I have already got so many requests from readers where they asked me is there any way to see the folder size in windows vista explorer with the file sizes, by default windows xp or vista both does not show up the size of the folder with the files sizes displayed. But there is a freeware utility called Folder Size which works for xp only not in vista. [ as shown in the image below ]

[ click the image above to see in full size ]

But there are some utilities which lets you see folder sizes alternately so that you can get an estimate which folder is bigger or lighter in data size of the files and subfolders stored in it. In case of vista there are 2 in built ways to see the folder size.

1. Placing your mouse over the folder whose size you want to know.

2. Second way is to right click the folder and then select properties to see its size

after clicking properties it will display its size

But there are some free utilities too which lets you figure out folder sizes in windows vista in more easier way – lets discuss them one by one.

DirSize – It will scan the hard drive based on the hierarchy of the folder structure you browse and display them in a simplified tree with the disk usage for that tree. It will quickly allow you see what folders on your disk contain large amounts of data.

Here is a screenshot of this tool while running.

Another tool which works on both windows vista and xp, is called WinDirStat

WinDirStat – It is a disk usage statistics viewer and cleanup tool for Microsoft Windows [ as show in the image below ]

[ click the image above to enlarge ]

We have also written a related tip on – 3 Ways To Free Up Your Disk Space