How to Fix Windows 10 File Size Incorrect Error with Simple Working Solutions

Sometimes, Windows 10 may show incorrect file sizes for your documents, pictures, or other files. This can cause confusion when managing storage or sharing files. The problem can happen due to system glitches or file corruption.

Fortunately, fixing the file size error is usually straightforward. You don’t need advanced technical skills to try the basic solutions. This guide will walk you through simple, effective steps to correct the issue.

By following the instructions carefully, you can restore accurate file size readings and avoid further problems. Let’s get started with some quick checks and easy fixes.

Understanding why the file size appears wrong helps prevent it from happening again in the future.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a simple reboot can refresh the system and fix temporary glitches.
Check for Hidden Files: Windows may show file sizes incorrectly if certain files are hidden or system attributes are set.
Update Windows: Make sure your system is up to date with the latest patches, as updates often fix bugs.
Backup Important Files: Before making changes, back up your files to avoid accidental data loss.

Step 1: Use File Explorer to Refresh File Information

Sometimes, File Explorer does not display the latest file information. Refreshing the view can help.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder with the incorrect file size.
Press the F5 key or click the Refresh button near the address bar.
Check if the file size updates to the correct value.

This step forces Windows to reload the file properties. If the size is still wrong, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Check File Properties for Details

File properties contain detailed information about size and attributes. This step helps verify if the issue is with File Explorer display or the file itself.

Right-click the problematic file and select Properties.
Look at the Size and Size on disk values.
If the sizes are different from what you expected, note the values for reference.

The Size on disk can be larger due to how Windows stores files in clusters, but if the size is drastically wrong, the file may be corrupted.

Step 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

Corrupted system files can cause incorrect file size readings. The System File Checker scans and repairs these files.

Type cmd in the Windows search bar.
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

This process may take some time. Once complete, it will show if any repairs were made.

Restart your computer and check if the file size issue is resolved.

Step 4: Run Check Disk Utility (CHKDSK)

File system errors on your hard drive can cause files to show incorrect sizes. Running CHKDSK helps fix disk-related errors.

Open Command Prompt as administrator (see Step 3).
Type the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk C: /f /r /x

Replace C: with the drive letter where the problematic file is located.

This command will check the disk, fix errors, recover readable information, and dismount the drive if necessary.

You may need to restart your computer for CHKDSK to run fully.

Step 5: Clear Thumbnail Cache

Thumbnail cache stores previews of files and can sometimes cause display errors including file size mismatches.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type cleanmgr and press Enter.
Select your system drive (usually C:) and click OK.
In the Disk Cleanup window, check Thumbnails.
Click OK and then Delete Files to clear the cache.

After this, reopen the folder and check if the file sizes display correctly.

Alternative Method: Use PowerShell to Get Accurate File Size

If File Explorer continues to show incorrect sizes, PowerShell can provide precise file information.

Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal.
Type the following command and press Enter (replace the file path with your actual file path):

Get-Item "C:pathtoyourfile.ext" | Select-Object Name, Length

The Length value shows the file size in bytes. This can help confirm if the issue is with File Explorer or the file itself.

FAQs

Why does Windows 10 show incorrect file sizes?

It can happen due to temporary system glitches, file corruption, errors in the file system, or problems with thumbnail cache.

Is it safe to run CHKDSK and SFC commands?

Yes, these are built-in Windows tools designed to detect and repair system and disk errors safely.

Will clearing thumbnails delete my files?

No, clearing the thumbnail cache only removes preview images, not your actual files.

Can antivirus software cause file size errors?

Sometimes, antivirus scans or quarantines can affect file properties. Make sure your antivirus is updated and run a full system scan.

What if the file size error happens on external drives?

Try reconnecting the drive, running CHKDSK on that drive, and ensuring the drive’s file system is not corrupted.

When Nothing Works

If the above steps do not resolve the file size issue, you may need to consider the following options:

Restore from Backup: If the file is important, try restoring a previous version from backups.
Use File Recovery Tools: Third-party recovery software can help retrieve corrupted files.
Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support for personalized assistance.
Check Hardware Health: Use diagnostic tools to ensure your hard drive or SSD is functioning properly.

Conclusion

Incorrect file size errors in Windows 10 can be caused by simple glitches or more complex system issues. Starting with basic steps like refreshing File Explorer, checking file properties, and running system utilities can often fix the problem quickly.

More advanced options such as clearing the thumbnail cache or using PowerShell provide additional ways to verify and correct file size information. If the problem persists, consider backups, recovery tools, or professional support.

Following this guide helps you maintain accurate file information, improving your overall file management experience in Windows 10.