Folder Size 5.8.0.1

Overview

Folder Size 5.8.0.1 is a high-performance disk space analyzer designed to reveal exactly how storage is distributed on a Windows system. Its primary intent is to solve the limitation of Windows File Explorer, which does not natively display folder sizes in its column views. It provides a visual and tabular breakdown of space usage, allowing users to quickly identify large directories, hidden system files, and "space hogs" that are otherwise difficult to track.

Key Features

• Progressive Scanning: Scans directories in real-time and allows users to continue from where they left off if a scan is interrupted. This matters for multi-terabyte drives where a full scan could take significant time.
• Visual Charts (Bar/Pie): Converts abstract file lists into visual data. This helps users instantly spot which specific folder is consuming the majority of a drive's capacity.
• Allocated Space Support: Specifically added in version 5.8.0.1, this feature shows the actual space a file takes on the physical disk (cluster size) versus its logical size.
• OneDrive Integration: Also a 5.8.0.1 addition, it can display both local and cloud-only sizes for OneDrive folders, preventing confusion about "files on demand."
• Advanced Reports: Generates lists for "Largest Files," "Oldest Folders," and "Longest Paths," which are essential for targeted system cleanup.

Who Should Use This Software?

• Storage-Constrained Users: People with small SSDs who need to frequently clear out "temp" files or large application caches.
• System Administrators: Professionals managing servers or shared network drives who need to export usage reports (CSV/XML) for capacity planning.
• Digital Organizers: Users who want to find "lost" space that Windows Explorer's basic properties dialog doesn't reveal, such as hidden system volume information.

Who Should Avoid It?

• macOS/Linux Users: The software is built specifically for the Windows NTFS/FAT file systems and has no cross-platform version.
• Tablet/Touch-Only Users: The interface is designed for a mouse and keyboard with dense information density that is difficult to navigate on small touchscreens.
• Casual Browsers: If you only need to check the size of a single folder once a month, the built-in Windows "Properties" (Alt+Enter) is sufficient and doesn't require extra software.

Real-World Usage Notes

Folder Size is remarkably lightweight (around 4MB installer) and launches almost instantly. Unlike older tools (like WinDirStat), it uses multi-threaded scanning algorithms that make it significantly faster on modern SSDs. During a scan, you will notice disk activity spikes, but the "Progressive Scan" feature ensures the UI remains responsive. The 5.8.0.1 update specifically improved how it handles broken network mapped drives, preventing the "hang" that occurred in previous versions.

Compatibility & Requirements

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Windows Server (2012–2025).
• Portability: Primarily an installable application, though it can be manually moved to a portable drive after installation.
• Integration: Adds a "Scan with Folder Size" option to the Windows Explorer right-click context menu for instant folder analysis.

Limitations

• UI Aesthetic: The interface follows a traditional Windows "XP-style" layout, which may feel dated compared to modern Fluent Design apps.
• Background Service: It does not run as a continuous background monitor; it only updates sizes when you manually initiate or refresh a scan.
• Permissions: To see "System Volume Information" or other protected folders, the app must be manually run with Administrator privileges.

Safety & Privacy

Folder Size (by MindGems) is a local utility that does not require an account or internet connection for its core functions. It does not collect or transmit file lists or personal data to external servers. It is a "clean" utility with no bundled advertisements in the standard installer.

Summary

Folder Size 5.8.0.1 is an essential tool for anyone performing a "deep clean" of their Windows computer. By adding 100% accurate folder size reporting—including new support for OneDrive and physical allocated space—it removes the guesswork from disk management. While it doesn't offer the automated "one-click" cleaning of some suites, its data-first approach makes it the superior choice for users who want to see exactly where every megabyte has gone.