Wrong calculation of folder size by Windows

Anonymous
2018-06-28T18:16:18+00:00

Hello,

I noticed today that my Windows system does not properly calculate folder sizes.

I'm actually trying to make a backup of all my personal and work content. When I check the whole backup folder size under properties, It shows me around 10 Gb. But when I open this big folder and select a subfolder, It show me 30 Gb... This is kind of really annoying and I think it's a major issue Microsoft should fix ASAP.

I would like to say (because I didn't find anywhere else to post it) that in my opinion, Microsoft lacks ways of collecting feedback from his clients. There is nowhere we can manually report bugs and crashes.

In any ways, I think that showing correct folder sizes is a really basic task that an Operating System should be able to do. Such a bug is inacceptable for a leader like Microsoft, and I honestly consider going along with Apple if this issue does not get quickly fixed. My computer will soon need to be changed in anyways.

Meanwhile, if some of you guys have found ways to go around this major issue, feel free to share them :). Thank you!

Here is my technical information :

Intel Core i7-3720QM 2.60 GHz

64 bits

Windows 10 family version 1803

Installed on 2018-06-20

O.S. version 17134.112

Many thanks is advance,

Antoine

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
DaveM121 931.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2018-06-28T18:35:14+00:00

Hi Antoine_795,

It is widely reported that version 1803 of Windows 10 has introduced a bug into Explorer.exe

It is because it cannot read the metadata of files correctly, it mixes up the size and dimensions for example

Therefore it cannot calculate the size of a folder, especially if it has sub-folders, it also cannot calculate the spare space on a hard drive . . .

In the meantime, while we are waiting for Microsoft to fix this bug:

Click the link below to download a small free utility called Treesize - it is a great utility . . .

Using that tool, you will instantly see the size of all folders (always missing form File Explorer) and where space is being used on your hard drive . . .

https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free/

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Was this answer helpful?

40+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

105 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2019-04-27T19:43:35+00:00

    As i posted above, the utility “Treesize” solved my problem of discrepancies in reported folder sizes on different media. Plus it has other useful features such as printing a hard copy of folder contents. This something MS should have incorporated decades ago.

    Ron M

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2019-04-27T16:31:47+00:00

    27/04/2019 we still have this bug

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2019-04-27T15:02:10+00:00

    THANK GOD (thanks)!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2019-04-21T01:56:27+00:00

    That is not a feasible option except for soccer moms and high school kids that don't have very many files.  I am running a business and we have over a million files that must be in an elaborate directory structure, organized by project, task, category, and analysis.  Without an elaborate directory structure, we would immediately get lost in all these files.   

    We do hourly backups using Vice Versa Pro and that program can read the complete directory structure, files, and correct sizes without any problem.  If that little company can do it, I think that Microsoft could figure it out.  They just dont want to. 

    The directory structure calculates just fine in all Windows Server versions, so they already know how to fix the problem.  By maintaining errors in their software, they encourage users to buy the new versions when they come out, hoping that the bugs are fixed.  That's all Microsoft really has to encourage people to buy new versions of their programs.  Their base programs are already very mature, and there is very little that they can add that would be of use to the majority of users.  So.... Go out there and buy Windows 11 when it comes out... Certainly that version will fix all these problems.  And when you are done, I have some swamp land that I would like to sell you.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments