Windows 11 might sparkle in many ways, but there’s one glaring omission in File Explorer that’s been a head-scratcher for many users—the inability to display folder sizes directly in the "Size" column. Sure, you can see file sizes without issue, but when it comes to folders, File Explorer leaves you hanging. So, why hasn’t Microsoft baked this into the system yet? And more importantly, how can you, the power user, take matters into your own hands? Let’s dive into this tiny yet impactful pain point and solve it together.
Picture this: You’ve got a nested folder on your C drive, filled with sprawling subdirectories, PDFs, videos, and countless tiny files. For Microsoft to enable this feature, Windows would have to recursively scan through each folder and file every single time you open File Explorer, eating up system resources like Pac-Man on a snack rampage. Now multiply this by dozens (or more) when you open a drive brimming with folders. Result? Sluggish system performance and laggy folder views.
This is why Windows briefly calculates a folder's size when you hover the mouse over it—it’s doing it for just one item at a time, not the whole lineup.
Equally important, since Windhawk modifies how File Explorer behaves, any new Windows updates could potentially break the functionality. Windhawk often pushes updates to its mods, so after running Windows Update, check in with Windhawk to download the latest versions.
Finally, there’s the security angle. Windhawk is a third-party app, but it has been vetted as safe by VirusTotal. Nonetheless, it's always recommended to practice caution with third-party modifications—keep your AV (anti-virus) scanning on high alert.
Got any questions about the process or thoughts on Windows 11’s quirks? Let us know in the comments below and check out more modding tips right here on WindowsForum.com!
Source: How-To Geek How to Show Folder Size in Windows 11's File Explorer Size Column
The Why: "Folder Sizes? Not On My Watch," Says Microsoft
Before breaking out the toolkit, let’s understand why this rudimentary functionality is absent. The reason is performance. Calculating folder sizes involves summing up the total size of all files and subfolders within a folder. Seems easy? Well, you'd be wrong.Picture this: You’ve got a nested folder on your C drive, filled with sprawling subdirectories, PDFs, videos, and countless tiny files. For Microsoft to enable this feature, Windows would have to recursively scan through each folder and file every single time you open File Explorer, eating up system resources like Pac-Man on a snack rampage. Now multiply this by dozens (or more) when you open a drive brimming with folders. Result? Sluggish system performance and laggy folder views.
This is why Windows briefly calculates a folder's size when you hover the mouse over it—it’s doing it for just one item at a time, not the whole lineup.
The Fix: Enter Windhawk, Your New Ally
Here’s where savvy users can turn to third-party tools, notably Windhawk, to trick out File Explorer and achieve what Microsoft couldn’t (or wouldn’t). Think of Windhawk as your File Explorer mod wizard, enabling extra features like a pro. By adding its "Better File Sizes in Explorer Details" mod, you can make Windows show folder sizes directly in the Size column of File Explorer.Step-by-Step: Installing the Mod for Folder Sizes
Getting started with Windhawk involves a few simple steps. Follow this guide to unlock folder size visibility:- Download and Install Windhawk
Start by visiting Windhawk's official website and downloading the application. The installation process is straightforward—just follow the on-screen prompts like you would for any other app. - Browse for Additions (Mods)
- Once installed, open Windhawk.
- Click on "Browse for Mods" and search for the mod called "Better File Sizes in Explorer Details".
- Install the Mod
- Locate the mod in the search results and click the "Details" button.
- Hit "Install" to add it to your system.
- Tweak the Settings
- Navigate to the mod’s settings page within Windhawk.
- Select the option labeled "Enabled, Calculated Manually (Can Be Slow)" to enable the feature. While there’s a slight performance tradeoff for folders with lots of data, it’ll let you see their sizes directly.
- Apply and Restart
Save the configuration changes and restart your PC. When File Explorer fires back up, the Size column will now show folder sizes alongside file sizes. No more guessing games or manual calculations!
What’s the Catch?
Before racing to the finish line, you should know there’s a tradeoff here. Since this mod requires File Explorer to calculate folder sizes dynamically, you may notice slight delays when loading folders, especially those with extensive contents. Nothing debilitating, but you’ll feel a micro-hesitation as File Explorer does its thing. It’s the price of visibility, but for many, entirely worth it.Equally important, since Windhawk modifies how File Explorer behaves, any new Windows updates could potentially break the functionality. Windhawk often pushes updates to its mods, so after running Windows Update, check in with Windhawk to download the latest versions.
Finally, there’s the security angle. Windhawk is a third-party app, but it has been vetted as safe by VirusTotal. Nonetheless, it's always recommended to practice caution with third-party modifications—keep your AV (anti-virus) scanning on high alert.
A Workaround Worth Considering?
For those hesitant to install mods but still keen to glimpse folder sizes on occasion, you can stick with the classic hover trick. Hovering your mouse cursor over a folder will display its size briefly. It's nowhere near as convenient as having sizes in the column, but sometimes, sacrifices must be made for simplicity.The Bigger Picture: Why Isn’t This Feature Standard?
Microsoft has always prioritized optimization and broad usability over niche features like showing folder sizes. But here’s the real weirdness: competing file explorers like Directory Opus and XYplorer can display this information without melting your CPU. So why can’t Microsoft? Maybe it’s time Windows 11 took a more modular approach, letting users "opt-in" to advanced features rather than keeping things barebones for the sake of performance.Final Thoughts: Should You Do It?
Are you fed up with squinting at your drives, wondering if that "memories" folder is bloated with gigabytes of data? Using Windhawk to activate folder sizes in File Explorer can be a game-changer, but it’s not without its quirks and risks. If you’re okay with the occasional lag and confident in managing third-party tweaks, go for it. You’ll finally get the transparent file management that should’ve been standard from the start.Got any questions about the process or thoughts on Windows 11’s quirks? Let us know in the comments below and check out more modding tips right here on WindowsForum.com!
Source: How-To Geek How to Show Folder Size in Windows 11's File Explorer Size Column
