Folder Size in Windows

Ever noticed how Windows File Explorer shows the size of files, but not folders, in the "Size" column? There's a good reason for that: performance.

Calculating the size of a folder isn't as simple as it seems. Windows would need to scan every single file within that folder, including all subfolders and their contents. This process takes time and uses system resources.

Imagine a drive with hundreds of folders, each containing countless files. If File Explorer tried to calculate and display the size of every folder all at once, it would significantly slow down your computer.

That's why Windows takes a different approach. When you hover your mouse over a folder, it quickly calculates and displays the size in a pop-up. This on-demand calculation is much more efficient because it only calculates the size of the folder you're interested in at that moment, rather than every folder on the drive.

So, while it might seem like a missing feature, the lack of folder sizes in the main view is actually a design choice to keep your system running smoothly.

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