduce and effectively manage your data.
10 Best File Size Reducer Software To Manage Data in 2023
Whether you want to save space on your hard disk or swiftly transfer files over the internet, file size reducer software can help you with everything. We have just shortlisted the top 10 file compression software that can turn out to be a game-changer for your business:
1. EasePDF
Software Rating: 4.9/5
Compatible OS: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 or older
Supported File Formats: PDF, JPG, PNG, DOC, XL, etc.
Popularity: High
Price: Free forever. A paid plan starts at $4.95 per month.
PDF is the most preferred official document creation format. So, if PDF is also your favorite file format, get EasePDF to convert, edit and compress PDF documents. It is a free online solution that can edit PDF documents without impacting their quality. Besides this, EasePDF can convert PDF files into various other file formats to save space on your disk. To compress files, you simply have to upload them to the EasePDF website, and in no time, it will shrink PDF size.
Top Features
- EasePDF is able to batch compress PDF files with high efficiency.
- Provides customized compress level to select the strength while compressing PDF size.
- The intuitive user interface allows users to easily grasp how to use the tool.
- It is a web-based solution that you can use on any web browser.
- The program uses 256-bit SSL encryption to protect all your data.
Pros
- Supports multiple devices.
- Good for professionals.
- Free online software.
Cons
- Batch processing is slow.
2. WinRAR
Software Rating: 4.9/5
Compatible OS: Windows 10/8/7/Vista and XP
Supported File Formats: RAR, ZIP, CAB, GZ, ISO, TAR, etc.
Popularity: High
Price: $29.00
WinRAR is a popular file size reducer software of all times. This software can compress your files into RAR and ZIP file formats that you can easily share or store. However, the files can be decompressed into multiple file formats. The software embeds CRC32 or BLAKE2 checksums for each file to support encryption file creation. It is a dedicated Windows program, but you can get WinRAR variants for Android, MacOS, and other operating systems.
Top Features
- Offers multithreaded CPU compression and decompression support.
- Compatible with the latest file systems like NTFS hard and symbolic links.
- File timestamp preservation to know who last accessed and modified the file.
- It can create multi-volume archives and self-extracting files.
- WinRAR data redundancy feature can reconstruct damaged files.
Pros
- Good for batch processing.
- Offers 256-bit encryption.
Cons
- Not free.
- Not intuitive.
3. 7-ZIP
Software Rating: 4.9/5
Compatible OS: Windows 10/8.1/8/7 or older
Supported File Formats: 7z, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, WIM, etc.
Popularity: High
Price: Free
7-ZIP is the best file size reducer software with excellent file packing and unpacking ability. It is an open-source program coded under the GNU LGPL license. 7-ZIP has its own compression file format, 7z, that can let you compress up to 16 billion gigabytes. It also has an outstanding high compression rate depending upon file size. You can also use solid compression to get tiny files, but it can be slow.
Top Features
- Offers high compression ratio in 7z format with LZMA and LZMA2 compression.
- 7-ZIP provides a 2-10% better compression ratio for ZIP and GZIP file formats.
- Supports AES-256 encryption for 7z and ZIP compressed files.
- 7z file users can self-extract and better manage reduced files.
- Excellent user experience with command-line version, FAR manager, and 87 languages support.
Pros
- Smooth integration.
- A dedicated file format.
- Supports multiple file formats.
Cons
- Slow compression speed.
4. WinZip
Software Rating: 4.8/5
Compatible OS: Windows and MacOS
Supported File Formats: ZIP, ZIPX, TAR, VHD, XZ, etc.
Popularity: High
Price: Standard price $36.25
There is no way we can miss WinZip in the best file size reducer software list. Even after 30 years, WinZip is still the best tool to reduce file size. Apart from compressing large files, WinZip can split large zip files to fit different media offers file sharing and advanced zip management tools. The software has a sleek interface, backup, and security options to further enrich your user experience.
Top Features
- PDF Express option is able to convert, combine and compress PDF files.
- WinZip can manage and edit multiple or single images with a click.
- It can automatically create a backup copy of your files on the cloud.
- Provides encryption support to share your files without any stress.
- Allows you to split large files into smaller files.
Pros
- Quick Microsoft Office integration.
- Multiple file formats support.
Cons
- Not free.
