A program for finding large files. How to find large files

Remember the old 1994 movie “Johnny Mnemonic”, starring Keanu Reeves? Everyone who watched this film in those days was impressed by the fact that the brain of the main character, with a memory expansion module, could hold as much as 160 gigabytes. Yes, we have reached that milestone in the development of society when broadband internet And hard drives Just a huge capacity, compared to 94 and 3 terabytes, no longer surprises anyone.

• Supported by all modern, and not so modern, operating systems Windows systems(XP/Vista/7/8/10)
• Easily integrates into the “environment” Windows Explorer
• Has the most simple and easy to understand interface
• Occupies only a few megabytes on your hard drive
• Can search the Internet for information about file types unknown to you
• It is possible to set complex search filters

Let's complete the initial setup steps

First, let's install the application.
After installing the application, we see the main window of the program

For greater convenience, it is recommended to integrate into operating system. This is easy to do from the ηSearcher menu item - settings

How to use this program

Now, we must decide what size files we will search for.
Let's focus on files larger than 4.5 gigabytes per system partition“C”, please note that the search parameter is specified in megabytes. That is, to search for files over 4.5 gigabytes in size, you need to enter the number 4500.
If in the list of files you see files with yellow exclamation marks, this is system files operating system. Removing them can negatively affect the operation of the operating system!
Now we decide on the files that we want to delete. It is recommended to delete using the key combination “SHIFT+DEL” - permanent deletion or “Ctrl+Del” - delete files to the trash. If deletion is performed using the “Del” key, then this file will only be removed from the list. Physically, on the hard drive, it will remain.
If the list contains files with an extension or purpose unknown to you, then when you click on the icons at the end of the file name, you will see a context menu for the file properties and help from Wikipedia, respectively. Which is very convenient.

For ease of search and identification, you can sort by types such as: size, type, creation date, etc.

It is also possible to export a list of files to text format. This function, at first glance, useless. But with the right approach, it is irreplaceable. For example, you can catalog your audio/video/library. There are many possible uses, use your imagination.

Computer (for example, you can remove duplicate files or squeeze something), but the fastest and effective method will - find large files on the disk and delete unnecessary, outdated ones.

Let’s do a quick search for large files on your computer today. Searching for them will be very simple, very fast and very free for us. computer program ηSearcher. Its author is Andrei Vyshinsky - many thanks to him for the wonderful product.

In addition to the amazing speed of work, I liked the ηSearcher program for its integration into the Windows Explorer context menu and the ability to highlight important system files that are unwanted for deletion - this function will be useful for beginners. inexperienced users computer.

Download ηSearcher

Size installation file only 1.6 MB

Installation into the operating system should not raise any questions - everything is in Russian, fast and understandable. “Helpful add-ons” and spyware are not installed with ηSearcher - your Anti-Galochnik will remain without work in this case.

We launch the program and start searching for large files on disks...

We tell ηSearcher where to look for large files, what size they are, and additional search parameters. You can also go to advanced and specify data that you know...

We get the result...

As you can see, all the large files I found are selected green, which means it is possible to safely remove them for the system. Files that you do not want to delete will be highlighted in orange.

In the “Sorting” program menu, you can specify convenient parameters for displaying a list of found large files.

Now it remains double click follow the required line to go to the location of the file and delete it in the standard way.

I’ll be honest - before “testing” the program, I was sure that I knew about all the large files on my laptop disks (only some 250 GB). As it turns out, I was deeply mistaken. The ηSearcher program found me a couple of old, forgotten files with a total size of 3.4 GB.

I advise you to check your computers for unnecessary large files - you may be very surprised.

Finally, for those who want to give a sip fresh air to your system disk, I’ll give you some more advice disable hibernation- this usually frees up several gigabytes. And of course, on time get rid of garbage in the system.

Absence free space on the hard drive - the problem is constant. With the purchase of a more capacious medium, this problem is not solved, but only worsened: the more information accumulates, the more difficult it is to control it and at the same time maintain a certain conventional order.

There are many utilities for finding duplicates, outdated and other unnecessary files, however service disk does not eliminate the need to independently “sort out the rubble.” These files, as often happens, are stored in folders different levels nesting. Using file manager tools for searches is one option. By the way, even standard Explorer has a filter and search. However, there are more effective, comprehensive solutions for analysis disk space. Typically they include features such as:

• Scan disks and directories
• Data visualization: display file structure as a chart, graph or map
• Advanced statistics and their export
• Search for duplicates, temporary files
• Filters and advanced search
• Additional tools

Today's participants in the guidebook are mainly free programs. The exceptions are FolderSizes and TreeSize, although the latter also assumes free version edited by Free. The resulting list of participants looks like this:

• TreeSize
• Scanner
• WinDirStat
• Space Sniffer
• JDiskReport
• Xinorbis
• FolderSizes

TreeSize Pro

TreeSize is a utility for finding files that waste disk space. Includes both information functions(visualization, statistics, export), and service ones: search for duplicates, outdated files, etc.

In the left panel of the TreeSize window there is a disk selection menu and a directory tree where navigation and selection of the scan source is carried out.

