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 Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: August 29, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Using Windows 11, 10, and 8
|
• Using a Mac
|
• Using Windows 7 and Earlier
|
• Tips
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• Video
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• Q&A

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If you need to check the storage space on a USB flash drive, 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.

Easy Ways to Check USB Drive Space

• 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.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Windows 11, 10, and 8

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1. 
   1
   Plug the USB flash drive into your computer or laptop. Use a free USB slot. You won't be able to check its capacity without plugging it in.
2. 
   2
   Open File Explorer. Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer. You can also open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar.
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3. 
   3
   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.
4. 
   4
   Right-click the USB flash drive. It will be in the right panel under the Devices and drives header. A menu will expand.
5. 
   5
   Click Properties on the menu. By default, this should open to the General tab of the Properties dialog.
6. 
   6
   Find available space next to "Free Space." You'll also find a circular chart that shows you the ratio of free space to used space. The total size of the drive appears next to "Capacity" above the 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.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using macOS

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1. 
   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 Locations in the left panel.
2. 
   2
   Right-click the USB drive icon. If you don’t have a mouse with a right mouse button, Ctrl-click the drive instead. A menu will expand.
3. 
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   Click Get Info on the menu. This opens the Info window.
4. 
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   Find the amount of free space next to "Available." 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.
5. 
   5
   Use Disk Utility for more detailed information. You can also get a breakdown of a USB drive’s storage space using your Mac’s Disk Utility app. Search for disk utility using the Spotlight search (the magnifying glass icon in the top toolbar on your desktop), or go to Applications > Utilities in Finder and double-click Disk Utility. Next:

   • Locate your USB drive in the menu pane on the left side of Disk Utility. It’s under the External header.
   • Expand the USB drive’s menu if you need to. Disk Utility tends to list the actual physical USB drive at the top of the hierarchy, then the storage within the disk below that. Click the > symbol next to the main entry for your USB drive. Instead of looking at the top entry (the “External Physical Disk”), take a look at the “External Physical Volume” below it.
   • Check the right panel for info about your USB drive. You’ll see information like:
     • The amount of data being used vs. free space, plus the total capacity of the disk.
     • The device’s format (e.g., FAT32).
     • The mount point (useful information if you need to access the disk in the command prompt).
     • Whether or not drive ownership is enabled.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Windows 7 and Earlier

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1. 
   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.
2. 
   2
   Right-click your flash drive. You'll see it under Hard Disk Drives or Devices with Removable Storage in the right panel. A menu will expand.
3. 
   3
   Click Properties on the menu. This opens the General tab of the Properties dialog.
4. 
   4
   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.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Tips

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1. 1
   • To prevent loss of data, always eject the flash drive before you physically remove it from your computer.

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.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  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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  Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
• 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.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  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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  Not Helpful 12 Helpful 9
• 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.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  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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  Not Helpful 12 Helpful 16

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