Normally we use Windows Explorer to find and access the files that we have previously saved in a folder structure determined sometimes by us and, other times, by the computer programs that we have installed. Today we bring you a different way to get closer to your material: WinDirStat .
Developed by Bernhard Seifert and Olive Schneider in 2007, this free and open source program takes as a reference the KDirStat program, launched in 2003 and with which it closely resembles. If you have a computer with the Mac OS operating system, you will be interested to know that there is a cloned version called “Disc Inventory X”.
WinDirStat aims to analyze the space used on the hard disk and, with this, help us to choose the most appropriate files to eliminate them and thus increase our storage capacity.
This program will allow you to locate your files using two variables: extension and size. Each type of extension will be assigned a color and, depending on its size, a certain dimension, which will allow you to locate it quickly in the user interface. Thus, if we find a large file that we do not use, we can delete it to use that space in a more productive way.
A different representation of your hard drives
Starting WinDirStat, a simple task
After installing the program, you will have to select the destination to analyze, you can choose between all the hard drives on your computer, a specific one or a specific folder. Once chosen, you will see how the scanning of your folders progresses thanks to some funny pacmans.
Investigating within our computer
Once the tool has been downloaded and the hard disks have been analyzed, the interface shows us the state of use.
The information is divided into three windows. The first one, located on the left, shows us a tree list of the folders that we have in the selected origin. We can read information about its size, the percentage of disk space it uses, the number of files it contains and the date and time of its last change
At the bottom we see the treemap, which is the graphic representation of all the files that the scanned parameter contains. The colors are related to the file extension.
How to search by extension?
Another way to analyze the disk space used is through the extensions. In the window on the right we have an enumeration of all the file types that WinDirStat has found.
The program assigns specific colors to the twelve most used file types and leaves the rest in gray. In the window, in addition to the colors, you will see the space dedicated on disk, both in absolute and percentage terms, and the number of files that have that extension.
Quickly delete files you don’t need
One of the two goals of WinDirStat is to help you locate files you don’t need and free up wasted space on your hard drive. To show the process, we have selected the extension type that takes up the most space in the example; we have chosen one of the files and we have selector “delete”
As you can see, the program will ask you if you really want to delete the file or not. In this case, it is a simple executable file but be careful because, inadvertently, you can tell WinDirStat to delete a file that is crucial for the operation of your computer.
Once deleted, the file will go to the recycle bin so don’t worry if you accidentally click yes. You can always go to the new location of the file and restore it.
Customizing WinDirStat
Over time it is possible that we will be using WinDirStat more frequently so we will appreciate the customization possibilities it offers.
First, we can choose the language that will be applied to the entire interface. In the left window, we can increase the level of the tree that receives color up to the eighth. The treemap is also customizable and it is allowed to change the color, the brightness and contrast or the incidence of light.
A very interesting option for regular users is the possibility of entering defined cleaning orders . Thus, whenever we activate them, they will clean all the folders that we have indicated. It is very useful to empty a folder after a day of work.
Finally, you can change the header and closing of the emails. Remember that WinDirStat sends usage reports through the mail management program that you have installed on your computer.
Download WinDirStat
WinDirStat is a free and open source program. You can download the latest version from their website. Installation is simple so we recommend that you take advantage and select the language at this time to get more out of this step.
This tool is so light that it works with any operating system since Windows 95.
Analyze how you use your hard drives with these alternatives
Space Sniffer, the portable option
This free and portable program will show you the free space on your hard drives and how you have used the one you have in use. It is very light and easy to use and can be used with computers that have Windows XP installed.
The advantages over WinDirStat are its portability , a more modern design, a better treatment of searches and its customization, the inclusion of zoom and the possibility of using the computer while scanning the hard disk.
If you want to approach your hard drive with a different program, click on the link.
SpyGlass, a more current design
The main difference of this software is that it allows you to find duplicate and / or obsolete files. Once located, you can easily delete them and expand your free space.
In addition, its interface is more modern and has a futuristic look that totally contrasts it with the rest of its competitors.
Opt for a more innovative design by clicking here.
TreeSize
The option developed by Jam Software is the most balanced option that we propose. Although its design is not so attractive, it is functional and pleasant. It also has more customization options than the rest of the alternatives, especially when it comes to returning search data to the user.
There are two payment options. In exchange for a single payment of € 19.95 “Personal” offers more search possibilities and a better export of results. The “Professional” version, which costs € 46.95, stands out for automating scans and exports and for offering support for Windows Server 2008 or higher.
Visit their website to download the free version of this program.