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 931.2K 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: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.

    Comments have been turned off. Learn more

  2. Anonymous
    2019-09-06T16:21:03+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

    I had the same problem prior to the latest update (1903).  The file sizes are correct.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2019-09-06T09:27:20+00:00

    Hello @rwd1012 in file explorer only if select a big file it will show 10gb and internally there may be file which combined to form 15gb.

    In exe file its correct but the bug is there.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2019-08-14T17:04:03+00:00

    Yes, it wasn't noticeable to most people because few had directories so deep and with so many files for it to become an issue.  File copies and moves always worked fine, it was only when you started checking the directory size that you realized that it wasn't adding up.  That usually only came up when you were verifying a backup or a copy.  The backup or copy usually worked fine, but you couldn't prove it by checking directory size.  I think that the problem may also be exacerbated by long path names.  Microsoft is not consistent on their treatment of long file names and the resulting long path names.   I don't know if it went back to 3.1, or at least I didn't notice it back then.  I first started noticing it in XP.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments