Last Updated on June 14, 2026
When it comes to managing your files and folders in Windows, most of us use the built in File Explorer application that comes built into Windows itself. For the most part, it does a great job of providing an easy to use interface for viewing your files as well as doing things such as copying or moving them to other folders.
For those who need more than what File Explorer offers, you can try third party file manager apps such as Double Commander, One Commander or Files. One complaint about File Explorer is that it will not show the size for folders when using the details view like it does for files. But if you are looking for an easy way to make File Explorer show folder sizes, then you can do so without needing a third party file manager.
Installing the Windhawk Application
1. Download the Windhawk App
In order to make File Explorer show folder sizes in Windows, we will be using a free app called Windhawk which can be downloaded safely from their official website. This program uses what are known as mods to modify how specific functions of Windows work.
2. View the Main Interface
Once you install the program, you will have your main interface ready to go. This dashboard will show you any mods you have installed. It also displays some featured mods that you may or may not be interested in trying out later.
3. Search for the Folder Size Mod
The mod that we will be installing to make File Explorer show folder sizes is called Better file sizes in Explorer. To find the mod, you can simply search for it from the search box that can be found in the Explore section of the app. Once you find it, simply click on the Details button.
4. Install the Specific Mod
Then you will be able to click on the blue Install button to add it to your Windhawk software. You will need to click on the Accept risk and install button to continue. This authorizes the mod to change how your system displays data.
Configuring the Folder Size Settings
1. Access the Mod Settings Tab
Once the mod has been successfully installed, you can then go directly to the Settings tab. Make absolutely sure the toggle switch is enabled. You will also see some other options listed there to tweak exactly how the app works.
2. Choose Your Calculation Method
When you click on the dropdown menu, you will have several different options to choose from. You will most likely want to use the Enabled, calculated manually option for the best results. If you use the calculated manually while holding the Shift key option, you will need to physically hold the Shift key to have the folder sizes displayed in File Explorer.
3. Setup Everything App Integration
If you happen to use the Everything app, you can add some extra integration. This assumes you already have the Everything search app installed and running on your computer. Just be sure to click the Save button after you make your final choice.
4. Verify the File Explorer Changes
Once you make your selection and click on the Save button, you can then go back into File Explorer. You will see that it will now show the size next to folders as well as files. The data populates directly in the size column.
Advanced Mod Tweaks and Display Options
1. Adjust the Sorting Behavior
There are a couple of other options you can enable or disable in the mod settings. The choice for Mix files and folders when sorting by size is enabled by default. If you disable it, the mod is supposed to separate the files and folders according to size rather than grouping files together and folders together. This may or may not work perfectly depending on what exact version of Windows you are using.
2. Change the File Size Display Format
You also have control over how the data is presented to you visually. If you want the size to be displayed in MB (megabytes) and GB (gigabytes) for large files rather than KB (kilobytes) you can keep this option enabled. This makes reading massive folder sizes much easier on the eyes.
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