5. Hamster Zip Archiver
Software Rating: 4.6/5
Compatible OS: Windows 10/8.1/8/7 or older
Supported File Formats: ZIP, TAR, RAR, etc.
Popularity: Moderate
Price: Free
Hamster Zip Archiver is a powerful and free file compression software that helps you easily compress and open files from any archive. You can also use popular cloud services to backup your files and quickly share them with your friends and colleagues. Using the easy drag and drop interface, you can compress bulk files and upload them to clouds. And, then you can quickly share compressed files.
Top Features
- Ability to upload archives to cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Yandex, and others.
- Allows you to create easily shareable links to your archives.
- Delivers a high compression ratio utilizing all the resources of your computer.
- Compatible with over 30 file formats.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Good for small businesses.
- Simple drag and drop menu.
Cons
- Fewer features.
- Clunky interface.
6. PeaZip
Software Rating: 4.6/5
Compatible OS: Windows, MacOS, and Linux
Supported File Formats: 7z, ARC, ZIP, ZIPX, ZST, ARJ, BR, etc.
Popularity: Moderate
Price: Free
PeaZip is a simple-looking but shockingly powerful file size reducer software. It is an open-source file compressor solution to create secure archives using encryption technologies. The software can also decompress files for you. This way, you don’t need to get two different tools to compress and decompress data. Also, it can integrate with WinRAR to extract RAR files.
Top Features
- It is a cross-platform and cross-architecture GUI application that works on Linux, MacOS, and Windows devices.
- It supports two-factor authentication and authenticated encryption to provide extra security.
- It can easily operate as a command-line script.
- Compatible with over 200 archive formats with an option to easily convert archives.
- Seamless integration with WinRAR, WinZip, and other similar archive managers.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Password management.
- Integration with other tools.
Cons
- Doesn’t support batch compression.
7. Zipware
Software Rating: 4.4/5
Compatible OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP or older
Supported File Formats: ZIP, ZIPX, 7z, RAR, etc.
Popularity: Moderate
Price: Free
Zipware is yet another simple and free file size reducer software for Windows. The program can support all the major file formats, including the latest RAR5 format. It is fast and stable and can handle small as well as large archives. Zipware also supports various Linux file formats. It also has the ability to convert archive formats to ZIP, 7z, and EXE. Additionally, the software works well with Windows Explorer.
Top Features
- It can create password-protected compressed files using powerful AES-256 encryption.
- Easy drag and drop menu will make it easy to use the program.
- Ability to perform archiving functions from Windows Explorer using an integrated contextual menu.
- It can scan over 50 antivirus products through VirusTotal.com.
- The context menu can calculate and list all folders available in a directory.
- Password Manager helps to store passwords and sensitive data.
Pros
- Complete file management.
- Privacy settings.
- Good for professionals.
Cons
- Poor interface.
- Not at all intuitive.
8. Express Zip File Compression
Software Rating: 4.3/5
Compatible OS: Windows and MacOS
Supported File Formats: ZIP, RAR, ISO, GZIP, CAB, etc.
Popularity: Moderate
Price: Free
Express Zip File Compression is a stable and fast file compression software that you can find today. The software can pack and unpack several file formats on your computer to make room on your hard disk. Also, for sharing big files online, Express ZIP can dramatically reduce the size of your files. Besides this, the program can password-protect, convert archives and do so much more.
Top Features
- It can quickly encrypt files, open them and email encrypted files with two clicks.
- Express ZIP can split large files into multiple ZIP archives.
- Simple to use drag and drop interface.
- It helps to upload more files to your external storage devices.
- Passwords protect ZIP files from enhancing the privacy level.
- Allows you to burn compressed files to CD/DVD for backup purposes.
Pros
- Intuitive interface.
- Fast compression.
- It can zip and unzip files.
Cons
- Not suitable for professionals.
9. BandiZip
Software Rating: 4.3/5
Compatible OS: Windows and MacOS
Supported File Formats: RAR, RAR5, ZIP, 7z, etc.
Popularity: Moderate
Price: Free
BandiZip is a perfect file size reducer software for Windows and Mac users. The program has an ultra-fast processor that can speed up compression by utilizing all your computer resources. It is a complete solution that can compress, decompress, edit archives and organize them. Also, you will have password protection and multi-volume support with this tool.
