My work laptop kept pointing out to me that the free space on the primary C:\ drive was getting ridiculously low, meaning of course that I needed to step in and delete some files. However, in order to do this effectively, one of course needs a better picture – enter the art of windows disk usage analysis.

There are of course a myriad of solutions out there designed to do the job, but seeing as this was something that I only do once in a blue moon, I would of course prefer a free application. Enter Uderzo Software’s SpaceSniffer:

“SpaceSniffer is a freeWare (donations are welcome) and portable tool application that lets you understand how folders and files are structured on your disks. By using a Treemap visualization layout, you have immediate perception of where big folders and files are placed on your devices.”

Treemap is a great way of quickly spotting the largest folders (they are literally visually the largest panes in the view), and because you have the Windows Context menu available to you, you can simply hover over the largest pane, and jump straight into them to start lopping away.

I played around with a few others alternatives, including Scanner which uses a sunburst chart to display the usage of your hard disk, but I have to say, SpaceSniffer was by far the least hassle, smallest footprint and quickest to achieve what I needed done option.

Definitely worth noting here on the blog for future reference then in other words!

windows disk usage spacesniffer 1.1.4 screenshot

Related Link: http://www.uderzo.it/main_products/space_sniffer/