You can find out the overall size (storage space) of your hard drive, including the used and remaining memory on your Mac, PC, or phone by reviewing the storage space information. This information is useful for finding out how much space you have left before you install large programs or files. You may also need to determine the physical dimensions of your PC's hard drive by removing it from your computer. By knowing the length, width, and height of your drive, you can choose the right replacement when you need to install a new drive. Make sure you understand how to accurately measure a hard drive!
Step
Method 1 of 4: On iOS or Android
Step 1. Open the "Settings" menu
Step 2. Touch the “General” tab
Look for the "Storage and iCloud Usage" tab.
On the Android device, locate and select the "Storage" tab
Step 3. Select the “Storage and iCloud Usage” tab
Under the "Storage" section (covers the phone's internal hard drive) and "iCloud" (covers internet-based storage space), you can see the amount of memory used and the remaining storage space.
If you're using an Android device with an SD card, you can see options for the phone's internal storage space and the card. Each of these drives is in the "Internal Storage" and "SD Card" segments
Step 4. Increase the amount of " memory used " with the amount of " memory remaining"
The result of this sum leads to the total capacity of the hard drive to store files.
- Keep in mind that some drives are specifically used for the operating system and unacceptable system files so the total original may not exactly equal the amount of storage space associated with the device model (eg 32 GB, 64 GB).
- You can also see the effective capacity of the phone's storage space and the remaining memory on the "About" tab in the "General" menu.
Step 5. Touch “Manage Storage” under the “Storage” or “iCloud” segment
This feature displays the amount of memory used by applications, images, and other information or content.
Use this feature to free up space. For example, if you see several gigabytes in use from your saved chats, you can free up storage space by deleting the entries for those chats
Method 2 of 4: On Windows Computer
Step 1. Open "My Computer" from the desktop
You can see two different segments when the “My Computer” window is opened: “Folders “and “Devices and Drives “.
Step 2. Look for the "OS" icon (C:)" under the "Devices and Drives" section. This is the computer's main hard drive that contains most of the files.
- The drive may be labeled as " Local Disk (C:) ".
- If you want to know the size of another hard drive currently installed on your computer, look up the name or letter of that drive.
Step 3. Right-click the hard drive icon and select "Properties"
The hard drive specifications will be displayed.
Step 4. Click the “General” tab
This tab displays the total drive memory, used memory, and remaining memory in graphical form. Look for the "Capacity" entry to find out the total hard drive space.
Method 3 of 4: On Mac Computer
Step 1. Click the Apple icon on the top toolbar
After that, the Apple menu will open.
Step 2. Click "About This Mac"
A small window with system details, such as the operating system version will be displayed.
Step 3. Select the "Storage" tab
The "Macintosh HD" icon is usually the first entry at the top of the list. This entry is the computer's primary hard drive.
Step 4. Read the drive information
Next to the " Macintosh HD " icon, you can see the text " X amount free of Y amount ", where "X" refers to the remaining storage space and "Y" represents the total drive capacity.
Mac hard drives display the categories of file types that take up the most storage space. Use this information to target large files if you want to free up storage space
Method 4 of 4: Determining the Physical Size of the Hard Drive
Step 1. Make sure you are using a PC
You only need to measure your current hard drive if you plan to upgrade. In this case, you will need to know the exact dimensions of the drive in order to purchase a new, suitable drive.
Removing or upgrading the hard drive on a Mac computer without expert assistance is not recommended
Step 2. Back up the data on the computer
If you are not careful when handling or using the hard drive, stored files may become corrupted. Back up the files on your computer to ensure they're safe in case you accidentally damage the drive.
Step 3. Turn off the computer
For desktop computers, you can also unplug the central processing unit (CPU) power cord.
Step 4. If you are using a laptop, remove the battery
Otherwise, you could be electrocuted.
- Most laptops have a quick release button on the side of the case to release the battery. In some modes, you will need to unscrew the screws to open the case and remove the battery.
- Mac batteries are very difficult to remove. Therefore, the PC is considered more suitable for this method.
Step 5. Open the computer cover or cover
If you have a laptop, this shield is on the bottom of the computer. For desktop computers, open the cover next to the CPU.
- You may need a screwdriver to open the cover.
- If you are in doubt about removing the cover yourself, take the computer to a technology department or computer repair outlet (eg stores at an electronics mall) and have someone remove the cover.
Step 6. Remove the hard drive from its cross-section
You may need to remove the screws in the sections or supports around the hard drive before you can remove the drive, depending on the make and computer model.
Step 7. Remember not to unplug anything from the hard drive
Usually there is a tape attached to the hard drive to the computer. Leave the tape in place. You can measure the dimensions of the drive without removing it from the computer.
Step 8. Place the drive on a soft surface
Your hard drive is easily damaged. Use a pillow or towel as a base.
Step 9. Measure the drive using a regular ruler
At this stage, you can find out the exact dimensions of the drive and its classification. Measure the length, width, and height of the drive.
- For maximum accuracy, calculate the dimensions of the drive in millimeters.
- Pay close attention to the height of the drive. The height of the drive determines the type of drive that fits or can be attached to the drive cover when you want to install a new hard drive.
Step 10. Determine which drive classification to use
Hard drives are available in two main sizes, "3.5 inches" and "2.5 inches". Both are technical classifications that refer to the cross-sectional width of the hard drive (the disk that stores computer memory), but not the full dimensions of the drive itself. However, the actual dimensions of the drive can determine its classification.
- The 3.5-inch drive is 146 mm long, 101.6 mm wide, and 19 or 25.4 mm high.
- A 2.5-inch drive is 100mm long, 69.85mm wide, and 5, 7, 9.5 (most common), 12, 5, 15, or 19mm high.
Step 11. Take note of the specifications of the existing drive
If you need to install a new hard drive, this information helps you choose an accurate option.
Step 12. Reinsert the drive into the computer and attach it to the case or cover
Now, you've managed to find out the size of your computer's hard drive!
Tips
- If you have a computer or cell phone serial number, search the internet for the model to find out the default/main capacity of your computer or phone hard drive.
- Photos, videos, and media-filled chat entries take up a lot of memory. It's a good idea to delete these contents or back them up periodically to free up device storage space.
- A 3.5-inch drive is the standard choice for desktop computers, while laptops almost always use a 2.5-inch hard drive.