Top Features
- Ability to extract files in 30+ file formats.
- Password Manager helps to store and manage frequently used passwords for archives.
- Detect corrupted ZIP files and repair them.
- Recover an archive’s password with super fast speed using brute-force search.
- Provides thumbnail previews of images in an archive without decompression.
Pros
- Well-organized tool.
- Fast and flexible.
- Password encryption.
Cons
- Not free for Mac users.
10. Ashampoo ZIP Free
Software Rating: 4.2/5
Compatible OS: Windows 10/8/7 or older
Supported File Formats: LHA, TAR, CAB, 7z, etc.
Popularity: Low
Price: Free
Ashampoo ZIP is a free and secure solution bundled up with essential features such as creating, opening, and editing archives. The software supports a series of features like a progress bar, jump lists, rearranged files, and more. Thanks to Windows Explorer integration, you can easily compress files with a simple mouse click.
Top Features
- User-friendly GUI to create the unlimited size of the archives.
- Ashampoo ZIP helps to create Special Effects archives.
- It can easily integrate with the Windows operating system and other servers.
- It has the potential to repair broken or corrupted ZIP files.
- Supports the latest RAR formats.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Neat UI.
- SFX archives.
- Fast and flexible.
Cons
- Fewer features to compress files.
Let’s Reduce Your File Size!
There you go, peeps! You now know all the best file size reducer software that can free up space on your disk and share data online. All the tools shared above are extremely trusted and reliable. But you should always do your research before selecting the best file compression software.
If you find this post helpful, do follow us on social networks for more top 10 software guides and other tech stories.
With the improvement in the quality of media files, games and software, our computer systems are becoming hungrier for more storage space with every passing day. No matter how huge your system’s hard drive is, you’re eventually, going to see the low storage error.
When that time comes, you can either delete the unrequired data or move the big files to an external hard drive to free up some disk space. And for this purpose, you’ll need the help of a disk space analyzer tool that’ll show all your data in an easy to understand format and help you manage it.
So, let’s check out my top picks of 10 best disk analyzer software for Windows to free up storage in your PC.
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1. WinDirStat
It may not be one of the most beautiful tools, but is definitely one of the most reliable disk analyzers you’ll ever find. WinDirStat is a fast analyzer tool that has three default panels to show you information about your hard disk space.
Below you will see a treemap of the data shown in bars of varying size based on their actual size on the hard drive. It makes it very easy to see which type of files are taking the most space.
There is a column on the right listing all the file types along with a treemap bar color to quickly find them in the tree map. And of course, there is a fully intractable file explorer section where you can skim through your data and delete, move and manage it as you please.
Takeaway
- Shows treemap.
- Easy to pinpoint file types and their size.
- Built-in cleanup options.
2. DiskSavvy
DiskSavvy is a highly advanced disk analysis tool that offers great customization options while still being easy to use. Its free version is more than enough for regular users, but if you want to scan TBs of data and require advanced features like network drive support or command line support, then you’ll have to upgrade to the paid versions.
Although it only shows data along with its size, it has a special filters section that lets you see data using handy categorize. Some of these categories include, by extension, modification time, accessed time, creation time, user name a few more. You can also use pie and bar charts, but they aren’t interactive.
Takeaway
- Comprehensive filtering system.
- See top 100 large files.
- Plugin support.
3. SpaceSniffer
It has an interactive interface that makes it very easy to differentiate between files/folders and installable programs. I really liked its touch of animations that make the program look cool, but at the same time help visually pinpoint data easily.
All the data is shown as titles with the name of file or folder written on it. You can double-click on each title to dig deeper and look for large files. You can export the data to a file and also scan external storage devices. I also really liked its “More detail” feature that shows you more details about a selected drive as you click on it.
Takeaway
- Offers great visual representation with animations.
- Easily dig deeper into folders.
- Scan external storage devices.
4. TreeSize
TreeSize has both free and paid versions, but the free version works great if you want something quick and simple. If you are not a fan of tiles, charts or treemaps, then TreeSize free version will definitely attract you.
It simply shows all the folders and files in your drive along with their size written next to them. The data is also arranged from big files to small, so you can easily pinpoint the culprit.
