3 Easy Ways to Check Storage Space on a Flash Drive

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Quick ways to check how much storage is left on a USB flash drive

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: June 8, 2023 Fact Checked

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Using Windows 11, 10, and 8

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Using Windows 7 and Earlier

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Using macOS

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Video

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Q&A

If you need to check the storage space on a USB, you can easily do so by plugging it into a Windows or Mac computer. Most flash drives have the capacity printed on the flash drive itself, but you must have a computer to check how much space is left inside. Luckily, this only takes a few simple steps. This wikiHow will show you how to check how much room is left on a flash drive using your Mac or Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 computer.

Things You Should Know

In Windows File Explorer, select "This PC," right-click your flash drive, and then click "Properties" to view remaining space.
On a Mac, right-click the USB drive icon and choose "Get Info" to see available space.
In earlier versions of Windows, double-click "Computer" or "My Computer" on the desktop, right-click the flash drive, then choose "Properties."

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Windows 11, 10, and 8

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Use a free USB slot. You won't be able to check its capacity without plugging it in.
Open the File Explorer. Press the Windows key + E to open the File Explorer. You can also open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar.^{[1]
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Click This PC in the left panel. You may have to scroll down in the panel to find it.
- You should see your USB underneath the Devices and drives header.
- The available space can be seen immediately underneath the USB drive's name. Proceed to the next step if you want to see a more detailed usage chart.
It will be in the right panel under the "Devices and drives" section. A menu will expand.
This opens the "General" tab of the Properties dialog.
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Find available space next to "Free Space." You'll also find a pie chart that shows you the ratio of free space to used space. The total size of the drive appears next to "Capacity" above the pie chart.
- If you need to use the flash drive for something else, you can clear it or format it. Just be sure to back up your data first.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Windows 7 and Earlier

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1
Double-click the Computer icon on the desktop. The icon will be labeled My Computer if you're using Windows XP. If you don't see this icon on the desktop, click the Start menu and select Computer or My Computer there.
- If you haven't already connected the drive to the PC, do so now.
You'll see it under "Hard Disk Drives" or "Devices with Removable Storage" in the right panel. A menu will expand.
This opens the "General" tab of the Properties dialog.
You'll also find a pie chart that shows you the ratio of free space to used space. The total size of the drive appears next to "Capacity" above the pie chart.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using macOS

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1
Insert the USB drive into your Mac's USB port. After a few moments, you should see its icon on the desktop.
- If you don't see the icon, open the Finder by clicking the two-toned smiley face icon in the Dock—you should then see the drive under "Devices" in the left panel.
A menu will expand.
This opens the Info window.
It is right below the "Capacity" property, which tells you how much space the drive has in total. The value next to "Used" tells you how much space is being occupied by files on the drive.

Community Q&A

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Question

How can I see what's on the memory stick?

Community Answer

Open File Explorer, find the memory stick and click on it. All of your files should show up on screen.

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Question

How do I check the storage of a flash drive on a Mac?

Community Answer

Press control, and click on the flash-drive symbol on the desktop. Now click on "quick look." It should be listed.

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Question

How can I find the free capacity of my USB drive?

Community Answer

To find the free capacity of data in your removable hard drive simply open the drive on your computer and right click. A selection box should appear. After the selection box appears, select properties, and from there you will find your data available.

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If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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