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Hard Drive Shows 0 Bytes is Available [Solved]
Changing the drive letter or running Check Disk are sure-shot fixes
5 min. read
Published onAugust 8, 2024
published onAugust 8, 2024
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Sometimes, when you turn on the PC, the hard drive shows 0 bytes of free available storage space. This directly affects the computer’s performance, preventing you from creating new folders and downloading files/apps. I, too, faced this problem once!
There are several reasons why the hard drive shows 0 bytes, including issues with the drive letter, problems with the drive configuration or bad sectors, automatic downloads, outdated or corrupt drivers, malware infection, or hardware failure.
Although if your hard drive shows 0 bytes free inDiskpart, there’s nothing to be concerned about. TheDiskpartutility lists the unpartitioned space on the drive and not the free storage. So, openFile Explorerand verify whether you have actually run out of free storage!
What can I do if my hard drive shows 0 bytes of free space?
1. Manually delete files on your PC
In many cases, I observed that when the hard drive shows 0 bytes, you won’t be able to use theSearchmenu or perform advanced troubleshooting. So, manually delete the non-critical files on the affected drive/volume.
Before you do that, disconnect the PC from the Internet to prevent any downloads. Both malware and cloud storage services often resume downloads when storage space is freed. In my case, it was the cloud storage service which downloaded all the data to theC:drive on the PC, leaving no space for any other operations. So, perhaps check that!
After clearing some storage space, you should be able to try all our solutions.
2. Change the drive letter
3. Run Check Disk
Most of thedisk issuescan be fixed by running the built-inCheck Diskutility. And it becomes all the more important in this case because you, most likely, won’t be able to download any of thetop-rated disk repair tools. If you can, go with one of these instead!
4. Run Disk Cleanup
Sometimes, due to a bug in the OS or third-party software, the temporary cache or log files may increase exponentially in size, forcing the hard drive to show 0 bytes as free space on Windows 11. In this case,Disk Cleanupwill come to your aid!
Also, if you frequently run intolow free spaceissues,set upStorage Senseto automatically clear non-critical files on a periodic basis.
5. Update the hard drive’s driver
Often, due to corrupt or outdated driver software, the hard drive orC:drive will show 0 bytes of free space on the PC. In this case,updating the driverswill work. If Windows can’t find a better version, head to the manufacturer’s website andmanually install the driver.
6. Scan the PC for malware
7. Visit a repair shop
When nothing else works, the last option is to visit a repair shop and get the hard drive inspected. Showing incorrect free storage space is a common sign of hardware failure!
Before you waste any time, move all the data on the affected drive to another external storage. Also, if required, get a top-rateddata recovery solution for Windows.
That’s how you can fix things when the hard drive shows 0 bytes on your PC. While it doesn’t always have to do with malware infection and hardware failure, these two remain a common underlying cause and can’t be ignored!
Besides, while you are here, find out why thestorage space doesn’t add up in Windowsand how you can get rid of the issue.
For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:hard drive,malware,storage
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