Its paid version for personal use shows 3D charts and treemaps for proper illustration and you it can even pinpoint duplicate files. If you are interested in scanning network drives and servers as well, then you’ll need TreeSize professional version.
Takeaway
- Very easy to use with simple interface.
- Shows data in GBs or percentage.
- Great illustration features in the paid version.
5. GetFoldersize
GetFoldersize is a bit similar to TreeSize free version as it also only shows folders and their size on the hard drive. However, it comes with additional tools as well that you may find interesting.
Apart from the folders panel, there is another panel that lets you see only the files inside the selected folder. Additionally, results in both of the panels can be filtered just by entering file extension or name of the files/folders.
Best of all, it can also scan network drives and list data inside it. One drawback though is that I found GetFoldersize to be very slow as compared to many other tools in this list. And it also has fixed view in GBs, MBs or KBs, so it a little hard to track exact size of too big or too small files/folders.
Takeaway
- It can scan network drives.
- Makes it easy to differentiate between files and folders.
- You can filter results.
6. JDiskReport
JDiskReport has a really sleek interface with many handy features. What I didn’t like about it is that its scanning is so painfully slow, that I didn’t even wait for the whole disk scan. However, it does an eye-opening job of showing details and no other free program can even come close to it.
To start with, it shows all the data in an intractable pie chart with both files and folders size written on it. You can also get a pie chart for file extension types to see which type of files are the problem. Furthermore, there is a really helpful “Top 50” section that shows top 50 large files in any location you select.
On top of that, you can see data by modified time to see which files you don’t use often and get rid of them.
Takeaway
- See top 50 large files.
- Interactive interface.
- Reliable representation using pie charts.
- Built-in themes to change UI look.
7. HDGraph
If you like interactive stuff with animations, then HDGraph might work for you. It draws a circular ring based chart that shows largest data in the middle and then moves outward showing further data inside each folder. You can double-click on each section to further investigate it and the same chart rules will be applied to each section.
The chart is fully interactive and can be customized to your liking, from text to type and size to density. It does a good job of showing data, but it doesn’t let you directly interact with the data itself, which makes things little cumbersome.
Takeaway
- Interactive chart.
- Shows all in-depth information right on the chart.
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8. WizTree
Another very simple disk analyzer tool that only shows data in GBs and formats it from large to small files. It is incredibly fast as well (3 seconds in my case) and goes a little further by showing total items, percentage size, total files and folders, and last modified date.
Interestingly, it also has a handy “File view” section that only shows files in a specific area with all the details like size or modified date. Moreover, you can use a search bar to quickly pinpoint required files and interact with them from its interface.
Takeaway
- Show extensive details about the data.
- Very fast processing.
- Handy File view section.
9. TweakNow Diskanalyzer
TweakNow Diskanalyzer has two main sections, General and Summary. The General section simply lists all the data along with file/folder size. However, the Summary is where you can do all the management.
Here it shows 20 of the biggest files located on your hard drive along with a handy category section where you can see data listed by their type.
There is also an interesting section where unused file/folders are listed. If you are not actively accessing any file or folder, then it will be listed here. A really good feature for deleting unrequired data.
Takeaway
- See top 20 biggest files.
- Find out unused files and folders.
10. FolderSizes
FolderSizes is a paid tool ($60 per license) with a 14-day trial, but it’s the best disk analyzer tool you can get. It is a complete disk analyzer tool in terms of both storage type support and features.
To name few of its features, bar chart/pie chart/treemap representation support, disk reports, shows both hidden and revealed data, scan filters, highly customizable search feature, check usage trend, over 15 filters to search for files and a whole lot more.
I also really liked its details feature where you can hover your mouse cursor over a folder to see all the required details to tweak it. Even with all these amazing features, FolderSizes is incredibly fast in processing data and the interface works smoothly.
Takeaway
- Shows extensive details about files/folders.
- Multiple representations of data.
- Customizable search feature.
- Can scan data in network drives and servers.
My verdict
If I have to give the best disk analyzer software tag to any one of them, then FolderSizes deserves it the most. Unfortunately, shelling out $60 just to clean up your PC isn’t something regular users would be comfortable with. Nevertheless, it could be a good solution for businesses and large teams.
For regular users, I’ll recommend WinDirStat or DiskSavvy free version, they both are easy to use and functional.
