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How to Show File Sizes in MB and GB in File Explorer on Windows

On Windows, File Explorer shows the file sizes in kilobytes (KBs) by default in the “Size” column under the “Details” view. While this is fine for smaller files, it is a hassle for big ones. For example, when quickly scanning files in a folder, reading “201 MB” in the “Size” column is much easier to understand than “206,420 KB”.

Fortunately, with a few tweaks, you can customize the File Explorer to display file sizes in MB and GB when appropriate. This makes file management easy and intuitive. In this quick and easy tutorial, I will show the exact steps to set this up. Let’s get started.

Before You Begin

  • You are required to install Windhawk, a free and open-source Windows customization software.
  • You need administrator rights to follow the below steps.

Show File Sizes in MB and GB in the File Explorer “Size” Column

  1. Get Windhawk from this page.
  2. Double-click the installer and install Windhawk.
  3. Press the Start button.
  4. Search and open Windhawk in the Start menu.
  5. Click the “Explore” button.
  6. Enter “Better file sizes” in the search field.
  7. Click the “Details” button under the “Better file sizes in Explorer details” section.
  8. Click the “Install” button.
  9. Select the “Accept Risk and Install” button.
  10. That’s it. Once installed, File Explorer shows file sizes in MB and GB in the Details view.

Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)

First, go ahead and download Windhawk from this page. Once downloaded, double-click the file to start the installation.

Select the “Standard installation” option and click “Next“. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windhawk.

install windhawk

Now, open the Windhawk application. To do that, press the “Start” button, enter “Windhawk” in the search bar at the top, and click “Open“.

open windhawk

In the application window, click the “Explore” button. Next, type “Better file sizes” in the top search bar, and press Enter. From the results, click the “Details” button under the “Better file sizes in Explorer details” section.

install better file size mod

Click the Install button.

click install

In the warning window, click the “Accept Risk and Install” button to continue.

click accept and install button

The above action installs the customization mod immediately. Once installed, close the Windhawk application and open the File Explorer window by pressing the “Windows key + E”. From now on, you will see the file sizes in MB and GB where appropriate in the “Size” column in the Details view.

file size in MB and GB in file explorer

If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.

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