The results are displayed on the right side of the window, consisting of tabs. In the Chart section, a diagram is available from which you can find out the percentage of directories within the selected source. It is also easy to change the display of data in the form of graphs or maps. Detailed information about the directory (amount of data, space occupied, etc.) is available in the Details tab. Extensions - distribution of data according to their content: video, graphics, text and others. In Age of files - information about the age of files. In addition, it will be useful to analyze the chronology of disk filling (History). All data is available for export in XLS, CSV, HTML, TXT and other formats.

Top 100 contains a list of the largest files on the disk. The accompanying information in the columns of the table allows you to find out the date of the last access or creation of the file - this will help you decide whether to delete or leave the file.

No less interesting in TreeSize are the search (File Search menu). You can use all data types (All Search Types): this, in particular, includes searching for outdated, temporary files, and duplicates. The advantage of searching through TreeSize is undeniable: the program is multi-threaded, works over the network, and supports templates.

Alas, the free (essentially trial) version of TreeSize is significantly inferior to the paid version: multithreading, advanced search, visualization and many other important functions are not supported.

Resume. TreeSize Pro perfectly complements the capabilities of any file manager, allowing you to thoroughly analyze the occupied disk space and directories. A well-customizable interface and search, visualization, export - a standard set included.

[+] Functionality
[+] Advanced file search
[+] Fast multi-threaded scanning
[+] Additional tools

Scanner

Scanner free utility for content analysis hard drive. No settings, a minimum of options - nevertheless, Scanner is a completely functional solution.

In the left part of the window, you can select a disk for analysis; you can also get information in existing files on all disks using the “Total” button in the lower left corner.

In the center is pie chart, which displays file structure in the form of segments. Segments, as is easy to note, have several levels of nesting and different colors. When you hover the cursor over a certain area of ​​the diagram, information about the number, size of files, and their location is available. You can move to the directory by clicking on it, or perform operations with the file through the context menu.

Resume. The program will be useful for a quick visual analysis of occupied disk space. Regarding available operations with files and directories - they are only enough to delete and open files. In other words, use Scanner like file manager(with search, display modes, statistics) will not work.

[+] Ease of use, intuitiveness
[−] Minimum number of file operations

WinDirStat

WinDirStat is a free utility for analyzing and cleaning your hard drive from unnecessary files.

The program scans the specified sources (directories or local disks) and provides information for analysis in an easy-to-read form. The directory structure is displayed as multi-colored segments various sizes, according to the space occupied, at the bottom of the WinDirStat window. The table of color correspondence to the file type is in the upper right corner.

This structure representation has its drawbacks: for example, you cannot find out the file size when hovering, there are no marks. Therefore, in the case of WinDirStat there is not enough alternative ways visualizations such as graph and chart.

By clicking on a segment, you can get detailed information about the corresponding file and its location. The following standard commands are available for files, such as deleting (to the Recycle Bin or permanently), viewing properties, copying the path, and others. In the “Cleaning” section of the program settings, you can create custom actions that allow you to add up to 10 operations from the command line: deleting files, archiving, recursive deleting, and others.

In general, almost all WinDirStat settings come down to design, display of the structure and list of directories. There are no additional utilities, tools for reporting, statistics, or search provided here.

Resume. WinDirStat provides good customization options, but the lack of additional tools and display modes significantly limits the program's use.

[+] Selective scanning
[+] Command line support
[−] One file display mode
[−] Lack of detailed statistics and reporting

SpaceSniffer

SpaceSniffer is a free utility with a fully customizable interface and data display mode in the form of a map. Compared to similar solutions, notable features include multi-threading, search (including network search), and NTFS support.

For processing, you can select not only a disk from the list, but also a directory by specifying the path in the Path line. As a result of scanning, a map is formed in the form of blocks. The level of nesting can be adjusted using the Less/More Detail buttons - accordingly, the detail is reduced or increased. By clicking on a block, you can view its contents without going to the catalog. Navigating deeper through catalogs is no less convenient. Additional modes There is no display in SpaceSniffer, but you can customize the design to your liking through the main settings (Edit - Configure).

Statistics functions are presented modestly. If desired, you can export to text file: summary information, list of files, as well as files grouped into folders. Interestingly, reports can be created using templates.

Additional features include tags and a filter. Filtering is carried out using the specified mask; the syntax is described in the Filtering help section. You can search by size, folder name, tags, attributes and other data. Tags allow you to make selections from data for subsequent filtering and batch operations. They can be thought of as temporary bookmarks within a session.

Resume. SpaceSniffer does not stand out for its wide functionality, but it attracts with its speed of operation, fairly convenient display of data in the form of a map and additional tools, such as a filter and tags.

[+] Multi-window interface
[+] Integration with Explorer
[+] Filters and tags
[−] No search

JDiskReport

The free cross-platform utility JdiskReport analyzes which files take up the most disk space. In addition, the program provides statistics on the distribution of data, which can be viewed in the form of graphs and charts.

By selecting a directory or drive to scan, the user can view collected information or save the result as a snapshot for later opening. This is relevant when permanent job with large amounts of data.