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Filesize reducing tools are highly useful programs that compress files so that they take up less data on HDD or SDD. There are also other reasons users would want to compress files.
For instance, compression software not only increases the available amount of space in your hard disk, but it also allows for faster file transfer. Having smaller files means that users can send more items through size-restricted sharing services.
To help you look for the ideal filesize size-reducing software for Windows 10, we compiled an up-to-date list of the best compression software currently available.
These applications earn their place in the spotlight for their flexibility, reliability, features, and more.
Which are the best filesize reducing programs for Windows 10?
WinZip – Best filesize reducing program
Perhaps the most popular compression tool for Windows 10 is WinZip. It currently has more than one billion active users.
This tool is more than a simple compression tool as it also allows users to share, manage, password-protect, and backup files.
Furthermore, WinZip unzips all compression major formats, such as Zip, Zipx, RAR, 7z, TAR, GZIP, VHD, XZ, and more.
Other features include finding, opening, editing, moving, and sharing the files stored on PCs, networks, or cloud services. Not to mention the convenient integrations it has with Dropbox, G-Suite, or OneDrive.
WinZip also encrypts files to secure information and data and can create read-only PDFs and add watermarks to deter copying.
WinZip
Try WinZip to reduce the size of your most important large files so you can easily share or store them
WinRAR – Popular option
WinRAR is another highly popular compression software that has been around for a couple of decades.
It offers numerous features, but perhaps its most distinctive feature is its ability to create files in the RAR format. RAR is a powerful type of format that allows files to be compressed at extremely high levels.
WinRAR is the only official software that is capable of producing RAR files, but most compression software is capable of extracting RAR archives.
Besides, WinRAR can extract the following formats: ZIP, CAB, ARJ, ISO, 7-ZIP, UUE, GZIP, LZH, ACE, TAR, and much more.
Users will also be able to secure files with 256-bit encryption and password-protect them. WinRAR utilizes a unique algorithm to significantly increase the speed of the compression process.
As for its interface, WinRAR does not offer anything special. Yet, despite not being especially attractive, its interface is easy to use.
WinRAR
Files may be compressed to their minimum size with high-level encryption and safe sharing.
7-Zip – Highly flexible
Users will be glad to know that 7-Zip is completely free, which makes it ideal for individuals on a budget. Despite being freeware, 7-Zip is still packed with features and has an outstanding reputation.
7-Zip is a highly flexible program, as it is capable of handling pretty much any type of compression format.
Furthermore, the file size reducer software offers its own compression format called 7z. This format is unique as it is specifically built to be able to handle massively sized files. According to its developers, 7z is capable of compressing files up to 16 billion gigabytes.
Unfortunately, the rate at which files are compressed or decompressed is rather slow compared to other popular file size reducer software for Windows 10. Thus, users with time-sensitive projects may not find this software to be ideal.
Aesthetically speaking, 7-Zip is definitely on the less attractive end of the spectrum. Nevertheless, reliability and efficiency are key when it comes to size-reducing software, and 7-zip is steady as a rock.
⇒ Get 7-Zip
Hamstersoft ZIP Archiver – Modern-looking
What sets this filesize reducer software apart from the crowd is that it has a modern-looking interface that is also user-friendly. Furthermore, the software can handle a wide variety of compressed file formats and is completely free.
Almost all compression formats are supported by Hamster Free ZIP Archiver, including RAR, ZIP, 7Z, ARJ, and ISO, as well as the lesser-known IHA, IZH, BZ, and CAB formats.
The most intriguing features are the compression levels, password security, and the ability to divide files.
The unique thing about Hamstersoft is it has cloud support. Users can compress a file, upload it to a cloud service like OneDrive, Dropbox, and more, and create a link to share all in one move.
Convenience and ease of use are what make Hamstersoft a top file-compressing software.
⇒ Get Hamstersoft ZIP Archiver
So these four filesize reducer software for Windows 10 are all outstanding in their unique way. They are specifically selected from a multitude of software as they are simply the best.
Want to see more similar tools? Check out our recommendations on the File Compression page, and in the File Management Hub, you’ll find everything you need to know about file management software.
And if you’re a developer, you may find our article on software size estimation intriguing.
As always, if you’ve already used one of the tools listed above, you can tell us more about your experience in the comment section below.
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.