FolderSizes vs WinDirStat: The Definitive Comparison
Looking for the best disk space analyzer for Windows? This head-to-head comparison reveals why FolderSizes is the superior choice for professionals and power users who need speed, accuracy, and advanced features.
THE COMPETITORS
WinDirStat is a free, open-source tool for analyzing directory sizes, named from the combination of 'Windows Directory Statistics'. It is published under the GNU General Public License (version 2).
FolderSizes offers both free and professional editions of its powerful disk space analysis and reporting tool. Developed by Key Metric Software using secure software development practices, FolderSizes is trusted by IT professionals worldwide.
While both tools analyze disk space usage, FolderSizes delivers dramatically faster performance, superior accuracy, and enterprise-grade features that WinDirStat simply can't match.
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARK RESULTS
Speed Comparison: FolderSizes vs WinDirStat
| Test Environment | WinDirStat | FolderSizes | Performance Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSD Drive (1.5M files, 309K folders) | 210 seconds | 20 seconds | 10.5× faster |
| HDD Drive (1.6M files, 23K folders) | 270 seconds | 25 seconds | 10.8× faster |
| Network Share (278K files, 64K folders) | 540 seconds | 30 seconds | 18× faster |
The numbers speak for themselves. FolderSizes completes analyses up to 18 times faster than WinDirStat, saving you valuable time. When analyzing remote network shares, the difference is especially dramatic.
Beyond raw speed, the WinDirStat user interface frequently became unresponsive during our tests, particularly when displaying analysis results. FolderSizes maintained full responsiveness throughout all test scenarios.
SUPERIOR ACCURACY: CRITICAL FOR DECISION-MAKING
Making informed decisions about file management requires absolute accuracy. Our testing revealed significant gaps in WinDirStat's ability to accurately assess file system data.
FolderSizes Report: Windows Folder
- Files: 330,988
- Total Size: 38.3 GB
- Accuracy: 100% (verified against Windows Explorer)
WinDirStat Report: Windows Folder
- Files: 324,762 (6,226 files missing)
- Total Size: 35.3 GB (3 GB unaccounted for)
- Accuracy: Incomplete analysis
In this real-world example, WinDirStat failed to detect over 6,000 files and 3 GB of data in the Windows folder. When making decisions about which files to delete or move, this level of inaccuracy could lead to poor outcomes.
FEATURE COMPARISON: BASIC VS COMPREHENSIVE
FolderSizes Professional Features
- Intelligent scan filtering
- Multi-format reporting (HTML, Excel, PDF, CSV)
- File system snapshots and comparison
- Trend analysis over time
- Built-in task scheduling
- Automated email report delivery
- Advanced metadata search capabilities
- Largest, oldest, and newest file reports
- Duplicate file detection and cleanup
- File type, attribute, and owner analysis
- Comprehensive file metadata reporting
- Modern UI with multiple themes and dark mode
- Enterprise-grade command-line interface
- And dozens more professional features
WinDirStat Features
- Basic disk space visualization
- Simple directory listing
- File type coloring
- Basic cleanup operations
- Limited file system reporting
- No filtering capabilities
- No export options
- No scheduling
- No trend analysis
- No snapshot comparison
- No email integration
- No command-line interface
- Outdated user interface
- No active development since 2007
SECURITY & ENTERPRISE TRUSTWORTHINESS
FolderSizes: Enterprise-Grade Security
FolderSizes is developed by Key Metric Software, a trusted software company based in Michigan, USA since 2003. Our commitment to security includes:
- Digitally signed installers with verified certificates
- Rigorous adherence to secure coding practices
- Regular updates to address emerging security concerns
- Comprehensive testing before each release
- Zero malware guarantee
- Full Windows 11 compatibility
DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT
FolderSizes: Actively Maintained
- Latest Release: Current month
- Update Frequency: Regular updates (multiple per year)
- Release History: Hundreds of releases since 2003
- Support: Professional technical support
- Windows Compatibility: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2
WinDirStat: Abandoned
- Latest Release: 2007 (over 17 years ago)
- Update Frequency: No updates in nearly two decades
- Release History: Development effectively abandoned
- Support: Community forums only
- Windows Compatibility: No official support for modern Windows
THE VERDICT: NO CONTEST
The comparison is clear: FolderSizes delivers superior performance, enhanced accuracy, and professional features that WinDirStat can't match. Whether you're an IT professional managing enterprise systems or a power user optimizing your personal computer, FolderSizes provides the tools you need to make informed decisions about your storage.
Experience the Difference Today
Don't waste time with outdated tools. FolderSizes offers both free and professional editions to meet your needs.
DOWNLOAD FOLDERSIZES NOWSee for yourself why thousands of professionals trust FolderSizes for their disk space management needs.