Statistics are divided into tabs: Size, Top 50, Size Dist, Modified and Types. The Size section shows the ratio of files in the selected source. There are several display modes to choose from: 2 types of charts, graph and table. Top 50 contains a list of the largest, oldest and newest files - potential “candidates” for deletion. The Size Dist, Modified and Types sections allow you to view the distribution of files by their size, modification date and type, respectively.

On the one hand, indeed, the statistics provide food for thought, on the other hand, navigation through files and sample directories is not thought out in JdiskReport. That is, any file operations are not available, only the “Open Explorer...” item is available in context menu. There is no export, except that the file table and related information can be copied to the clipboard.

The program settings are mainly responsible for the interface. There are plenty of design themes, but, say, there are no options for displaying columns or a directory tree.

Resume. JdiskReport outperforms Scanner and WinDirStat due to file distribution statistics. But there is also weaknesses- first of all, there are no operations with files and directories.

[+] Statistics
[−] No export
[−] Non-functional context menu

Xinorbis

Xinorbis is a data analyzer on your hard drive with the ability to view statistics in the form of tables, charts and graphs. The program supports scanning on various sources: hard drives, removable media, by local network, FireWire, etc.

When selecting a scan source, you can specify multiple paths, include and exclude items, and add favorites. The scan results are displayed as a summary: this information will help you quickly determine the most large file or catalogue, familiarize yourself with the distribution of data by type, etc.

Detailed information is collected in the Folder properties section of the Tasks section. Data can be viewed in the form of custom graphs, charts, and structured by data type or file extension. Information about the age of data (Dates), chronology (History), and occupied size (Folders) is available. The Top 101 section contains a list of not only the largest and smallest files. The file table displays properties such as creation, modification, and last access dates.

The navigator context menu in Xinorbis is more than functional: it not only contains standard Explorer commands, but also provides export, archiving, Hex editing, and checksum generation.

The Advanced section contains tools such as searching for duplicates by name and size. Other teams are also expanding their search capabilities. The most interesting section is Folder Detail, which is a filter based on a number of parameters: text, size, file attributes, owner, category.

An important advantage of Xinorbis is customizable reports in HTML, CSV, XML and other formats. As a result, it takes just one click to create a file.

Resume. In Xinorbis, it is most difficult to find shortcomings, since all the standard capabilities of a file analyzer are taken into account: from creating diagrams to exporting reports.

[+] Reporting
[+] Filter and search
[+] Flexible configuration and functionality

FolderSizes

FolderSizes is a program for scanning and analyzing disk space with the ability to export results as a report. Includes tools for searching files by multiple criteria: size, owner, age, etc.

The FolderSizes interface consists of several panels (navigator, drive list, graphs, address bar), as well as a ribbon divided into tabs. The main section is Home, where basic tools for analysis, export and other operations are available.

In the address bar you can specify not only the standard path, but also server or NAS devices, network and removable media(Analyze path(s) option). The file panel is flexibly customizable, columns are easy to hide or add additional ones. Scan results can be viewed as graphs, charts, or a map in the Bar Graph area. Additional options, related to displaying information in panels, are available in the Graph tab.

To create reports, use the File Reports tool, which searches based on specified criteria and displays detailed information in a human-readable format. Report export is available in HTML, PDF, XML, CSV, TXT and other formats, including graphic ones. FolderSizes can be easily linked to a scheduler to automatically generate scheduled reports.

In addition to standard reporting functions, FolderSizes offers trend analysis. The Trend Analyzer tool is designed for this and allows you to see changes in size, number of files and other criteria.

Filter and search with rule support, built-in archiver, command line- FolderSizes capabilities can be listed further. The functionality of the program is unrivaled.

Resume. FolderSizes pleases with the presence of all the tools necessary for analysis, user-friendly interface, additional features that are not available in other programs (for example, trend analysis and archiver). As a result, it will be interesting for study by a wide audience.

[+] Fully customizable interface
[+] Trend analysis tool
[+] Convenient navigation through files and directories
[+] Filter and search

Pivot table

This is the one that over time there is little space. On the one hand, we bought ourselves 1 TB and it seems good, now everything will work. But over time, it turns out that it gets “clogged” and you don’t want to remove the old one (in case it comes in handy), but there is no place for a new one.
Then there comes a moment during which something can be freed. But sometimes this is not enough.
Then a reasonable question arises in my head: But what is taking up so much space on my disk?".

First of all, they “go” to the folders with films, then games and programs. And you have to remove them by grinding your teeth.

So, I won’t bore you, but I’ll write about several programs whose purpose is to show how many and which files (folders) take up the most space on your disk. Of course, all of them (like all the programs provided on my website) are free.

Looking ahead, I’ll tell you that the meaning is the same for everyone - to analyze the system and show in a visual form what and how takes up space, while showing some additional features. As a result, you can see and delete (if desired) unnecessary large files.

The first program for analyzing a disk and searching for large files and folders is WinDirStat.

After installation and launch, the main program window will look like this:

In it you can specify what exactly needs to be scanned: all drives, a specific drive or a separate folder.
After choosing (I chose one system disk) the scanning process will begin: